LONDON, 26th July 2010: Five-year-old Alfie Powell was dwarfed by his picnic lunch when he sat down to a super-sized sandwich.

His giant feast, laid out on the grass in London’s Kensington Gardens, included a cocktail sausage the length of a cricket bat and a scotch egg bigger than a football.

It took 10 chefs a week to prepare the picnic using 100kg of sausage meat, 50kg of flour, 15kg of cheese and 75 eggs.

The delighted youngster, from Sidcup, south-east London, said: “I wish I could eat all the food but I think it would take too long.”

The picnic was organised by Man v Food, a programme showing weeknights on Good Food at 9pm (Sky 249, Virgin 260). 25/07/2010

LONDON, Friday 25th June 2010: Lord Sugar is ready to set up a new business with an initial investment worth a quarter of a million pounds.

In a climate where small businesses are being encouraged to get the country’s economy back on its feet, Lord Sugar today announces a twist to the 2011 series of The Apprentice.

Next year’s successful Apprentice will no longer win a £100K job working in one of Lord Sugar’s businesses. Instead Lord Sugar will set up a new business with an initial investment worth £250,000 – a life changing opportunity in this time of economic hardship when re-growth and long-term commitment are the key to financial recovery.

The winner, whether a keen business rookie or someone who’s had several years of experience, will choose the type of business they want to set up – be it a digital online firm, catering company or fashion accessories line. Lord Sugar is looking for an Apprentice with the flair and drive to build a business, which he will jointly own with the winner, each taking a 50% interest. Lord Sugar will be mentoring and guiding his winning Apprentice, bringing with him over 40 years of his own business experience to help the business take its first fledgling steps.

Lord Sugar comments “In the past years I was searching for a candidate to employ, now I am looking for a business partner. The good news is they won’t have to put any money into the new company, I will. With an injection of £250,000 of value into this start up company , this is an amazing opportunity for someone who will choose the type of business it will be . I will be looking for a person with some expertise who can demonstrate they have a good understanding of all facets of business, so as to take this venture to another level. “

With the stakes set higher than ever, Lord Sugar and his eagle eyed advisors Nick Hewer and Karren Brady will be watching how the 16 eager new apprentices perform 12 challenging tasks. Each striving to prove they have the commercial acumen and skill to be worthy of entering into a business with Lord Sugar as winner of THE APPRENTICE 2011.

It’s not too late for those budding apprentices who would still like to apply to take part in the next series of BBC One’s THE APPRENTICE series 7 (which will broadcast in 2011) They should APPLY HERE The closing date for applications is 30th June 2010.

TX date for Series 7 is yet to be confirmed. However, Series 6 of THE APPRENTICE will broadcast later this Autumn on BBC One.

The Apprentice is a talkbackTHAMES production for BBC One. Michele Kurland is Executive Producer, Mark Saben is Series Editor. Jo Wallace is the Executive Editor for the BBC.

Pricey Media Strikes Major Production and Talent Deal with Virgin Media Television

LONDON, Thursday 24th June 2020; Independent production company Pricey Media has signed a multi-million pound production deal with Virgin Media Television in a landmark two-year contract that will see tabloid star Katie Price join multichannel superbrand LIVING on an exclusive basis, after her current deal with ITV ends in November.

The deal includes a long-running observational documentary series, a factual entertainment series, a factual formatted series and a number of pilots for both LIVING and Bravo. It will make Pricey Media the largest independent producer of content for VMtv.

Katie herself will feature and star in an exclusive ob-doc series, which picks up the journey from the highly successful What Katie Did Next, and is expected to air in 2011. On ITV2 the show has attracted impressive audiences of up 1.8 million and 8% (3m viewers across a week) making it consistently one the most watched programmes on multichannel television, beating Channel 4, Five and BBC2 in its slot on a number of occasions.

Pricey Media will expand Katie’s TV career into new genres and will develop a brand new factual entertainment format for LIVING, fronted by the star, which is confirmed for an initial run of 6 x 60 , also in 2011.

Virgin Media Television have also announced that Pricey Media will produce two additional broadcast pilots for factual and entertainment series across LIVING and Bravo, involving and developing new on-air talent, as well as producing exclusive new digital content for VMtv’s online and mobile platforms.

