· Posted on Jan 6, 2022
Here Are All The Contestants Competing In "The Apprentice" UK This Year
"I'm going to be the corporate panther in the boardroom."
by Sam Cleal
After a longggg break, the iconic business-based reality series, The Apprentice, is making its way back to BBC One TONIGHT!
The 16th season of the US spin-off will air on BBC One tonight at 9pm, and will be available to catch up on BBC iPlayer for UK viewers.
I, for one, am super excited for the inevitable ~major~ drama, AND to meet the 16 contestants who will compete for a £250,000 investment from British business magnate, Lord Alan Sugar. Here they are in all their glory:
1. Aaron Willis
BBC/Boundless/Ray Burmiston
Current job: Flight Operations Instructor.
From: Lancashire.
Having served in the RAF for 12 years as a Flight Operations Instructor, Aaron has now set out to start his own security business. He's travelled all over the world, and previously worked as a milkman, horseman, and a butcher – so, y'know, he's got a lot of different skills going on there.
Power quote: "My strongest point is that I can sell to anybody, and I think that's the reason why my business will be a success – because people will buy from me."
2. Akeem Bundu-Kamara
Current job: Strategy Manager for a Financial Firm.
From: London.
Akeem considers himself a people person who loves being around others. However, as a self-confessed numbers guy, he's also apparently prone to thinking in terms of analytics and calculations – get you a man who can do both!
Statement of success: "My growing up has made me who I am. I'm able to converse with everyone, but also able to show that financial, business side to myself."
3. Akshay Thakrar
Current job: Owner of a Digital Marketing Agency.
Referring to himself as a man who believes sleeping is a "waste of time", and whose first word was "profit", Akshay believes he's been put on earth to do one thing, and that's to make money – that'll definitely get brought up in the boardroom if he's in the bottom three. He also speaks seven languages.
Disproportionate doctrine: "My friends call me AK47 because I'm a killer salesperson."
4. Alex Short
Current job: Owner of a commercial cleaning company.
From: Hertford.
Despite leaving school after his first year of sixth form, Alex has used his drive and focus to expand his commercial cleaning business. He's now on the way to tripling his turnover, which he views as the "most impressive" thing he's done in business... so far.
Bad-boy epitaph: "I would compare myself to a Ferrari - shiny on the outside but under the bonnet there is a lot of fire, and I'm coming for you."
5. Amy Anzel
Current job: Owner of a beauty brand.
Starting her beauty business a little later in life, Amy has now found what she really loves doing after previously working in sales, showbiz, and jingles – I think we know which task she'll be leading on. Amy takes business ~very~ seriously, and describes herself as determined, persistent, and a "tough boss".
Cutthroat couplet: "I can be nice when I need to be, but when I unfortunately have to be a bitch, I will..."
6. Brittany Carter
Current job: Hotel Front of House Manager.
From: Bristol.
Describing herself as kind, sociable, and enthusiastic, people person Brittany has a positive outlook on life, and is looking for Lord Sugar's help launching her business idea for the first alcoholic protein drink. Brittany is ready to learn as much as possible throughout the process, and is confident she'll make it to the final.
Words of wisdom: "My motto for life is 'always look on the bright side, and be grateful for everything.'"
7. Conor Gilsenan
Current job: Sales Executive.
Former pro rugby player Conor describes himself as a "corporate panther" – whatever that means – with a record for getting deals done. His business idea consists of a fleet of quirky food and beverage vendors targeted at music and sports events.
Mighty mission: "I'm going to be the corporate panther in the boardroom. I'm going to get it done, and I'm going to be Lord Sugar's perfect business partner."
8. Francesca Kennedy Wallbank
Current job: Owner of a sustainability company.
From: Surrey.
Maths graduate and vegan queen (assuming) Francesca is looking for an investment in her next venture, which will provide a product carbon footprint service for businesses with a simple equation of her own creation. I'm not gonna lie, she sounds pretty legit to me.
Statement of intent: "There are two types of people in the world: people that say they are going to do things and people that actually do them. And I'm a doer."
9. Harry Mahmood
Current job: Regional Operations Manager.
From: West Midlands.
