The Apprentice 2025: what are the candidates’ business plans - what could Lord Sugar invest in

By Matthew Mohan-Hickson

Technology and TV writer

Published 30th Jan 2025, 10:41 GMT

Could Lord Alan Sugar invest in bubble tea, padel tennis or even a tutoring company 👀

A fresh batch of candidates will be competing to win a £250,000 investment from Lord Alan Sugar. The 19th series of the long-running BBC show starts in just a matter of hours.

But what exactly could Lord Sugar be investing in? Prior to the start of the show, all of the candidates have detailed their business plans - ranging from bubble tea to padel tennis and tutoring.

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The candidates are listed in alphabetical order. Remind yourself of who will be Lord Sugar’s aides over the coming weeks.

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“My first business, Oree Mart, sold bubble tea and it was a hit. We removed it from our store to streamline operations, shifting focus solely to the convenience store model. However, daily requests for the bubble tea’s return inspired: Oree Tea, which will be a separate bubble tea (boba tea) shop, showcasing the best of Taiwanese bubble teas, leveraging a pre-existing, keen customer base.”

1. Amber-Rose Badrudin

“My first business, Oree Mart, sold bubble tea and it was a hit. We removed it from our store to streamline operations, shifting focus solely to the convenience store model. However, daily requests for the bubble tea’s return inspired: Oree Tea, which will be a separate bubble tea (boba tea) shop, showcasing the best of Taiwanese bubble teas, leveraging a pre-existing, keen customer base.” | BBC/Naked/Ray Burmiston Photo: BBC/Naked/Ray Burmiston

2. Anisa Khan

“My plan is to expand my pizza business by opening more dark kitchens in high-demand areas. This will allow me to grow the business strategically, introduce our innovative menu to more customers, and build towards establishing a nationally recognised brand.” | BBC/Naked/Ray Burmiston Photo: BBC/Naked/Ray Burmiston

“I have designed a unique patented utility belt specifically for hairdressers, makeup artists, and costume designers on the go. In my experience within the beauty and hair industry, I noticed a significant problem: the tools that artists typically wear are often not functional, ergonomic, or aesthetically appealing, nor was there any focus on hygiene. This realisation drove me to create a tool belt that is not only ergonomic but also enhances the entire creative process.”

3. Aoibheann Walsh

“I have designed a unique patented utility belt specifically for hairdressers, makeup artists, and costume designers on the go. In my experience within the beauty and hair industry, I noticed a significant problem: the tools that artists typically wear are often not functional, ergonomic, or aesthetically appealing, nor was there any focus on hygiene. This realisation drove me to create a tool belt that is not only ergonomic but also enhances the entire creative process.” | BBC/Naked/Ray Burmiston Photo: BBC/Naked/Ray Burmiston

“My business plan is to develop a user-friendly online platform that connects patients with the most reputable hair transplant clinics worldwide. The platform will solve the challenge of navigating a crowded market, where many clinics claim to be the best, by providing a trusted, easy-to-use resource for comparing clinics, accessing expert advice, and making well-informed decisions about hair restoration.”

4. Carlo Brancati

“My business plan is to develop a user-friendly online platform that connects patients with the most reputable hair transplant clinics worldwide. The platform will solve the challenge of navigating a crowded market, where many clinics claim to be the best, by providing a trusted, easy-to-use resource for comparing clinics, accessing expert advice, and making well-informed decisions about hair restoration.” | BBC/Naked/Ray Burmiston Photo: BBC/Naked/Ray Burmiston

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