Pricey Media Joint Managing Directors Mark Wagman and Jane Robinson commented “Viewers continue to be fascinated by Katie Price, and we are delighted that this new deal offers the perfect springboard to evolve her television career as well as grow and develop our media business in partnership with VMtv who have given Pricey Media the creative freedom and scope to develop some really exciting new projects for their channels.”

Claudia Rosencrantz, VMtv’s Director of Television said “I’ve always loved and admired Katie as she has always combined her beauty with her very good brain, and I’m thrilled to be working with her again. I am delighted to be reunited with Mark, Jane and the rest of the Pricey Media team. I know we’re going to come up with some amazing, must-see TV together.”

Mark Sammon, Head of Commissioning added “I know Katie is going to feel right at home on LIVING and I can’t wait to start working with her.”

Pricey Media

Pricey Media was created in 2009 by Katie Price and Mark Wagman, former ITV Studios Talent Executive who oversaw talent across a range of ITV’s Entertainment output. Mark Wagman and Jane Robinson have recently merged their respective consultancy groups to create Wagman Adair, a Talent Consultancy firm that works across a range of talent led shows including The Royal Variety Performance, Piers Morgan’s Life Stories, An Audience With, Comedy Rocks with Jason Manford, The Military Awards, 71 Degrees North, Live From studio 5, Scream If You Know the Answer, Heads or Tails, Don’t Stop Believing as well as a number of clients including broadcasters and producers such as ITV, FIVE, WATCH, Virgin Media, The Shine Group, RDF, All3Media, Eyeworks, Fever Media, Rain Media and Universal Music.

Katie Price

Mother, wife, businesswoman, model, author, TV star, singer and icon of a generation… are just some of the ways to describe Katie Price. In a career that saw her start modelling in 1998, she has forged a path that has seen her become one of the most photographed and famous women in the UK. With a business empire that spans from television production to being one of the UK’s best selling authors, Katie is also the proud patron of both Vision and The Pituitary Foundation charities. Having raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for both, her passion knows no bounds having been personally effected and inspired by the work of both.

Virgin Media Television

Virgin Media Television (VMtv) has eight wholly-owned channels, some of the strongest entertainment brands in UK multichannel television: LIVING, LIVINGit, LIVING HD, Virgin1, Bravo, Bravo 2, Challenge and Challenge Jackpot. The portfolio spans pay and free-to-air television – reaching 26 million adult viewers each month – and has a growing presence on broadband, mobile and on-demand platforms with services such as the LIVING Player and short-form online channel Liv.

For Pricey Media contact Taylor Herring PR 020 8206 5151

LONDON, Monday 21st June 2010: For the first time Britain’s Next Top Model is to host a live finale to find their 2010 winner. In the ultimate twist – and a first in any Next Top Model series, the judges will put the deciding vote into the hands of the viewers who will select the model they think deserves to win the top fashion prize. The winner will be decided by public telephone vote in a spectacular live 90 minute finale in October, aired exclusively on LIVING. For the first time the entire BNTM series, including the live finale, will be produced in full, glossy, pin-sharp high definition for LIVING HD.

The sixth series welcomes new host, iconic supermodel and international businesswoman Elle Macpherson, who will oversee the most extravagant finale to date alongside her new panel of judges; leading designer Julien Macdonald, Stylist of the Year Grace Woodward and top male model Charley Speed. Having previously determined who made the cut throughout the series, they now hand their decision making power to the viewing public – but not before some final feedback for the girls.

Mark Sammon, Head of Commissioning, Virgin Media Television said: “This season has already rocketed to a completely different level, thanks to Elle and her stunning new panel. And now a live final? It’s the best twist yet. LIVING’s audience never shies from telling us what they think, so I can’t think of a more discerning panel of judges to finally decide who truly deserves to be Britain’s Next Top Model.”

The competition will reach boiling point as the three girls hit the catwalk one last time. Their previous portfolios will stand them in good stead as they take to the catwalk amidst live music performances and model in their final photo shoots and challenges, but who will stand the pressure, keep their poise, win the support of the viewers and claim that top spot? Only two girls will go head to head in the final catwalk to glory, all under the scrutiny of the judging panel and an audience packed with iconic industry experts, familiar fashion faces and celebrities.

