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.

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

1. Cassetteboy vs The Bloody Apprentice – this must have taken weeks to assemble.

2. The brilliant Boleg Bros – have done so many cracking lego animations it was tough to pick just the one

3. Kombat Opera Presents – The Applicants. Perhaps a bit long – but epic none the less.

4. Joe Cornish – Tribute to Margaret Mountford.

5. Harry Enfield And Paul Whitehouse stick Lord Sugar in Dragons Den

6. The Impressions Show with Culshaw and Stephenson – Mr Bean gets fired.

7. The Long Good Apprentice – this was done back in Series 1.

8. Harry Hill –  Apprentice sketch maestro

9. Lord Sugar’s Best Bits

10. and finally

Want more… check out our You Tube playlist

If you have any notable inclusions please do drop us a line!

Multi-millionaire and self made businessman, Lord Sugar left school at 16 with no money in his pocket and no qualifications but, against the odds, he battled his way to the top of his game.

Passionate about business and motivating young people to embrace their inner entrepreneur, Lord Sugar has decided to give 10 of the UK’s most ambitious and driven teenagers the opportunity of a lifetime to compete for the title of Junior Apprentice.

The 10 candidates, aged 16-17 years old, all believe that they have the same potential, determination and raw business talent to take on the challenge and bid to win access to a fund worth up to the value of £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. Each of the young candidates has been selected for their entrepreneurial flair, interest and passion for business – Lord Sugar has spotted potential in all of them, but only one can succeed in becoming the first Junior Apprentice.

For the first time, Nick Hewer will be joined by top businesswoman and Vice Chairman of West Ham, Karren Brady, to keep a close eye on the young candidates throughout the process. Karren knows the scrutiny the candidates will be under having taken part – and subsequently won – Comic Relief Does The Apprentice in 2007.

The aspiring tycoons will face the biggest business challenge of their lives to date as they embark on a series of tough tasks which will push their skills to the limit. Before they begin with their first task of selling cheese to passing trade and businesses, the candidates check out their luxurious new home, armed with the knowledge that they may not get to enjoy it for too long.

Starting with the five boys against the five girls, they all know that the pressure is on and only one thing counts – profit. At the end of their first day, one team will win and the other will end up facing Lord Sugar in the boardroom.

Who will be the first to hear the infamous words “You’re Fired”?

Yasmina follows in the footsteps of last year’s winner, Lee McQueen, and previous winners Simon Ambrose (2207), Michelle Dewberry (2006) and Tim Campbell (2005).

In last night’s final task, Yasmina battled it out with 27 year-old Licensing Development Manager, Kate Walsh, managing a team of this year’s fired candidates in the toughest task to date – designing an original box of chocolates, creating a brand and advertisement, and presenting them to a room full of industry experts.

Although Yasmina and her team – consisting of Howard, Lorraine, James and Philip got off to a shaky start, she quickly pulled herself and her team together and held a focus group, before deciding to target consumers searching for an “electrifying” chocolate experience. With a strong brand identity in place with “Cocoa Electric,” and a confident pitch Yasmina won over both the experts and Sir Alan, despite the actual chocolates being accused of lacking in quality.

Meanwhile, Kate’s team – consisting of Ben, Debra, Kimberly and Rocky, designed “Choc D’Amour”, a three-tier box of chocolates aimed at couples enjoying a romantic night in. But Kate’s high prices didn’t fit with her positioning in the mass consumer market as a credit-crunch alternative to a night out. However, Sir Alan did compliment her on the innovative idea and outstanding quality of the product.

In the nail-biting final boardroom scene, Sir Alan told the girls that choosing who to hire would be the hardest decision he had ever had to make over the past five series. He told them: “You are two very, very, very good finalists.”

When Sir Alan asked Yasmina what she’d learned over the last twelve weeks, she replied: “The highlights for me were doing things I’ve never done before, and finding that I’d done them well. Yesterday I pulled it off… that was such a massive personal achievement to know that I could do that, and can go and do it again…I know you don’t want to take a risk on me, but letting me slip through your hands would be a much bigger risk.”

Yasmina confidently answered Sir Alan’s tough questions on her already successful restaurant business, by telling him: “All it should say (owning my own business) is that I’m damn good at what I do and that I’ve got a creativity and a spark about me and I’m a risk taker. Right now I’m determined, I’m eager to learn….I’ve grown up as a natural businessperson… I look at everything from a business perspective and I think that’s the main difference between me and Kate.”

