Junior Apprentice: Meet The Candidates.

LONDON, Tuesday 11th May 2010: Multi-millionaire and self made businessman, Lord Sugar, left school at 16 with no money in his pocket and no qualifications. 40 years on and against the odds, he’s at the top of his game with a business empire worth millions. For decades a supporter of young people in business, Lord Sugar will give ten of the UK’s most ambitious and driven teenagers the opportunity of a lifetime: competing for the title of the first ever Junior Apprentice on BBC ONE.

At 9pm on Wednesday 12th May, the 10 young candidates will face an education like no other as they embark on a series of tough tasks which will push their skills to the limit. The potential Junior Apprentices will face the same cut-throat competition as the adult series – it’s survival of the fittest and the tasks are just as challenging as ever.

From all corners of the country, each of the aspiring tycoons has been selected for their entrepreneurial flair and burning passion for business – Lord Sugar has spotted something in all of them, but only one can succeed in becoming the Junior Apprentice. Aged between 16 and 17 years old, they believe that they have the capability, determination and raw business talent to take on the challenge and be the one to win access to a fund worth £25,000. The fund will go towards kick-starting his or her business career, and will be tailored to their individual career prospects and development.

The tycoons of tomorrow – most of whom are still in education – include; a CEO of their own company, a sheep shearer, a market-stall holder, an A* student, Senior Prefect, a self-employed salesman who left school at 16 and an aspiring inventor. All of them think they have what it takes, but can they prove themselves when the pressure is on?

Lord Sugar will not accept any excuses – he started in business at the same age and expects his prospects to be able to do the same. With tasks including selling cheese, creating their own branded cupcakes for department store shoppers, and dealing in art, as well as travelling abroad to Holland for one of the most demanding foreign tasks to date, the candidates will quickly learn that Lord Sugar holds no punches when it comes to separating the wheat from the chaff, and only time will tell who has what it takes.

Failure is not an option and mistakes won’t be tolerated as Lord Sugar doesn’t waste any time in laying down the rules; “What I’m looking for is that killer instinct, that spark of genius, that nose for doing a good deal. I have a passion for helping young people to succeed, because ultimately it’s up to your generation to rescue and revitalise the country. This is a fantastic opportunity for one of you. I have set aside £25,000, now don’t think you’ll be getting your grubby hands on it if you win to buy yourself a second-hand Porsche, I’ll be making sure that the money is spent to enhance your future career or business start-up. I suppose you can look at me like the Head Teacher that you love to hate. I’ll be firm but fair and if you’re not up to scratch, you’ll be fired.”

Aided once again by no-nonsense adviser Nick Hewer, Lord Sugar will also be joined by top businesswoman and Vice Chairman of West Ham, Karren Brady. Karren knows first-hand the scrutiny the candidates will be under having taken part – and subsequently won – Comic Relief Does The Apprentice in 2007. Both Nick and Karren will be keeping a close eye on the proceedings and helping Lord Sugar to find Britain’s brightest young entrepreneur.

The candidates will live in a luxurious Georgian townhouse in Islington, London, for the duration of the show. For some, it’s their first time away from home, but for all it’s the chance to experience what life could be like as a high flyer. When the winner is crowned they will be given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be mentored by Britain’s most famous boss.

Over 28,000 applied, but only 10 made the cut. Lord Sugar’s search for his first Junior Apprentice is about to begin.

THE GIRLS

Emma Walker
Age: 16 Education: Studying for AS Levels in Maths, Business Studies, Economics, Politics & Biology Lives: Cheshire
Facts: Emma has a passion for achieving and believes that “if you make your own bed, you should lie in it”. Selling eggs and sweets to make money, she believes in never giving up and hard work is the key to achieving success.
She says: “No matter what life throws at me I’m going to work hard to achieve my goals.”

