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In a gripping conclusion to the 19th series of The Apprentice, Lord Alan Sugar selected Dean Franklin as his new business partner, awarding him a £250,000 investment for his air-conditioning venture, Domesticool. The finale, which aired on April 17, saw Franklin triumph over fellow finalist Anisa Khan, whose innovative Indian pizza concept had also impressed the judges.
Franklin, noted for his charisma and business acumen, stood out among this year's candidates. His performance throughout the series, including a record-breaking £38.7 million sponsorship deal during the Formula-E task, showcased his potential as a formidable entrepreneur. Lord Sugar's decision was influenced by Franklin's consistent leadership and the scalability of his business model.
Khan's culinary venture, offering a fusion of traditional Indian flavours with popular pizza formats, was a strong contender. Her pitch, which included a tasting session, received enthusiastic responses, with Lord Sugar expressing particular delight. Despite this, Franklin's broader market appeal and proven track record tipped the scales in his favour.
The finale adhered to the show's traditional format, with returning candidates assisting the finalists in developing their business plans, branding, and promotional materials. While some critics have called for a refresh of the show's structure, its enduring popularity, averaging 6.7 million viewers this season, attests to its continued relevance.
As the series concludes, applications for the 20th instalment are now open, inviting aspiring entrepreneurs to vie for a chance to become Lord Sugar's next business partner.