Sir Alan decided on his winner and said: “It’s a tough decision. You are the best that I’ve ever had in the final in this boardroom, that I promise you. My instincts are telling me… Yasmina… YOU’RE HIRED!”

After the final Yasmina said: “I really believed (that I was going to win), until I met Kate!… I’m absolutely up for it. I think Sir Alan knows my qualities, the best way to make use of me.”

Sir Alan said: “Yasmina seemed to have that real business instinct, not just in sales or anything like that, but (she’s) innovative and understands the plot of where we’re going… It’s gut instinct… I can’t explain it.”

He also commented on Kate, saying: “She’s got nothing to worry about. She’s a very bright young lady… Any time she wants to call me for any advice or anything like that, she’s welcome to.”

Yasmina will take up a role at Amscreen, Sir Alan’s digital signage company. She will be working in the firm’s healthcare division, where she will be responsible for building up a team of sales people. This division is tasked with supplying doctor’s surgeries and hospitals with free-of-charge digital signage units, upon which adverts and patient messages will be shown. It is expected that Yasmina will start her new job with Amscreen in the coming weeks.

Press Contact Taylor Herring PR 0208 206 5151

The Apprentice comes to a conclusion on Sunday 7th June at 9pm on BBC One. The finalists will battle it in the toughest task yet to win the coveted six figure salary with multi-millionaire, no-nonsense businessman, Sir Alan Sugar.

The fifth series of the job interview from hell has regularly pulled in the highest ratings yet, with the launch episode attracting over 8 million viewers. Sir Alan is aided once again by his advisers, Nick Hewer and Margaret Mountford, as he sorts the wheat from the chaff in a series of gruelling tasks and explosive boardroom scenes.

Viewers will be kept on the edge of their seats as they find out who will hear the sought after words: “You’re Hired!”.

For further information contact: Ashley.charles@taylorherring.com

Each team is given 10 identical items to sell in a day, including a medical skeleton, an old fashioned commode chair, an oriental rug, a box of books and a pair of vintage shoes. With a warning not to take anything at face value, the teams have until 6.00pm to sell everything for a profit. But first they must work out how much everything is worth. So, will it be a bargain hunt or sale of the century as the candidates attempt to identify the hidden gems and spot the red herrings?

As ever, Nick and Margaret are on hand to keep a watchful eye over proceedings. In the boardroom, Sir Alan will decide who’s proved priceless and who’s been worthless as one more person finds themselves in the firing line.

The Apprentice, tonight at 9pm on BBC One

The candidates must come up with a completely original product that tones and flexes muscles and they must create a distinctive poster to promote their products unique properties. Finally they must demonstrate their pitching skills to three industry experts to maximise in the hope of securing orders. With just a couple of days to complete their task, who has the stamina to keep going and who will fall at the first hurdle?

As ever, Nick and Margaret are there to keep a watchful eye on proceedings and in the boardroom one more candidate finds themselves on the ropes as Sir Alan delivers the killer blow with the immortal words: ‘You’re Fired!’.

Additionally, each episode of The Apprentice Series 5 will be available to own seven days after it airs on BBC One. A ‘series-pass’ option will also allow customers to purchase the entire series at a discounted price.

Rupert Brankin-Frisby, Commercial Director, talkbackTHAMES commented, “We are always looking at ways to extend the viewer’s enjoyment of The Apprentice . The public have a huge appetite for the show. Extending from the television series, to the website, iPlayer, the DVD and now on iTunes is natural progression for the brand.”

The launch is part of a wider deal between FremantleMedia Enterprises (FME) and iTunes where FME will offer its award-winning programming on the iTunes Store in the UK ( www.itunes.co.uk ). Other titles soon to be released on iTunes include Baywatch , Homicide: Life on the Street and The Sweeney on Monday, 6th April.

The deal was brokered by Pete Kalhan, SVP Home Entertainment and Archive Sales, UK on behalf of FME.

Said Kalhan, “We already have shows on iTunes in the US, so this UK deal expands our current relationship, offering further content and access to some of the most renowned UK brands in the FME catalogue.”

They have to pitch for lunchtime business in top city firms and create apetising new menus for a prestigious canapé reception which must be executed to perfection. As well as sourcing the ingredients, the teams must make, deliver and serve all the food themselves. But with hungry mouths to feed and picky clients in tow it isn’t long before things go wrong in the kitchen and in the boardroom.

As ever, Nick and Margaret are there to keep a watchful eye on proceedings and in the boardroom one more candidate finds themselves on the ropes as Sir Alan delivers  the immortal words: ‘You’re Fired!’.

The Apprentice, 9pm, Wednesday on BBC One