The live finale marks the conclusion of the fourteen part series (returning to LIVING from July 5th, 9pm), and is a first for Britain’s Next Top Model.

The winner will scoop the ultimate prize package – a contract with agents Models 1, a cover spread with monthly glossy Company and a campaign with Revlon, the world leader in cosmetics.

Britain’s Next Top Model is a format of America’s Next Top Model, which is produced by 10×10 Entertainment and Bankable Productions. Executive Producers are Tyra Banks, Ken Mok and Laura Fuest. The reality series was created by Tyra Banks and developed by Mok and Kenya Barris. ANTM is licensed in over 140 markets and there are currently 20 local versions in production. AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL and the AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL format are sold internationally by CBS Studios International.

LONDON, Friday 11th June 2010: Award-winning stand up comedian Dara O Briain is to take over as host of The Apprentice: You’re Fired when it returns to BBC Two later in the year. Already very popular with BBC Two viewers as the host of Mock the Week, Dara regularly appears on Live At The Apollo (BBC One), QI (BBC One), Three Men In A Boat (BBC Two) and Radio 4’s Just A Minute. He also released his first book last year – currently number 9 in the Sunday Times Best Seller List – to excellent reviews.

Dara said: ” I’m delighted to be stepping into the chair for this. As a comedian, I’ve spent my entire career asking people “what do you do for a living?”. It can’t be too much of a stretch to include the words ” …now that you know you’re not getting this job” at the end of the question.

Janice Hadlow, Controller, BBC Two, said: “I’m thrilled to have Dara on board. His unique style of quick-witted banter is ideally suited to the job of probing the latest casualty of Lord Sugar’s infamous firing finger.”

Mark Linsey, Controller, Entertainment Commissioning, said:”Dara is such a witty and clever man – perfect attributes for the host of The Apprentice: You’re Fired. He’s absolutely the right man for the job and I’m delighted he’s said yes!”

The Apprentice: You’re Fired is a talkbackThames production for BBC Two and was commissioned by Janice Hadlow, Controller, BBC Two and Mark Linsey, Controller, Entertainment Commissioning. Executive Editor for the BBC is Jo Wallace. The series producer for talkbackThames is Sally Dixon and the executive producer is Michele Kurland.

BBC Worldwide – the commercial arm of the BBC have hired consumer agency Taylor Herring to oversee media relations for a series of Doctor Who brand campaigns throughout 2010 and 2011.

Taylor Herring were appointed following a competitive pitch process and the wide ranging brief will see the agency working across several key projects including the launch of the very first Doctor Who Live Arena Tour in October and November of this year.

The new stage show, based upon the BBC’s smash-hit, award-winning series Doctor Who, promises to deliver a spectacular audio/visual experience featuring live music, special effects and appearances from the show’s most popular monsters.

Taking in nine cities and 25 dates, Doctor Who Live kicks off in London at Wembley Arena on 8th October, and will visit Sheffield, Glasgow, Birmingham, Manchester, Nottingham, Cardiff and Liverpool, culminating in Belfast on the 7th November.

Taylor Herring will also be working on a retained basis with BBC Worldwide to promote other key Doctor Who brand activity throughout 2010 and 2011.

Taylor Herring won Specialist Consultancy of The Year at the 2006 PR Week Awards and Best Consumer Campaign at the CIPR Awards 2007. The agency was short listed for seven major awards in 2010 including PR Week Awards (Silver) Promax Awards – Best Broadcast campaign (Gold), Event Awards – PR Stunt of the Year (Gold).

For further information please contact: James Herring or Peter Mountstevens  0208 206 5151

LONDON, Tuesday 18th May 2010: FOUR daring individuals managed to liven what would have been just another dull commute yesterday by travelling naked on the London Underground.

The foursome, who covered their modesty with handbags and briefcases, attracted stares and gasps but acted as if the nothing was out of the ordinary

The stunt (produced by Taylor Herring) promotes a new TV series, The Naked Office, that shows workers at struggling companies trying to turn their businesses around.

The show which starts tonight at 9pm on Virgin 1 attempts to help six businesses get back on track by stripping away their problems using a revolutionary approach – going to work stark naked.

With the recession still in full swing and companies fighting to stay afloat, the series investigates whether working naked will help employees to break down relationship boundaries by increasing positivity and productivity and explore whether flashing the flesh is the ultimate office equalizer.

