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June 08 You’re Hired! Yasmina Siadatan
So despite Kate’s all-round perfection and her big shiny teeth, it’s 27-year-old Yasmina left holding the most famous job on television. We caught up with the winner of The Apprentice 2009 to discuss victory, mistakes and Sir Alan for Prime Minister…
Congratulations Yasmina! What do you think swung it for you? Thanks, I’m still in shock. Well, Kate and I are very different people and I just think that the kind of job Sir Alan’s got lined up for the winner was gonna fit somebody like me that better than somebody like Kate.
Was Kate “too perfect” to win the Apprentice? When people make mistakes you can see their true character. And if people do push themselves really far then they are more likely to make mistakes. I think Sir Alan wanted to see somebody that was gonna really push themselves. I was a bit of a yoyo, I did make mistakes, but then my highs were higher than Kate’s. So yeah, her perfection was her downfall.
Do you think Philip played a part in her downfall too? I don’t think so. I think it caused Phil some problems and had a part to play in him getting fired but I think the way that Kate handles herself is fantastic, the girl is spot on. I think other women perhaps might have crumbled under that kind of pressure. She’s a very strong girl.
Your chocolates in the final task were quite shocking and feisty - does that sum you up? [Laughs] Well yeah, that was the whole point. And looking back, it really did epitomise everything I stand for, that I’m willing to take that risk. You can’t win The Apprentice without taking risks and I think I’ve proven that.
All the fired candidates came back for the last task – which ones were you looking forward to working with again? Debra and I clashed cos we were very similar, so we didn’t find it easy to work with each other. We definitely didn’t bring out the best in each other. Whereas, I didn’t work with Howard until the final task but when I did it was a real pleasure. I enjoyed working with everybody really but I always knew Kate would be my biggest competition.
Some candidates seem to go on the show to pick up media jobs afterwards. Do you fancy staying in the spotlight? Nah, not really. In fact I was really shocked by the whole thing. I was kind of astounded at how interested people are in people that go on The Apprentice. At the end of the day, I just went on there to get a job, and all of a sudden people are interested in my boyfriend and my dad and my mum and I’m like, wow this is crazy. So no, not interested.
How brutal were those interviews in the semi-final episode? And has it made you re-think your C.V? It’s not a real interview situation, they’re pushing your buttons to see how you react and to see what your personality’s like. I hadn’t thought about my company accounts for three or four months, so I got all flustered. There was nothing wrong with my C.V.; I just got floundered cos I was being interrogated.
Were there any moments where you doubted your ability? Yeah loads. Just before the presentation in the final episode, I’d never been so scared in my whole life. You’re waiting to come on and you don’t know if you’re gonna mess it up and you’re terrified. And not only that; it’s gonna be on the telly. And you’re up against Kate – the best pitcher of the series. It was big pressure.
How is the £100,000 salary gonna change your life? The money itself isn’t really gonna change me. I love going camping, I love eating out, I love spoiling my friends if I’ve got some money, so I’ll just be the same old ‘Mina but I’ll be working in a whole new industry.
Sir Alan’s in parliament now but how about Sir Alan for Prime Minister? I think Sir Alan would be a good Prime Minister because he’s got the real business skill. But on the other hand, running the country is obviously a really hard job and I want Sir Alan to have more of a nice life cos it doesn’t look like Gordon Brown is enjoying himself at the moment! I really like Sir Alan and I’d hate to see him go through that.
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June 07 Live Blog - The Grand FinalClick F5 to refresh your screen and keep up with the live blog. Click here at any time throughout the show to leave your views... SHOW STARTS: It's the Grand Final of The Apprentice 2009 and for the two remaining candidates, it is the toughest challenge yet. Kate and Yasmina have just three days to create and brand a new box of chocolates with 'original flavours' before launching them to an audience of more than 100 industry experts. ...Sure, it would be okay if that was the only thing to contend with but some of the fired candidates are back to help (ahem!) - Will their man management be up to scratch? (After Yasmina's prize cock-up with her accounts, if Kate doesn't win it'll be a travesty!)
Who do you think deserves the title of Apprentice 2009? Click here to leave your views... "This is a job interview from hell. First prize you get to work for me, second prize doesn't exist!" 21.05 - They get the call and as they get ready, Yasmina reveals it's all or nothing. "Coming 2nd is like coming 20th - It's about coming first, I want that job".
21.07 - The task is revealed and as it's a tough one, so the girls are offered 'some help'. A selection of fired candidates enter... Yasmina is asked to choose heads or tails
- Tails it is so she can choose first. Yasmina chooses: Howard Lorriane James and Philip (Kate avoided selecting him) Kate chooses: Ben, Debra, Kim and Rocky 21.09 - Mmm..? When it comes to target markets, Yasmina's team opt to aim for men??? Kates team (or should I say Ben) comes up with a cracker! A box of chocolates designed to share between a man and a woman. Kate loves the idea of sharing... "It's never been done before!"
21.10 - Ben cracks me up, as alway she takes it one step too dar by sugesting that the box be in the shape of a 69! Kate nips his brainstorming in the bud, "This is about sharing, romance and passion. I draw the line at sexual acts!"
21.12 - Yasmina's team aren't listening. They take a poll from men on the male chocolate idea and the guys blow it out of the water... After their Q and A Philip insists it's just because it's a new idea and never been done, but Yasmina's forced to think twice when she's told that it's women that buy the chocs. Do you really want to isolate half your market?
21.15 - Yasmina decides to go with the name Coco Electric and adapt her concept. The chocolates will be aimed at everyone, but the chocolates will be eclectic with funky flavours.