Inspired by the kindness of his grandparents, Harry wants to help and support people, which is very cute and un-Apprentice-like to admit. Describing himself as the "Asian version of Lord Sugar", he hopes they can work together to develop his bath bomb business and become the "bad boys of the bath bomb world." 100% here for THAT.
Ballsy byword: "Everything I've looked into achieving, I've achieved. I've literally done everything I've put my mind to."
10. Harpreet Kaur
Current job: Owner of a dessert parlour.
From: West Yorkshire.
Borrowing an oft-used reality show sentiment, Harpreet isn't here to make friends, she's ready to be Lord Sugar's next business partner! Describing herself as a born leader, fearless, and funny, Harpreet plans to "level up" her successful, six-figure coffee and cakes business to become a leading brand in the UK.
Bad bih battle cry: "I'm definitely not in business to make friends. I'm here to make money, and I'm pretty sure Lord Sugar isn't looking for a new mate."
11. Kathryn Louise Burn
Current job: Owner of an online pyjama store.
From: Swindon.
Don't sleep on Kathryn! After working a range of jobs – from mortgage advisor to events manager – Kathryn now has ambitious plans for her online pyjama business. Describing herself as ambitious, kind, and often "savage", she says she's there to win.
Enduring epigram: "My dreams in my head are absolutely huge, and I believe I can achieve them."
12. Navid Sole
Current job: Pharmacist.
Qualified pharmacist and Nicki Minaj superfan (okay, say no more) Navid aspires to create a successful pharmacy business with the help and expertise of Lord Sugar. Describing himself as quirky and unique, Navid plans to stay true to himself throughout the process, and presumably "think big, get cash, make 'em blink fast."
Minaj-esque motto: "Nothing intimidates me because I just feel like I'm a strong character, strong person, strong mindset."
13. Nick Showering
Current job: Finance Manager.
Qualified accountant Nick hopes to break out from under the "shadow" of his family's business and make a name for himself in the drinks industry. He considers himself a people person who is lots of fun. Nick's plan to beat the competition is to "kill them with kindness", à la Selena.
Ardent adage: "In business I'm a bit of a force to be reckoned with. I know what I'm talking about, I know how things work, and I'm extremely experienced. So, I'm a bit of an animal in the boardroom."
14. Sophie Wilding
Current job: Owner of a boutique cocktail bar.
From: Cheltenham.
From saleswoman to businesswoman, Sophie has big renovation plans for her boutique cocktail bar. She describes herself as magical and enchanting – Disney fan, methinks – with a positive attitude and the right... witch school qualifications under her belt. Okay.
Stirring sentiment: "Failure is not an option, winning is part of my DNA."
15. Shama Amin
Current job: Owner of a children's day nursery.
From: Bradford.
Shama is a 41-year-old mother of five who is passionate about taking care of children. She describes herself as loyal, determined, and outspoken. Having wanted this since childhood, Shama is ready to prove she has the skillset required to be "one of the best [and most] successful businesswomen in the early years sector." Move over, Mary Poppins!
Poignant preface: "Being a lady of colour, wearing a headscarf as well, and the challenges that we face on a daily basis, I just want to be a living example for the Asian women and South Asian women out there."
16. Stephanie Affleck
Current job: Owner of an online children's store.
From: Kent.
Describing herself as confident, decisive, and brutally honest, Stephanie is looking for funding and support to develop her designer childrenswear store. With a no-nonsense attitude towards business, Stephanie wants to be part of the rapidly growing pre-loved fashion industry and to make a difference in the world. Go off, queen!
Big talk: "I'm an East London girl, and I've got that no-nonsense sort of work ethic. I've got grit, determination and I'm determined to be successful."
17. And introducing... Tim Campell!
Tim joins the judging panel and replaces Claude Littner as one of Lord Sugar's two advisors this season. The very first winner of The Apprentice UK has said it's "a great honour to have come full circle... Having been on the other side of the table I definitely understand what [the candidates] are all going through."
The Apprentice will air on BBC One at 9pm tonight, and will release new episodes every Thursday. It will also be available to catch up on BBC iPlayer to viewers in the UK.