Described by Claude Littner as an ‘Australian Ricky’ - but did he live up to the reputation? 

It’s been another entertaining series of The Apprentice this year and no doubt we were all on the edge of our seats watching Bianca Miller and Mark Wright battle it out in the final task. I am sure most of us would agree that both candidates deserved to be in the final.

After a grueling 12 weeks, Mark Wright was finally crowned as the 10th Apprentice winner. And it came as no surprise; Mark showed himself to be a worthy candidate throughout the process should be congratulated on his outstanding performance. 

I am really looking forward to seeing another Apprentice winner embarking on a career in ‘selling a service’ as opposed to a commercial product. Mark’s business idea involves digital marketing and search engine optimisation to help push small and medium sized businesses up online searches. I can appreciate Mark’s business aspirations in terms of providing a service to clients/customers as similarly, my business idea was to offer a service.  

Mark should be respected for what he has achieved. His desire to start up a new business in a very competitive market place in another country was an extremely brave decision. I can completely relate to how hard it is to start a business in a crowded market place. However sometimes, its challenges like these that drive you even further to achieving your goals. 

I absolutely love watching The Apprentice and it’s no secret that year was especially exciting for me. I could never have imagined that I would be sitting on the opposite of the desk as the interviewer – when only two years ago I was an interviewee! It was a surreal experience for me. Having been a candidate myself, I can really appreciate how gruelling and intense the interview experience must have been for the remaining five candidates. 

Advice for Mark 

Lord Sugar has not just invested in Mark’s business idea; he has invested in him as a person. Mark has showed some incredible attributes throughout the 12 week process. He came across as having the right ‘people skills’ that Lord Sugar is looking for. Lord Sugar invests time and money in people who show they can commit to making their ideas happen. And having interviewed him myself, it was clear he not only had relevant knowledge, skills and experience he genuinely had the passion and drive to succeed. For those reasons, I am confident he will be successful. 

Final thoughts 

I graduated as a Biochemist back in 2006 and this fuelled my passion for a career in the Life Science sector. I then spent over seven years working in the recruitment sector on behalf of the science community. I really enjoyed working in the recruitment industry, talking to clients and candidates from the science field supporting science jobs / careers. 

At that moment in my career, I felt I had reached a point where I had the relevant qualifications and experience to set up my own recruitment agency. Those who know me, know that science is a subject I am extremely passionate about. My goal was to set up my own recruitment scientific consultancy. So in 2012 I applied for the Apprentice. Wow! What a life changing experience that was.

Winning the Apprentice and receiving that all important £250 cash injection from Lord Sugar meant that my dream became a reality. I was able to finally set up my own company, Hyper Recruitment Solutions. Two years on my ambition to develop the landscape of science recruitment and make a positive impact to the Science & Life Sciences industries is a reality. It just shows that with hard work, commitment and dedication you can achieve your goals. 

The movement you hear the words “You’re hired” your life instantly changes. I wish Mark every success with his new company and welcome him to The Apprentice family! Oh and Mark - don’t forget to think about HRS when you need to recruit for your future sales workforce - just give one of our friendly recruitment consultants a call and we will find the right people for you ;)

My advice to anyone who is thinking about setting up a new business, is to never give up on your dreams, always follow your passions. If you fail the first, second or third time, don’t give up. Think positive and keep going.

So if you’ve been inspired to follow your business dream why not apply for next year’s Apprentice. Think you’ve got what it takes to be Lord Sugar’s next business partner? Apply now what have you got to lose?