21.17 - Kates chocolatier has other ideas about her set price. For the sophisticated, specialist flavours she's looking for (such as Sea Salt and Caramel) the price must be higher. She agrees to go up to £13 - Kaching! I know they're going for the luxury market but when Yas is flogging hers for a fiver, there could be trouble ahead...
21.22 - Kate starts off by chooseing the name Intimate Chocolate Co but when Debra returns from the chocolatier, she hates it. She has a point, "It sounds like at 'intimate' product. After much stress and deliberation they come up with a flip lid box and the name Choc D'Amour. Ah, Oui Oui!
21.24 - The Coco Electric box looks amazing! It's a slide design in black and pink and for £5 is a steal (and a great gift!)
21.25 - Yasmina's team is not too impressed with the chocolates themselves - Instead of shocking and explosive, they're a little tame. Even Sir Alan's assistant Margaret has a bash, but she's not even blown away by the chilli flavoured choc! "I'm still waiting for the explosion!"
21.27 - Kimberley is in charge of the Choc D'Amour promo ad, but Kate's finding it all a bit cliche. She gives the traditional idea of a romantic night in a real twist and the female model is asked to tie her husband up with his tie and then scoff the whole 'share' box to herself. What a cracking idea! 21.28 - Yasmina's ad and campaign reflects the box. Models are asked to look shocked, as though a taste explosion is happening... Effective enough but not as innovative as Kate's concept. Her campaign has real originality - The 'share' idea's never been done and she has Ben to thank.
21.30 - The girls prepare for thie presentations. It's a tough call as they have to address over a hundred people and there nervous. There's props to select for thie backdrop, chocolates to prepare and lay out on each table and most importantly, the speech.
21.34 - Just listening to Kate's pitch and it was all going so well until she quoted the price. The line 'For her. for him, to share...' went down a storm, as did the idea of staying in being the new going out. 21.36 - Kate is questioned by the experts and every issue relates to price. She's confident that there'll be profit and claims that the high retail was based on what's out there already (of similar quality) - But the higher price is based on the ingredients and 'luxury' of the item. I don't think that was stressed enough
21.40 - Mmm... Sir Alan didn't seem too impressed with the Coco Electric presentation. He rolls his eyes as the dancers pass him by and Philip carries a box of chocolates on a glowing tray... Then again he's never really been a fan of Pantsman has he? Yasmina is visibly nervous and a little static, but she holds her own toward the end.
21.41 - The experts love the price of Coco Electric at just £5 (Could be Kate's downfall?) - But they give the impression that some of the flavours are not to their taste. Yasmina's confident: "We have had nothing but positive feedback, especially with the strawberry and basil".
THE BOARDROOM:
Both girls have done well, but it's a toss up now. Will Sir Alan vote for the better concept from Kate or the better price plan from Yas? Kate is commended by Debra on her leadership and Debra adds that she's a worthy winner in her opinion. Sir Alan nods, but knocks Kate's confidence by discussing the price of her chocolate box. "I don'tknow anything about chocolates, but an expert on my table pointed out that this is not a 'mass market' product as you say. For the price of these chocolates, you would never sell to a mass market. You would have to start small or specialist and build a name". Kate says that's fair point, but she's happy that Sir Alan liked the overall concept. The 'share' idea was genius.
On the flip side, Yasmina went for the other end of the market.
Sir Alan was happy with the price, but the problem was the chocolates. "The weren't shocking flavours, the chocolate was the cheapest of the cheap!" Ouch! James has a moment of glory when he pipes up, "Everything we did for this task was bob on, but the only thing we couldn't do was taste the chocolates when they were finished". Yas points out that if this product was actually going to market, they would be able to head for the kitchens and make sure the taste was good - Wouldn't that mean raising the price? Better chocolate, higher costs... We're back to pricing and accounts again aren't we? Let's not forget about the Sandalwood fiasco.
Justify yourself...
Although Kate is knows as a great pitcher, she's the first to say that's not her forte - She loves to sell and can sell. She's looking to continue her self-development and eventually become a director. Yasmina says she has creativity and a spark about her that cannot grow while she's running her restaurant. Sir Alan doesn't want to put anyone out of work but Yasmina assures him that her brother will be continuing the business, so no one will be laid off.
It's decision time:
Sir Alan addresses the finalists... "Kate, I'm thinking about my organisation now and I'm thinking about where you can slot in. And what would worry me would be that it's only sales and presentation, Im wondering if I could afford you the time to move forward and what it would be and what direction it would be..." Yasmina, I think of myself at your age, in fact i was nine years younger than you when I started my business. In fact, it was two years later that that I knew I was made. I didn't have fortunes, I didn't have loads of money but I knew that I didn't need anybody else. I knew that I could do it myself and I think you can, you've done it yourself and in a funny way, will I be depriving you of that opportunity and will yoube resentful of that in the next few years... So that's the dilema I have. You are the best that I've had in this boardroom, that I promise you...
My instincts are telling me...
Yasmina, you're hired!"
 Yasmina beams and hugs Kate. She turns to Sir Alan, "Thank you so much for this opportunity. I'm going ot be the best apprentice you've ever had".
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It's Coming... The FinalIt's the Grand Final of The Apprentice and for the two remaining candidates, it is the toughest challenge yet. Kate and Yasmina have just three days to create and brand a new box of chocolates with 'original flavours' before launching them to an audience of more than 100 industry experts. ...Sure, it would be okay if that was the only thing to contend with but some of the fired candidates are back to help (ahem!) - Will their man management be up to scratch? Join me live tonight from 9pm for the live blog. I'll be here when the show airs to give you my views on the Grand Finale, I can't wait to hear what you think...