Hannah Cherry
Age: 17
Education: Advanced Apprenticeship in IT Services & Development
Lives: Bedfordshire
Facts: Inventor Hannah admits to being competitive with an adaptable, flexible approach to work. Having achieved 100%in her Business AS Level, Hannah has gone on to achieve a multitude of qualifications as part of her IT Academy course.
She says: “I’m so driven and determined to be a success and I’m focused on what I want to achieve in the future.”

Hibah Ansary
Age: 16
Education: Studying for AS Levels in Maths, Biology, Latin & Chemistry
Lives: Manchester
Facts: Hibah believes that entrepreneurialism is in her blood – she currently helps out in her father’s business, and plans to one day open her own cosmetic surgery clinic. An advanced violinist, and self-confessed “girly girl”, Hibah is “confident and articulate”, but doesn’t take life too seriously.
She says: “It’s survival of the fittest and only someone with my stamina and my determination will make it to the number one spot.”

Kirsty Cleaver
Age: 17
Education: Higher Modern Studies, Higher Drama, Higher Business Management
Lives: Scotland
Facts: Kirsty is a self-confessed sports fanatic with an interest in “pretty much any sport”. Her first job was as a waitress in her parents’ restaurant where she served breakfast before school. Kirsty still works there now, and is involved in running the family business.
She says: “I believe you have to work hard to succeed. You have to be lucky to be good and good to be lucky.”

Zoe Plummer
Age: 16
Education: Studying for AS Levels in English, French, German, Drama and Art
Lives: London
Facts: Zoe spends her free time selling vintage clothes from a market stall in London. She is an advanced open water scuba diver who isn’t afraid to speak her mind. Zoe hopes to one day combine her love of foreign languages and business by starting up a foreign law interpretation firm.
She says: “I’m quite a charismatic, vivacious person. You wouldn’t see me on the street in a grey pinstriped suit and just blend in to the crowd.”

MEET THE BOYS

Adam Eliaz
Age: 17
Education: 8 GCSE’s
Lives: London
Facts: Adam left school at 16 determined to succeed in business. He has since gone on to run his own online company selling camping and fishing equipment. He admits that he can be argumentative, but he’s not afraid of hard work.
He says: “I am not shy and communicate with anyone and everyone.”

Arjun Rajyagor
Age: 17
Education: A Levels in Physics, Maths and Systems & Control, AS Level Further Maths
Lives: Essex
Facts: Self-confessed maths fanatic Arjun loves computers – he built his own aged 12, and now runs a repair business from his bedroom.
He says: “Always look at the end goal and find a way to get there. Do what has to be done and never allow yourself to look back in regret.”

Jordan De Courcy
Age: 16
Education: Studying for the Leaving Certificate in Maths, Irish, English, French, Business, Economics and Geography
Lives: Co. Wicklow, Ireland
Facts: Jordan set up his first business when he was 12, and now runs a juice bar in Dublin. His hobbies include graphic design and website promotion, and he also loves to cook. He is continuously adding to his business portfolio and is currently working on a natural skincare range.
He says: “I see myself as a successful business man with many different business principles.”

Rhys Rosser
Age: 17
Education: A Level History, AS Level Physics, studying for A Levels in English, Business and French
Lives: Wales
Facts: Public Speaking champion in his region, Rhys believes that the most important thing in business is to know what you are doing, and that the customer isn’t always right. His spare time is spent mainly working in his parent’s hotel.
He says: “I’m going to use this opportunity to show people that I’m not a business boy, I’m a businessman.”

Tim Ankers
Age: 17
Education: Studying for A Levels in Politics, History, Economics and General Studies
Lives: Lancashire
Facts: Tim believes that the most important thing in business is good common sense. Head Boy at his school, his first job was as a stable boy for his neighbours. Despite not coming from a farming background, Tim earns money from farm work and gardening when he’s not studying.
He says: “Be friendly to everyone, take nothing to heart and keep it simple.”

Press Contact: Taylor Herring PR +44 208 206 5151