To mark 10 years since The Apprentice UK first appeared on our televisions, we follow the career path of some of the contestants after leaving the show.
1. Saira Khan – Runner-up in 2005
Before The Apprentice she was an account manager for McVitie’s, taking cases of Hobnobs and Rich Tea biscuits around cash and carries in east London. In 2006, straight after Saira became the runner up on the first series of The Apprentice, she set up her own business, Miamoo, selling natural skincare products. Her brand is now stocked in more than 300 Boots stores nationwide. She wrote a book called P.U.S.H for Success and became a regular face on TV.
2. Kate Walsh – Runner-up in 2009
Prior to the show, Kate worked in a number of roles for Marston’s PLC from graduate trainee to business development manager.
During the show she reached the final round of the fifth series but was fired for being “too perfect and robotic”. She went on to co-host the Channel Five show Live from Studio Five and was a presenter on the defunkt OK! TV. She has most recently been appointed vice president, retail, for the jewellery chain, Pandora.
3. Yasmina Siadatan – Winner in 2009
Yasmina Siadatan worked her £100,000 contract at Lord Sugar’s Amscreen Healthcare company. After taking time off to have two children she joined Dragons’ Den star James Caan’s private equity firm Hamilton Bradshaw. She then became the creative director of Start Up Loans company, which aims to provide mentors and loans to 30,000 entrepreneurs and is funded by the UK Government. Since 2006 she has co-owned the Reading-based Mya Lacarte restaurant.
4. Tom Pellereau – Winner in 2011
Tom Pellereau always wanted to be an inventor and achieved a 1st Class Honours degree with a Masters in Mechanical Engineering with Innovation and Design. He was the first contestant to win the chance to set up his own company with a £250,000 investment and help and advice from Lord Sugar. Since then he has released a number of products including a curved S-shape nail file – which is now stocked by several big chain supermarkets.