After Yasmina's prize cock-up with her accounts, if Kate doesn't win it'll be a travesty! Who do you think deserves the title of Apprentice 2009?
Click here to leave your views... See you tonight...
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Exit Interviews"I don't talk behind people's back. If I don't particularly like them, they'll know it. I'll say it to their face and sometimes that directness and honesty - some people do find it abrasive. But I'm not a bullsh****r and I don't lie to people. Maybe the world would like it a bit better if I smiled at people's faces and talked behind their backs, but that's not who I am."
Lorraine, Debra or James? Read our full interview with the three fired candidates to find out! More soon...
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June 03 Live Blog - Episode 11It's time... The live blog is running now, feel free to join in throughout the show (or afterward) by clicking here... Press F5 to refresh your screen and keep up with the live updates... Tonight, the five remaining candidates must face their biggest verbal challenge yet. Sir Alan is going to test their character by probing into every aspect of their personal and professional lives and to do it - They face the dreaded interviews!
 Four of Sir Alan's trusted business colleagues head the questioning but that's not the half of it... If they can pass the test and make the final, it's off to the boardroom for a meeting with Sir Alan himself!
So how will the final five fair? They're off to meet Sir Alan...  It's not good news. The candidates are advised that they will each face a set of interviews and on their completion Sir Alan says, "One of you could go or three of you could go!"
In these interviews, candidates will discuss their CV's, previous work experience, attitude to work, references and personal statement.
They all seem to be looking forward to the interviews, except Lorraine. "I'm petrified and nervous, and I'm good in interviews!"
21.10 - James is ripped to shreds. His CV is described as "Extremely bad - It's filled with telecoms jargon and it's not impressive, it's unreadable! James tries to explain that it's specific to the industry, but that doesn't wash.
21.15 - Kate does well. My first impression of her is positive and confident. She's currently a licensing manager for a large coffee chain, has worked in marketing and has a degree - so she knows her stuff! She explains that she would love to work for Sir Alan, wants to expand her horizons and is hoping to be successful.
I'm impressed! Focused on the questions, took a breath to think, gave precise and relevant answers - and she didn't squirm at all.
 21.18 - Ouch! Yasmina was thrown completely, you could literally see her shaking! In interview she was pulled first on her accounts... She claimed that her restaurant made four and a half percent gross profit - it didn't (they checked!) She couldn't believe that they had copies of her accounts! Then, her figures for turnover were scuppered too... I've never seen Yas so out of her depth, she tripped over her words and lost it - He ate her alive! 21.22 - Lorraine is pulled for claiming that her last employment started in May 07 when it was May 08 - 12 months is a significant amount of time.
21.24 - Back with James and good lord, he's sweating. He starts to rise to the onslaught of questions and admits he's finding it hard to cope with. When he described what he does he wrote, "I put a leash on those who sp*nk money up the wall!" He's asked if he really thinks Sir Alan wants someone who'll use that sort of language to describe his vocation. There's nothing he can say...
21.26 - It's Debra's turn and she's being accued of not being a team player (correct!) - She say sthat she loves working in a team but the panel don't believe her. We have comments from people who work with you and have worked for you. "You either love her or hate her and most people hate her.." She's accused of being ruthless, "Ruthless is a word I don't like to use... I know what I want. I don't see any reason why people would hate me." 21.27 - Kate is fantastic but plastic it seems! "Your interview technique is flawless, but I'm not seeing any fire - It's all quite robotic". She has examples at the ready... "I don't think you can get anywhere in business without passion. I was the youngest person (at 16) to start the McDonalds Management Program so to do that so early, it can't be said that I have no fire". She's asked about her relationship with Philip Taylor, but she brushes this off and explains that she didn't feel it had anything to do with the process (regardless of the fact that it was brought up in the boardroom) - So there! 21.30 - THE BOARDROOM
The panel were not impressed with Lorraine and said it was impossible to shut her up. She said that her intuition was something Sir Alan would find useful and understand, but added to another panelist that it was verging on psychic ability - Instant turn off! "She thinks she's Mystic Meg!" - She also spoke far too much about her family and situations...
The panel say, "She'll drive you mad!"  Yasmina is commended on her passion as she actually got up and started her own business.. The main issue with Yas was that she lost it after her accounts were revealed. She was also questioned about borrowing money from her mum and then giving her just 1% of the business - Was that ethical?
Sir Alan points out that he went to his parents when he needed things starting out (so I guess she's got his support on that one eh?) Kate gets rave reviews (based on her confidence and skill), but loses points for her fears about working with women. "Women are moaning, emotional and bitchy" - Sir Alan replies, "I'm glad you said that!"
The panel give her full marks though, "She was professional and confident. She won't let you down!" Debra doesn't come out smelling of roses. Sir Alan isn't shocked that she's no team player, but he's disappointed that it's splattered all over her references - other staff don't like her. She alienates people... The panel say, "She'll do anything to get a sale, but she'll step on people to do it - She'll upset staff!" Poor James is just painted as a joker who's lucky to have made it this far... He has little to say in reply. He was given one final chance to impress and told the panel that he'd like Sir Alan to be like Willy Wonka and give him that golden opportunity - Not really something about you that James! SIR ALAN SAYS: "We need to remember with you Debra that you're only 23 (What? She looks older) - But you really do have no understanding about how you work with people, you alienate them. That shows naivity to me..."