Dress down Fridays will never be the same again!

LONDON: Monday, 17th May 2010: BBC Worldwide has announced a series of arena dates for the very first production of Doctor Who Live.

The new stage show, based upon the BBC’s smash-hit, award-winning series Doctor Who, promises to deliver a spectacular audio/visual experience featuring live music, special effects and appearances from the show’s most popular monsters.

Taking in nine cities and 25 dates, Doctor Who Live kicks off in London at Wembley Arena on 8th October, and will visit Sheffield, Glasgow, Birmingham, Manchester, Nottingham, Cardiff and Liverpool, culminating in Belfast on the 7th November.

Developed in association with Doctor Who’s Executive Producer and show runner, Steven Moffat, Doctor Who Live promises the same excitement, adventure and suspense that viewers have come to expect from the TV programme and will feature specially filmed new video scenes.

Steven Moffat said: “This is everything I ever wanted since I was eleven. A live show, with all the coolest Doctor Who monsters, a proper story, and brand new screen material for Matt Smith’s Doctor! I’ll be writing scenes for it, and probably attending every single night!”

Opening in wartime London and concluding in an epic onstage battle, audiences should expect the unexpected as the The Doctor’s arch-enemies the Daleks are joined by some of the best-loved and most terrifying monsters from the TV series including the Cybermen, Weeping Angels, Judoon and Oods to name but a few.

With an out-of-this-world set, Doctor Who Live will feature special FX, optical illusions and spectacular pyrotechnics building to an epic finale. Specially edited video clips, drawn from the TV Programme will be shown on a massive screen and accompanied by the music of longtime Doctor Who composer Murray Gold. These iconic scores will be brought to life by a 16 piece orchestra live on stage.

Murray Gold said: “The live element always adds something extra, but these will also be brand new arrangements for a new band of very talented musicians. It’s very exciting.”

Doctor Who Live has been conceived as a fully immersive music and monsters spectacular. Please note that actors from the TV series will not be appearing live on stage.

Tickets go on sale at 9am on Friday 21st May 2010.

www.Doctorwholive.com

Press Contact: Taylor Herring PR, 0208 206 5151

LONDON, Wednesday 12th May 2010: The 35th annual MediaGuardian Edinburgh International Television Festival announces an impressive line-up of creative and industry luminaries. The Festival will take place from August 27 – 29 at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre.

Edinburgh is the first stop on the media calendar following the general election, and BBC Director General Mark Thompson’s MacTaggart will set the agenda for the weekend in what promises to be a pivotal year for the BBC. The festival weekend will feature sessions examining what the new government will mean for media, and what role television had to play in the most unpredictable election in recent memory.

BAFTA award-winning screenwriter and producer Paul Abbott will deliver the Alternative MacTaggart Lecture entitled The Truth About Long-Term Thinking.

Abbott commented: “I’m thrilled to be giving the Alternative McTaggart Lecture because I believe it’s an exciting time to comment on the British TV industry’s reaction to, and performance since, the credit crunch.”

Mark Austin interviews former ITV executive chairman, Michael Grade while new Doctor Who showrunner, Stephen Moffat and award-winning producer, Andy Harries will both deliver Masterclasses. Channel Four’s newly appointed Chief Executive David Abraham is also confirmed to attend the festival.

And don’t plan to leave early – tabloid star Katie Price will be revealing what makes her tick in a revealing, live interview on Sunday.

New regime, new reality. The BBC has already laid out plans for major changes, but will more savage cuts be coming their way? What should they cut, and what deserves protecting? The Festival audience will decide in a session entitled Build Your Own BBC, chaired by Jeremy Vine. There will also be a special, Edinburgh edition of Question Time which will feature those new to power, and in opposition.

For the first time, MGEITF delegates will be able to pose their questions via Twitter to channel controllers who will be revealing their priorities and looking ahead to 2011. Controllers who have already confirmed to take part include Jay Hunt (BBC One), Janice Hadlow (BBC Two), Peter Fincham (ITV1), Julian Bellamy (Channel 4), Richard Woolfe (Five), Danny Cohen (BBC Three), Richard Klein (BBC Four), Stuart Murphy (Sky1), Paul Mortimer (E4), Zai Bennett (ITV Digital), Hamish Mykura (More4) and Matthew Littleford (UKTV).

