The Apprentice: principles and profit margins [BT broadband office]

The Apprentice: principles and profit margins

Posted 19 April 2007 at 9:34AM by Simon Dickson in Light relief

A rather flat episode of The Apprentice this week, as the two teams made and sold sweeties at London Zoo. Short on howlers, short on clashes, and short on real drama in the final boardroom scene. But if you've taped the show for viewing later, best read something else.

Any one of the final three could have gone this time. Quantum physicist Dr Sophie was probably lucky to be the one in the taxi as the credits rolled; for the other two, it's just a matter of time, and not much time at that. But what exactly did Sophie think the show was about? She did realise the prize was a job with Amstrad, didn't she? This is not a company known for its altruism. (Actually... having seen Sir Alan Sugar condemn her because she couldn't sell a product she considered poor value for money, I wonder what exactly that says about his company?)

Sophie was never going to win. I'd say there is definitely a place in business for her 'fair trade' principles... but that place is definitely not under the wing of Alan Sugar. I'm just sorry we never got to see her pet product idea reach production. I mean, who hasn't felt the need for a 'dog-operated fan'?

So have you spotted a winner yet? After winning money on the Grand National, I'm feeling confident - and I'm backing Simon. He seems intelligent, likeable, and sensible in his contributions. I wouldn't be surprised to see Katie reach the final stages, along with Tre - if, as he did this week, he keeps his irritating side in check. As for the rest? I think we could be spending the next two months watching more inevitable firings.

What did you make of this week's episode? Who do you think is a potential winner? And does the show make you more or less likely to buy Amstrad products? Speak your mind in the comments below!

Tags: Alan Sugar, bbc, The Apprentice

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Comments

1. At April 19, 2007 1:46 PM, ali wrote:

i dont honestly care.

2. At April 19, 2007 9:00 PM, kim wrote:

I'm not sure about simon, he is either brilliant or a dead loss. He has held back, but sometimes that can be the key to success. Tre has some good moments, but he wont last - similar to Siad last year. Ghazal has got to go, she can talk a good line, but there is nothing to back it up when she is put under presure.

Generally the calibre of this years team is a bit disappointing but I still hope the show continues for another season.
and as for Amstrad, well Sir Alan does this for his own PR and I don't think he has done that much damage. After all he is much better known now than before the Apprentice started.
I still tape every episode and love it.

3. At April 22, 2007 3:49 PM, Paul wrote:

So, as far as Alan Sugar is concerned, Amstrad products do not represent value for money? He does not believe in the principle of making profit whilst at the same time providing a value for money product to consumers because all he cares about is squeezing as much money out of them as possible.

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