"Kate, I'm concerned about how you come across... It's almost robotic". Kate takes that as a compliment as she says it shows control, Sir Alan disagrees...
"James I've taken on board everything you've said and there's nothing wrong with being friendly and nice. You make people laugh and you've made me laugh in this boardroom, but I think you're a corporate man and there's no place for that in this business... It's with regret that I say, you're fired!"
I love James, he's a hero and he's made this show! James agrees that Sir Alan made the right choice, but he's gutted the experience is over. "I didn't even think I'd get near that interview room!"
Sir Alan: "James had a terrible tendency of putting his foot in his mouth. There's a time for having light hearted people around and there's a time for business - That's why I had to fired him". Who's next?
"Kate, you may be controlled, but you have to have some passion. Personality has the ability to open doors, but character keeps it open." "Lorraine, I'm worried about how you look at this, with the instincts and the after the horse has bolted statements". Lorraine replies, "What I've learned from this is that I should have pushed my insticts more and I will take that with me in the future". He shakes his head, "You can take it with you now. I have to think what's best for my company, you're fired!"
I feel for Lorraine. She said that she wanted to come on this show to do more than what she'd done with her life - That's quite sad and shows how low her self-esteem is. She has two children who she's very proud of and managed to get on this show. Her attitude to herself lost her this. Sir Alan: "She had some great expressions like 'I'm a slow burner in the up-take department' but she upset a lot of people to get here, that's why she had to go". But that's not all... Sir Alan's just taking a break.
So will it be Yasmina, Debra or Kate? Kate is the first to be told she's through to the final. It's between Debra and Yas and if you ask me, I think it will be Yas. Debra's had nothing but knocks tonight for alienating others and her gung-ho attitude. Correct! Debra's fired, but Sir Alan seems unsure and is the first to tell her to "Keep in touch". Mmm... He doesn't say that to everyone you know!
Sir Alan adds, "Debra is so aggressive, that is the reason that I've had to let her go". I think her attitude is more down to environment than anything else - She works in cut throat sales for crying out loud! I do agree with Sir Alan tonight though. Both Yas and Kate have proved themselves team players and that's obviously what's got them through. I'm sure Debra will go far, but like Sir Alan said "it's easy to forget you're so young". She needs more experience... and lessons in 'nice'. Sunday's Final: On Sunday the ex-candidates return to help Kate and Yas create and launch a brand new box of chocolates, then it's off to Sir Alan for the fianl decision. Selena x
PS - Line of the evening goes to Jo Brand on BBC 2's The Apprentice: You're Fired! She loved James and said he lifted the show and should have made the final (on entertainment alone) - "You were like Price Cheery Kn*bhead!" I couldn't have said it better myself Jo.
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The Interviews!Join me tonight from 9pm for the penultimate episode of The Apprentice. I'll be here to blog the episode live and can't wait to hear what you think...
Tonight, the five remaining candidates must face their biggest verbal challenge yet. Sir Alan is going to test their character by probing into every aspect of their personal and professional lives and to do it - They face the dreaded interviews!
Four of Sir Alan's trusted business colleagues head the questioning but that's not the half of it... If they can pass the test and make the final, it's off to the boardroom for a meeting with Sir Alan himself!
See you tonight at 9pm...
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May 30 The Apprentice Final - Time Slot Changed
Instead of being aired on Wednesday, the conclusion of series five will air on Sunday the 7th of June at 9pm. This means the show won't clash with ITV's coverage of England's World Cup qualifier. A BBC spokesperson said "We appreciate that many viewers will want to watch both The Apprentice final and the England World Cup qualifier. Our priority is to schedule programmes in a way that offers viewers the best experience possible." On Wednesday the remaining candidates will face the tough interview round, and the winner will be announced in the final show on Sunday. An additional programme 'Why I Fired Them' will also be broadcast the same day. Who will Sir Alan choose out of Yasmina, Lorraine, Debra, James and Kate? Don't forget the change whatever you do. See you for the Live Blog on Wednesday... Selena x Love this blog?
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Apprentice Interview"Kate: She's got the set of skills that anyone would want in a large organisation like Amstrad. You could put her in charge of any account, in front of any client, managing any team and you know she'd do a brilliant job. She's the person you want in your company."
Who do you think is Kate's biggest fan? Nope, it's not Philip...
Click here to find out...
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May 27 Live Blog - Week 10There's only six candidates left and the pressure is on. Who will make it through to the penultimate task?
Click 'add a comment' below to leave your views and don't forget to click F5 to refresh and keep up with the blog.
