The Apprentice Series 18: Meet the Candidates Ready to Impress Lord Sugar

The highly anticipated return of The Apprentice is just around the corner, and this year’s lineup of ambitious candidates is set to take the business world by storm. The show, which airs on BBC One and BBC iPlayer from Thursday 1 February at 9pm, follows Lord Sugar and his trusted advisors Baroness Karren Brady and Tim Campbell MBE as they search for the next business superstar. With 18 candidates vying for Lord Sugar’s £250,000 investment and mentorship, the stakes have never been higher. Let’s meet the candidates and get a glimpse into their aspirations and what drives them.

Amina Khan – Pharmacist and Business Owner:
Amina, a qualified pharmacist with a successful skincare and supplements business, is determined to prove that her business acumen goes beyond skin deep. Her biggest business success to date? “I started my business from zero and made my first turnover of £1 million within two years of launching my skincare and supplements brand,” she proudly shared. Amina’s relentless drive and determination make her a force to be reckoned with.

Dr. Asif Munaf – Owner, Wellness Brand:
Describing himself as having “beauty, brains, body, and business,” Asif brings a unique blend of expertise to the table. As a doctor with a focus on healthy vitamins and supplements, he hopes to secure Lord Sugar’s investment to keep him “fit, sharp, and firing for at least another 20 series.” With his success in launching a business during the challenging times of Covid, Asif has already proven his ability to overcome obstacles.

Flo Edwards

Flo Edwards – Recruitment Consultant:
Flo’s journey in the business world has been defined by her fearlessness in taking on challenges. She started her own consultancy and has since demonstrated exceptional performance. “Taking the jump and launching my own consultancy,” she said, is her biggest business success to date. Flo’s positive mindset and willingness to learn from failures make her a strong contender in the process.

Foluso Falade – Project Manager:
Foluso aspires to make a difference in the business world by helping young people get a head start. Her dream is to run the first Social Enterprise to win Lord Sugar’s investment. “My biggest success to date is choosing to start a business aimed at helping young people,” she shared. Inspired by her mother’s perseverance, Foluso is determined to build an empire while uplifting and inspiring others along the way.

Jack Davies

Jack Davies – Recruitment Director:
With five promotions in seven years, Jack’s business success speaks for itself. As a recruitment director and food reviewer, he is no stranger to rising through the ranks quickly. “My biggest success to date is achieving five promotions in seven years, reaching director level within recruitment,” he revealed. Jack’s work ethic and drive to succeed are assets he is ready to showcase in The Apprentice.

Maura Rath – Owner, Yoga Company:
Maura’s business is centered around promoting well-being and joy through yoga. Her biggest success? The positive impact her business has on people’s lives. “I hear back that my business brings some people a little bubble of self-love,” Maura said. With a strong focus on profitability and scalability, she aims to secure Lord Sugar’s investment to take her business to new heights.

Noor Bouziane – Owner, Jewellery Company:
As the owner of a premium jewellery company, Noor believes Lord Sugar would be missing out on a great opportunity if he doesn’t invest in her business. Starting her business at just 20 years old, Noor has already shown impressive entrepreneurial spirit. “As I’ve had to run it independently, I’ve learned to be very disciplined in the daily organization of my business,” she shared.

Oliver Medforth – Sales Executive:
Oliver’s background in sales and his love for the markets have shaped his entrepreneurial journey. His biggest success to date? Running five retail shops for his family-run distillery. “My biggest success to date is achieving five promotions in seven years, reaching director level within recruitment,” Oliver shared. His determination and work ethic make him a strong contender for Lord Sugar’s investment.

Onyeka Nweze

Onyeka Nweze – Chartered Company Secretary:
Onyeka is ready to bring Lord Sugar into the world of tech business. Her background as a company secretary has equipped her with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed. “If Lord Sugar is ready to make some serious money, then he needs me,” Onyeka confidently expressed. Her diverse skill set and passion for personal stories make her a standout candidate.

Paul Bowen – Director, Pie Company:
With a pie company that has garnered the attention of Manchester City Football Club, Paul is ready to take his business to new heights with Lord Sugar’s investment. “My biggest success to date is securing a deal with Manchester City Football Club and supplying them with pies for the past five years,” he proudly shared. Paul’s love for the business and his unique skill set as a pie connoisseur make him a true contender.

Dr. Paul Midha – Owner, Dental Group:
Paul’s journey as a dentist turned business owner has been one of remarkable success. From a 20% deposit and a meager £100 in his account, he built his dental practice into a thriving business valued at £900,000. “I am enthusiastic about learning from one of the UK’s most successful businessmen,” Paul said. With his drive and thirst for knowledge, he is ready to prove himself in The Apprentice.

Phil Turner – Owner, Pie Company:
Phil’s accolades as the “Supreme Pie Champion” and his success in building a seven-figure profitable business from his parents’ small bakery make him a standout candidate. Phil’s willingness to learn from failures and his determination to take his business to the next level set him apart. “I deserve Lord Sugar’s investment because I already have a track record of successfully building and scaling a business,” he confidently expressed.

Rachel Woolford – Boutique Fitness Studio Owner:
Rachel’s tenacity and ability to adapt to challenging situations shine through in her journey as a fitness studio owner. Despite launching her business during the Covid pandemic, she created a strong community of clients who loved her services. “Opening a business in the middle of Covid and creating a strong community of clients who loved the service we provided,” Rachel shared, is her biggest business success to date.

Raj Chohan – Mortgage Broker:
Raj’s determination to succeed in the competitive world of mortgages is unparalleled. With accolades such as Mortgage Broker of the Year and Best Businesswoman in Finance, she brings a wealth of expertise to The Apprentice. “I deserve Lord Sugar’s investment because I am one of the savviest, go-getting women I know!” Raj confidently stated. Her dedication and drive make her a force to be reckoned with.

Sam Saadet – Pre and Post Natal Fitness Coach:
Sam’s passion for helping others through her pre and post-natal fitness app sets her apart. Despite juggling her business with taking care of two young children, she has already made a significant impact. “Launching my pre and post-natal fitness app whilst looking after two young children, already helping lots of mums like myself,” Sam proudly shared. Her determination to impact lives makes her a standout candidate.

Steve Darken

Steve Darken – Management Consultant:
Steve’s experience as a management consultant and his dedication to proving that success in business can be achieved with integrity and compassion make him a unique candidate. “I broke into consulting on the strength of my project work and growing reputation with clients,” Steve revealed. His dedication to personal growth and his ability to adapt to challenges set him apart from the competition.

Tre Lowe – Music & Wellness Entrepreneur:
Tre’s background as a music producer and wellness entrepreneur gives him a unique perspective. With a focus on making a positive impact and creating a lasting legacy, he aspires to change the world through his business. “I am going to change the world and create a legacy that reverberates through time,” Tre confidently expressed. His determination and creativity make him a standout candidate.

Virdi Singh Mazaria – Music Producer:
Virdi brings his expertise in music production to The Apprentice, hoping to introduce Lord Sugar to the lucrative world of music. His past achievements, such as producing a track for a prominent figure in the Punjabi music scene, showcase his talent. “One of my most notable business achievements was having the privilege to produce a track for Sidhu Moose Wala,” Virdi proudly shared. With his unique skill set, he aims to secure Lord Sugar’s investment.

The 18 candidates competing in The Apprentice 2024 represent a diverse range of industries and backgrounds. From skincare and supplements to pies and music, these aspiring business superstars have set their sights on securing Lord Sugar’s investment. With their passion, determination, and drive, each candidate brings their own unique story and expertise to the competition.