MGEITF’s opening session will embrace the dance fever that is sweeping the nation by staging a festival version of the Sky 1 HD show, Got To Dance. Six teams — from one solo tap dancer to a 20-strong dance crew — from channels and leading independent producers will perform an array of dances from hip hop to jazz and ballet to street. Each performance will be critiqued by the judges Ashley Banjo, Kimberley Wyatt and Adam Garcia who will award those iconic red and gold stars – with the winner decided by a live audience vote.

In a landmark year for British soaps, MGEITF are celebrating 50 years of Coronation Street and 25 years of EastEnders. For Coronation Street – festival goers will be taken on a trip down memory lane. Masterclass line-up includes writer and creator Tony Warren, actress Kate Kelly and journalist Nancy Banks Smith. Producers will reveal how potent plots and sizzling storylines continue to excite and engage audiences young and old. Discover the secrets of writing, producing and directing and learn how Eastenders skillfully tackles social taboos time and time again, helping to create defining moments of television. And find out how this year, the production pushed the boundaries even further ’simply’ by keeping a secret, and producing its first ever live episode, watched by 17 million people.

Millions watched the debates and the election night shows live on TV whilst tweeting and following online – it brought social media out of teenage bedrooms and into the living room. MGEITF will reveal how can broadcasters and producers harness the social power of Twitter and Facebook to drive deeper engagement and build bigger audiences in a session chaired by prolific tweeter @richardpbacon.

There will also be the unique chance to grill some of Fleet Street’s most prolific TV pundits including Ally Ross and Ian Hyland in a Meet The Critics session chaired by Endemol’s Tim Hincks.

With 3D TV now a reality in the UK, MGEITF will be dedicating a number of sessions to the subject which will explore different genres and budgets, a step-by-step guide on how to produce in 3D, a debate on how 3D could change and reinvigorate the popularity of various genres, plus a showcase of the latest 3D content and kit.

MGEITF has teamed up with the UK’s leading games conference, Edinburgh Interactive, so delegates can swap ideas with leading figures in the games industry. In How To Get Into Games gaming commissioners will be pitched ideas by TV producers and TV commissioners will be presented with ideas from games producers in order to learn what each thinks is important in a good entertainment proposition.

The Channel of the Year Awards will be jointly selected by the Festival’s Executive Committee and a live vote during the ceremony, hosted by top funny man Jack Whitehall on Saturday, August 28 at The Festival in Edinburgh.

Bringing a bit of light comic relief to the closing session of the festival is The Last Laugh – a talent search for the funniest person in the TV industry. MGEITF will pair up some of the biggest names from behind the camera and some of the funniest people behind the scenes, with the nation’s top comics. Which top execs will join Jon Snow in trying their hand at stand up? Comedians who have agreed to mentor TV industry talent include Shappi Khorshandi, Russell Kane, Sarah Millican, Mark Watson, Steve Amos, Pete Johanssen and Kevin Bridges.

Deborah Turness, 2010 MGEITF Advisory Chair and Editor of ITV News, said: “In keeping with our times this year’s Festival will be a coalition of agenda-setting content that will shape the direction of the industry and inspirational, creative stimulation. With the Conservative/Murdoch Alliance now in Number 10, Mark Thompson’s MacTaggart could not be more timely. The big question: will David Cameron demand “savage” cuts at the BBC, and is radical change coming our way? While the festival is about addressing key industry issues, it is also about celebrating and learning from our top creative talent and we are delighted that Paul Abbott has agreed to deliver the Alternative MacTaggart Lecture.”

Tim Hincks, MGEITF Executive Chair and CEO of Endemol UK, added: “When it comes to media events in 2010 Edinburgh is convincingly first past the post yet again. The best producers, celebrities , channel controllers and broadcasters will all be there , making it absolutely unmissable. Miss once, regret for an eternity.”

This is just a taste of the amazing line-up for 2010, with many more sessions still to be announced.

The MediaGuardian Edinburgh International Television Festival is a delegate entry event which annually attracts over 2000 delegates from all sectors and levels of the industry. To find out more, and to register, please visit www.mgeitf.co.uk

MGEITF Press Information: Taylor Herring PR Tel: +44 208 206 5151

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