This week, Sir Alan revisits an old faithful. He sets the teams one of his favourite tasks, selling live on telly - Ha! It always sorts the men from the boys. They arrive at Alexandra Palace and Sir Alan reveals that they must choose from thousands of products, and then sell, sell, sell during one hour of live television. You can see the nerves and feel the tension. Some of the candidates smile, but Sir Alan's not looking for a TV presenter - He's searching for "someone with real business flair". I just hope the candidates don't get carried away and remember the point of the task. Who will identify the right products for the right market and sell the most? THE TASK: 21.05 - Howard has volunteered as PM for team Ignite. 21.08 - The teams have a sneak peek behind the scenes at the shopping channel. They are terrified by the studio scenario and it's obvious there's a lot to take in When presenting there are two slots. The Project Manager must choose one candidate to present alone and a pair to perform together. 21.12 - Lorraine is rehearsing her TV pitch and the producers are mortified. She's trying to sell a sat-nav and mentions everything from 'speeding' to 'accidents'. She hears in her earpiece: "Don't talk about accidents Lorraine, you're not allowed to scare them!" 21.14 - Good Lord, Howard is a natural at presenting. The girls can't believe how good he looks and sounds... "You better than me and Kate." Kate feels insulted and moans about Lorraine's comment. Considering Lorraine was awful, Howard says he'll work with her. He's happy to let Kate present alone. 21.16 - Time to take a look at the products. Kate takes a look at a high priced but low fat chip pan. Meanwhile Lorraine and Howard are playing with toys. Lorraine loves the interactive Dinosaur (that develops a personality), but he's expensive. They also like the infra-red guitar (so do I - I want one!) - It's just the head of a guitar and you strum the invisible beams that fly from it to play. 21.18 - Lorraine thinks that Howard's not 'The Apprentice'. "I want Howard to go, he doesn't take any risks!" 21.20 - Gutted! Howard and Lorraine must sell Kate's (awful and highpriced) items. She chose the chip pan and a gold and leather jacket (from hell!) 21.23 - Yasmina and James work together as a pair. They have a remote controlled car and the hair grip to flog, but they fluff the price just as Sir ALan's watching. They quote £9.99 for 3 hair grips, but the price on screen is £17.99. Fortunately James manages to save the day, his comedic patter makes Sir Alan giggle and he wonders if he's scripted this (he hasn't, he's just that good - I think we've found James's niche. 21.27 - Debra has the Grabasaurus at £24.99 and Polo Pancho at £9.99. She does well considering she's alone and SIr Alan is impressed that the products are cheap and appear to be flying out. 21.30 - Good Lord that golden jacket of Kate's is blingtastic! At £149.99 they need to justify the price, but Sir Alan can see it selling. From his secret room he's interested in what's next... 21.31 - Sir Alan's impressed that Ignite have chosen higher priced products - "They only have to sell one of those fat fryers and that's equal to fourteen of those poncho things!" 21.32 - Kate's doing a good job coaching from the gallery. She tells Howard and Lorraine to ask "Who likes chips?" and to taste the food that's cooked. 21.33 - Now it's Kate's turn to sell and although the bejewelled animals are a poor product choice (in Sir Alan's opinion), the infra-red guitar goes down a storm. She's standing on the couch and playing it! THE BOARDROOM: 21.35 - The teams look shocked when SIr Alan says he doesn't need Nick and Margaret's help this time. "I sat yesterday and watched you all!" Ignite are happy with Howard as their PM. Kate says, "There was a lot of prep and discussion before hand. We were confident in what we were doing." Sir ALan turns to the products and questions the prices. "Those jackets were Benidorm specials weren't they..." 21.38 - Empire are commended for their choice of products, though Sir Alan advises they should have gone for the 'happy medium'. Pricewise, something like the fat fryer was the right one to go for. Empire £1541.88 21.40 - The shopping channel actually complimented Debra on her performance. She sold close to what the presenters sell every day and the producers said, "She took to it like a duck to water". Sir Alan treats Empire to an aerobatic plane ride. He scowls at Ignite, "The fryer was the best product, but you just didn't sell it!!" 21.44 - Lorraine thinks that Howard should be fired as he wouldn't take any risks. She tells both he and Kate that she's going in there to talk about her. "It's not about you and Kate". That's not the best plan - She's just asking for Howard and Kate to attack her. Kate is gutted that they lost by £200. "We only needed to sell two more of those fryers". 21.45 - Sir Alan reveals that the craft cat and dog only sold one item. That was one of Kate's, but Howard defends her. Sadly he can't defend her for long. Sir Alan adds, "You only sold 10% of the guitars too and when you came on you were like a robot!" 21.46 - Margaret points out that guitar was a let down when they had the chance of selling the Dinosaur. They only sold 10% of the guitars that they normally would in that hour. Lorraine says that she wanted the Dinosaur and again says "I should have pushed it through on my instinct". Howard's had enough and tells Sir Alan that her 'pushing' was weak. Sir Alan agrees that she should have tried harder but adds that Howard didn't take the risk. 21.49 - Ouch! Kates sales were poor in comparison to Debra. Debra sold £940 alone and she only managed £277. I think Lorraine should go as she didn't even research the products. She rants on about how good the fryer was as a product, but Kate reveals that she had no idea the instructions were in the recipe book. She had the product the night before, it sounds like she hadn't even opened the box. Oh, and she was pants when it came to the TV pitch ...Well Howard thought so, he felt the ned to babysit her. THE FACE OFF: 21.51 - Sir Alan tells Howard that he's looking for someone who takes risks and he's worries he's too cautious. "I'm ambitious and I have the skill set to be the next apprentice. If you think I lacked ambition this week, I'll take it on board and move on with it." 21.52 - Lorraine: "I'm ten years out of this, ten years rearing my children. I think you're inspirational. I'm right for this, I have the skills but I need someone like you to spot it." 21.54 - Kate: "This is only my second time in the boardroom. I'm not a one trick pony, I've been te best seller on tasks and I'm enthusiastic." Sir Alan: "Kate, you say you're not a one trick pony but I think there's grounds here that you are. Howard, you're a steady Eddie. I need someone (in these tough times), that's special. Lorraine, I don't think that age matters - Age is experience. I'll use your own words... You're a slow burner in the thought process and you seem to make your mind up after the fact." 21.56 - "Howard, you're fired!" Howard leaves the competition tonight. I can't believe it! When is Lorraine going to leave? If you ask me it was Nick who saved her tonight. Howard shakes his head in the cab: "I'm gutted, I really wanted to go all the way through this process. If Sir Alan thinks I didn't take risks then maybe I need to be more maverick in the future." Do you think the right candidate left tonight? When will we see the back of Lorraine? Selena x Love this blog?
