As The Apprentice 2017 prepares to kick off, where are the past winners now?
Well a number are cashing in thanks to Lord Sugar’s past investments – but there’s one former contestant out-earning them all despite not winning.
Website, Informi, the free portal offering expert advice for small businesses researched some of those who have gone on to start successful businesses after leaving the show.
And here are the results…
Tom Pellereau
Pellereau won the seventh series of the Apprentice in 2011. Following his win he founded AvenTom Limited with Lord Sugar, focusing on reinventing beauty accessories. The company made £834,667 turnover last year, with £52,236 profit for the financial year.
Ricky Martin
Martin won the eighth series of the Apprentice in 2012. Soon after, he founded Hyper Recruitment Solutions Limited (HRS) with Lord Sugar. HRS had a £2,679,435 turnover last year, with £294,774 profit for the financial year.
Leah Totton
She won the ninth series of the Apprentice in 2013, then set up Dr Leah Cosmetic Skin Clinic, in partnership with Lord Sugar. The company made £893,911 turnover last year, with £203,794 profit for the financial year.
Mark Wright
He won the tenth series of the Apprentice in 2014, then went on to found Climb Online, a digital marketing website. The company made £2,696,384 turnover last year, with £278,465 profit for the financial year.
But one former contestant who didn’t win has also been raking it in…
Susan Ma
Ma appeared in the seventh series of the Apprentice in 2011, and reached the final four, but lost to Tom Pellereau. After leaving the show, Lord Sugar was still keen to work with her, and together they founded Tropic Skin Care, a beauty brand. Tropic Skin Care made £7,541,351 turnover last year, with £1,214,412 profit for the financial year.
Darren Nicholls, Product Manager for Informi said: “These former contestants have used their experience from the show to start businesses which are making healthy profits.
“Thomas, Mark, Leah and Ricky all had their profile raised significantly from winning the show, but Susan shows that if you have the right skills, such as dedication, intelligence, and leadership, you can achieve huge success, even with the setback of not winning. Of course, a solid business idea is also vital.
“Which of the contestants from this year’s series will have the right ingredients for business success? Will future growth opportunities be confined only to the business idea of this year’s winner? It’ll be fascinating to find out over the coming weeks..
“Those thinking of becoming an entrepreneur should seek out guidance and advice – such as our how to start a business in 20 days eBook – to help them take their first steps.”
The Apprentice begins tonight on BBC One.
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