The Apprentice review: The interviews

THIS is the one everyone seems to love watching – business plans are scrutinised before gruelling and challenging interviews from some of Lord Sugar’s closest business allies.

Recalling my interview still sends shivers down my spine – I will never forget my first interview with Claude. I introduced myself and went for the handshake, he said he knew who I was and left me hanging – and that was probably the nicest bit!
 
I can honestly say I’ve never experienced pressure like it – including buying my wife’s Christmas gifts! Knowing that your fate lies in the hands of four of the most intimidating individuals in the business world is a shocking thought, and often it’s those that can remain calm under extreme pressure that are the most successful.
 
However, I’ve always been a strong believer in the phrase, ‘if you don’t believe in yourself, then no-one else will’. When taking on an interview, particularly in front of Lord Sugar’s trusted advisers, you know you are going to be attacked from every angle, and none stronger than your business plan – as I know all too well from last year (I was after all the ‘right man, wrong plan’).
 
Taking each of the candidates in turn, let’s start with Roisin. My favourite for the title, her business plan was a unique low calorie ready meal. The main problem, however, was that her product wasn’t unique at all.

Her extensive research – all six people that she spoke to at the local supermarket – should have told her this. I’m sure she’s kicking herself today with the thought of what could have been, but my advice for Roisin would be to learn from the mistake, change the plan but not the end goal, and try again.
 
If Roisin was unfortunate, Solomon was unbelievable. Apparently, his plan was made up of just four pages – hardly Hobbes’s Leviathan!

My business plan was widely considered the worst last year, but I still made the effort to draft 12 pages! Poor preparation let him down here – he has been a good candidate throughout, and I’m sure Lord Sugar would have considered his concept seriously had he made the effort.

As for Daniel, was he still in the process? I’m still struggling to determine how he came third – he had been in the final boardroom four times! I know Lord Sugar likes a ‘tryer’ but he definitely lasted 10 tasks longer than expected. My personal highlight of this episode was his lie about being named Salesman of the Year on his CV – watching him squirm was hilarious! I also enjoyed Claude making him speechless – there’s a first time for everything!
 
However, it was Solomon that gave us the moment of the episode – built up by praise from Claude on his CV, only to be shot down when he was told his business plan was a ‘disgrace’, and to leave the room. His attempt to walk out a window even brought the flicker of a smile to Claude’s face!
 
So we’re down to the final two: Mark vs Bianca – the salesman vs the concept. Mark deserves to be in final after being the top seller throughout. He may be a little sneaky sometimes, but he has been a strong candidate and his business plan is based heavily in his expertise. Sticking to what you know is the best policy, and I feel he has a great chance of winning the investment.
 
Bianca reminds me of Leah a little – quietly going about her work and improving week on week. If you look at her stats, she has been the most successful candidate throughout the process, so is definitely worth her place in the final two.

As for her plan, I don’t know much about tights, but my wife says she’s onto a winner. Certainly, Lord Sugar and his aids agreed, and if it’s based solely on the business plan, then she wins hands down.