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Episode 10 Preview Clip
The Apprentice, Wednesday at 9pm on BBC One May 26 Episode 10 - Sneak Peek!
This week, Sir Alan revisits an old faithful. He sets the teams one of his favourite tasks, selling live on telly - It always sorts the men from the boys! The teams must choose from thousands of products, and then sell, sell, sell during one hour of live television. But Sir Alan's not looking for a TV presenter, he's searching for a business brain. I just hope the candidates don't get carried away and remember the point of the task. Who will identify the right products for the right market and sell the most? I can't wait to see them 'go live'. See you tomorrow at 9pm for the Live Blog... Selena x Love this blog?
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May 25 Sir Alan: Sandhurst, So What!Does it mean that certain candidates are 'more famous' than others if they refuse their press conference and keep their interviews exclusive? I'm beginning to think that some of these hopefuls are letting it all go to their head!
 Anyway... For some reason (like Philip before him), Ben chose to keep his interview exclusive and I have to say I'm surprised. I'd have thought after all the jibes about Sandhurst and the 'has he' or 'hasn't he' rumours about his scholarship, he'd want to shout the truth from every rooftop and let us all know that we were wrong. You see, it appears that Ben does have a scholarship after all...
Ben told the BBC: "Sandhurst, right... It's not that I didn't go, it's that I haven't been yet. My scholarship allows me to start anytime up until 2011. I think it's a fantastic place, a great opportunity for a great education but like most 22 year olds, I still don't have a bloody clue what I want to do with my life."
Ben was monumentally mocked about his constant namedropping prior to being fired on Wednesday...
He said, "The reason you shouldn't fire me Sir Alan is because I have shown you that I have got raw business talent, I've shown you that I've got raw acumen. I've shown you that I can be a complete grafter...I can compete at a world class level. I've had an army scholarship to Sandhurst." Sir Alan shouted, "Don't start banging on about bloody Sandhurst again. I was in the Jewish Lad's Brigade, Stamford Hill Division, but it didn't make me sell computers when I got older!" Referring to series three candidate Paul Callaghan, he sniped,"I've had the Sandhurst group in here before and one of them couldn't cook a sausage on a baked bean can so that doesn't mean anything to me." I couldn't have said it better myself Al.
More soon...
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May 22 Young Apprentice Launched!
And now, if a knighthood and his own TV show isn't enough... He's looking for a teenager to follow in his footsteps! Are you 16/17 with real potential, determination and raw business talent? Then Sir Alan wants you!
If you think you have what it takes to be the next Sir Alan Sugar or if you know someone who you think has real potential then encourage them to apply online now. (Don't feel left out grown up apprentice wannabes. You can apply here.)
More soon...
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May 20 Live Blog - Episode 9SHOW STARTS:
It's week 9 and after enjoying last week's task, I'm pleased to say that this week's is similar.
Ben and Yasmina move to Empire and Howard to Ignite. They have just one day to select their products and the competition is fierce as there are hundreds of exhibitors at the show. If they choose the wrong items then the whole project could stink like a dirty diaper. This is not the time for the hard sell either, at least half of their buyers will be pregnant women! Dont get too 'pushy' guys... (Sorry, couldn't help myself) THE TASK: They have 6 hours to select their products and Yas and James are off to look at a birthing pool... Mmm... Howard goes to see a very strange baby head guard (that looks like a rugby helmet with ears) and on the flip side we have Lorraine looking at a push chair and Ben and Debra viewing a beautiful (but expensive) rocking horse. Where next? Good lord, someone's trying to sell soft high heels for babies! Ben and Debra are hoping that James will go for the rocking horses as they only need to sell one to make a whopping profit. James is torn between a couple of the products, but Lorraine's team have made their selection. James and Empire have selected the birthing pool and the rocking horses. Ignite have gone for the 'new folding' pram (what's good about that) and the head guards? James has the line of the night, "If I could give you a pep talk for tomorrow it would be... Sell.. The.. Bloody.. Rocking... Horse!" OFF TO THE BABY SHOW: Ouch! Lorraine is gutted to find her pushchair for sale on the stall next to her! "I didn't consider the 200 hundred other independents and someone else has got it and are pushing the price!" Things go from bad to worse when she can't collapse it during a demonstration and someone steps in to help. Howard says it all... "The customer shouldn't be showing us how to do it - It's not good!" Over with Ignite and the rocking horse is drawing attention but no buyers. The birthing pool is flying out at just £74. Back with Empire and I have to give them credit, it's the lunchtime rush and they're selling more helmets than you can shake a stick at. I'm gobsmacked. I thought those helmets would go nowhere, but they're playing on the 'guilt factor' and parents are buying it. "God forbid my baby has an accident after I've had the chance to buy one of them!" It's still not working for Lorraine. Prospective customers are returning and advising that the same buggy is £35 cheaper on the next stall. They're asked to match the price but Lorraine refuses. A similar thing is happening over with Ignite. A family have taken an interest in the rocking chair, but the father want a whopping £200 off the price. Debra gives it her best shot, but i'm surprised she refused the discount in the end. The guy walked and she lost the sale. THE RESULT: Empire made £722 Ignite made £1639 Sir Alan points out that buying a "high ticket price item (the rocking horse) is a risky strategy". It was Empire's downfall, if only they'd managed to sell the ruddy thing - They'd have won! Ignite pulled it out of the bag with their buggies and helmets, two whack 'em out items. Even I want one of those helmets now, they really knew how to make parents feel guilty and play on their fears. Great sellers - no mercy. THE BOARDROOM: Debra says that she will be mortified if James doesn't go tonight. "Every new family needs a buggy," she's blaming his choice of items. Sir Alan says exactly the same thing in the boardroom and James disagrees. "I think we lost because we didn't concentrate our efforts and sell as many pools as they did buggies". Sir Alan agrees that 'someone' did obsess about the rocking horse, "when they could have been doing other things". Debra bites as this is directed at her, she tries to say that the rocking horse was a great product but she's shot down. The team jump on her and all say that she had no interest in any other product. As far as she was concerned it had to be the rocking horse, there was nothing else. The main problem Sir Alan has is that Ben and Debra did not negotiate the base price for the rocking horse. This caused Debra to lose the horse sale as she had no wiggle room and couldn't drop the price. Ben gets Sir Alan's back up, he claims that they tried to get the price down. "Be careful before you say that, I always check up and when I spoke to the guy he said he would have dropped the price if pushed". Uh-oh! No surprise.. Sir Alan asks "Why should I keep you?" James: "I make sensible decisions and the most important thing is getting on with people. You could put me into a sensitive situation and I could work it out, you put Debra in there and they'd be striking in the first week!" Debra: "I think Margaret and Nick will have seen what I can do.." Sir Alan interupts.. "I was hoping that you would take on board what I have said before, but all I'm hearing is that you're alienating people... These two here have seen you and they're not your biggest fans!" Debra: "I'm not trying to alienate peole. I'm trying to get to a goal. I've worked for a company for the last year and have been one of their top sales people. I'm trying very very hard to go from a piece of coal to the diamond you want". Sir Alan sums up, "Ben - You over hype your abilities, but at the end of this I started seeing a bright shining light. Debra - as I say you haven't shown that you're listening and we're not your biggest fans... James, I think in this hard world being the nice guy is not always the best thing". Sir Alan has a fidgeting finger... "This is hard for me this week. I think the light at the end of the tunnel has gone out. Ben, I think it's time for you to leave this process". Sir Alan turns to Debra. "I don't know what's making me keep you - Sheer belligerence. I've got two people here tellling me to kick your arse out the door. I don't know what it is, sheer bloody belligerence". Just get her out! Ben leaves tonight... Love this blog?
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May 19 Episode 9 - Sneak Peek!
As before, each team must choose the right innovative product that they think will impress (and sell!). Then it's off to London's Olympia, to flog them to all comers at the country's biggest baby show. They have just one day to select their products and then sell, sell, sell! There are hundreds of exhibitors at the show and competition is fierce, if they choose the wrong items then the whole project could stink like a dirty diaper. As always, the team who rake in the readies will live to fight another day, the Mother Hubbard's will be up for the chop! Who do you think should go? Oh, nearly forgot... Keep your eyes peeled for James in the birthing pool - Hilarious! See you at 9pm on Wednesday for the Live Blog. I wonder who'll be out next? Love this blog?
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Mona's Interview:"I hope Ben doesn't win because I'm simply embarrassed that I got out before him. It's humiliating really - it's not something I'm going to put on my CV!"
Ouch! I guess Mona doesn't pull any punches in this one eh?
Click here for our interview with Sir Alan's latest firing...
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May 17 Mona: I Wouldn't Have Taken The JobOn leaving The Apprentice, Karichi beauty queen Mona said she wouldn't have taken the job as she didn't want to uproot her son.
"Even if I'd done extremely well and I'd got through the final, I think I would have disappointed Sir Alan because I don't think I would have uprooted him and me. It's hard enough being in a country not knowing many people, and once you've built a network of people... and then go to London and start again, it's not easy. When I got fired and I was in the cab I just kept saying: 'I'm so delighted, I'm going home.
Should candidates apply if they don't want the job? Click 'add a comment' below to leave your views... Selena x Love this blog?
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May 13 Live Blog - Episode 8This week, Sir Alan sets the eight remaining candidates their most challenging task yet.
They must use every drop of creativity and all of their marketing skills to rebrand one of Britain's seaside tourist attractions - Margate.
Once the lady of the Kent coast, Margate is now in need of 21st century makeover and both teams have just two days to create the ultimate concept.
They must produce an eye-catching series of posters and an information-packed leaflet that will attract new tourists to the town. They must then pitch their campaigns to tourism industry experts and to the residents and dignitaries of Margate... It's their town after all!
Sir Alan uses what was once the Millenium Dome as a classic example of 'rebranding'. He points out the benefit of a "good branding idea" and advises that the team with the best concept will win.
THE TASK:
Yasmina and Debra are this week's project managers. Mmm... I think Yasmina's team have made the right choice. They're discussing their branding ideas and after Lorraine suggested aiming for the family market, Kate agreed. It makes perfect sense for a seaside town such as this. Just think of Blackpool's popularity for example...
No, no, no... Debra's team have gone for the 'gay market' as they put it. Mona wanted to go for families, but she was shot down in seconds. I'm not sure if this is the way to go, I mean they walk into a local gay bar and it's empty. They should have researched it first.
Each team must have a slogan for their campaign.
Ben suggests...
"Shellebrate family fun!" Lorraine likes...
"See Margate through children's eyes!"
and Howard likes...
"Things are changing!" Howard chose his slogan after James said it numerous times during a research trip. James advised that Margate is supposed to be known for it's "blue rinse brigade", so if they're aiming for the gay market they have to emphasis that that's not the case anymore.
THE PHOTOSHOOTS:
Both teams have just one day to campture Margate on camera. Unfortunately there's nothing but fog on shoot day, so Mona takes her gay shoot into the local club. Assistant judge Nick is worried that the models aren't getting enough direction. "It's all looking a bit wooden".
With the fog lifted, they head to the beach and I have to admit that some of their male couple shots look fantastic.
At the other end of the beach Ben has taken over the family photoshoot, but Lorraine is concerned that his shots are just too static. She decides to have a go and they capture some great beachball moments between father and son.
The problem arises when Yasmina receives the pics via email and is not happy. "We agreed to have a blank space on the photograph to have the text. There are no blank spaces, so we're going to have to put the text around it".
...Needless to say when Ben and Lorraine arrive back in London, Lorraine hates the fact that the photos have had to be cropped and text bars added top and bottom. "The photo should be the ad and the words added to it". But that's what Debra was trying to do Lorraine. That's why you were supposed to take a photo WITH A SPACE! Grrr....
Debra's team love their photos (and so do I), but there's only 30 minutes till the marketing material goes to print and they're only just starting on their leaflet. Awful time management from the PM. THE PITCH:
Both teams pitch to a panel of tourism experts...
I'm disappointed that Debra's team left half of their leaflet blank and ruined their posters with words. They piled so much text onto the poster that the panel pointed out they should have less than ten words. "What have you got, like 70 words - That's not a poster". The people of Margate said they were dreadful. "It's impossible to read all that text in the time. Posters should just go bang!" I think she means they should pop, but I'm sure it's the excitement of being on telly.
Empire had some fantastic photos and could have made such a striking campaign. It was a cop out to say they had left gaps on the leaflet for local businesses to advertise. The panel saw right through it and I'm sure that will go against them...
Even though their images had little impact, Yasmina's team seemed to come out on top. There campaign was safe, but they made some great choices with text and layout. Lorraine's "through the eyes of children" slogan also went down well. Dull, but effective.
The panel though the images were simple, but they questioned how the Margate posters could be identified when placed next to ten others. Lorraine tried to say that they used colour to connect the posters and make them identifiable, but the panel dismissed this and pointed out that Margate's unique attributes are lost in the text. They didn't advertise what Margate has to offer and the logo was far too small.
THE BOARDROOM:
Tourism Panel
Empire 4 out of 10
Ignite 7 out of 10
Residents
Empire 4 out of 10 Ignite 7 out of 10 Empire lose out and it's a shame considering the images they had. Unfortunately it's their own fault as they didn't spend enough time working on the products. Their concept was too subtle and their execution poor.
Sir Alan has plenty to say to Empire...
"You made a brave move choosing the gay market, but then you whispered the message". Howard says that they didn't want to isolate the people of Margate, but Sir Alan points out that from their research 'the people' didn't have an issue. Margaret pointed out that the teams posters were not up to scratch. "You should have had one picture, not four and just ten words". I agree, they had some stunning images of same-sex couples on the beach with a rainbow flag. I know it sounds cliche, but they were fun, young and fresh...
Sir Alan asks Mona why she didn't give the group some pointers as she's local to Kent. "I did say that I thought we should aim this at families and I didn't like the concept, but Debra didn't listen - Nobody listened". Sir Alan says that Margaret and Nick have been watching her and she doesn't seem to have many of her own ideas, but Mona shakes her head. "Sometimes Margaret and Nick aren't there so they don't always listen". Mmm... Think that was a bad idea, Sir Alan's taken the huff - "They don't miss much Mona!"
James tells Sir Alan that Mona wasn't behind the concept even when it was decided. "Creatively she made minimal effort". Mona disagrees, but the other members of Empire all nod along.
I thought James tried hard this week and came up with some good ideas for the shoot and the campaign, I have no idea why Debra decides to take Mona and James into the boardroom.
When staring down the barrel, James explains that Debra is impossible to work with as she's so agressive and "is a bit of a bulldog". He adds that he may have taken a few duff photos, but Mona was responsible for about 6 hours worth of pics.
Sir Alan accuses Mona of sitting back every week and just letting everyone else get on with it. She disagrees, but Sir Alan points out that that's what he hears from his assistant judges and her team mates.
Debra tries to say that she was a good project manager and she wishes the shoe was on the foot, "I would have liked to be you two. I should have gone to Margate, eating fish and chips and taking a few pictures..."
Margaret points out that Debra did make a fatal error during the tourism panel's pitch. "You told them that the space on the leaflet was for advertising and then admitted that it wasn't finished. They said that you lied and with that you lost the trust of the client".
Sir Alan's heard enough and says that if nothing else, they've brought their own Punch and Judy show back from Margate!
"James, yes you've made us all laugh but I'm concerned that you've been hiding in the background, you will have to perform in the next task that I give you".
"Mona, I haven't seen any creativity... You spoke about the pier in Margate and I think that you have come to the end of your pier and this process. It's with regret Mona, you're fired!"
I thought James and Mona worked well in Margate - It should have been Debra. Her time management was shocking and she didn't give enough instruction. If I wanted space for text on those photos, they'd have gone back and taken more! Lots of shouting, but little leadership.
So it's time for Mona to take a long walk off a short pier.
She heads for the cab, but she's still smiling... "I have always been a fighter and this is not the end. I did my best". Sir Alan has the final word, "She didn't like the concept from the start. You're not there to like something, you're there to do what your boss wants you to do. She's been a bit of a passenger throughout, okay she can sell but she's been a bit of a one trick pony as far as I'm concerned - That's why I fired Mona".
Did the right candidate go tonight?
Click 'add a comment' to leave your views... Selena x Love this blog?
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