The Apprentice A quick chat with The Apprentice's Nick Hewer

Lord Sugar’s trusty assistant Nick Hewer reveals what’s in store for the new series of The Apprentice, which starts on BBC1 on Tuesday, May 10...

Let joy be unconfined. It’s that time of year again when a new batch of budding entrepreneurs battle it out to impress Britain’s most fearsome boss, Lord Alan Sugar, in a new series of The Apprentice.

This time around, instead of competing for a job in one of Lord Sugar’s companies, the 16 candidates will battle it out for a £250,000 investment from the tycoon to set up a business in which they will each have a 50 per cent share.

As usual, Lord Sugar’s trusty aides Karren Brady and Nick Hewer will be on hand to monitor the candidates’ progress and report back in the boardroom. TV&Satellite Week magazine caught up with Nick, master of the quizzically raised eyebrow, to find out what’s in store...

Why did Lord Sugar decide to invest in a business rather than offering the winner a job?
“Because he’s never satisfied with the status quo. He felt the job offer was fine, but that the prize should be something longer-lasting. What he is offering now is a potentially life-changing opportunity that, hopefully, will keep the winner in business for a long time.”

Is he looking for different qualities in the candidates?
“They have to demonstrate a number of skills needed for running a business, instead of just being good at presentation or sales. He is looking for a business partner rather than an employee. All the candidates really want it this time and they are quite serious – there’s no frivolity.”

Are the tasks different?
“The tasks have been designed to show that it is possible to start up a business in a recession, because that is what the winner will do with the prize money.”

Does it surprise you that the candidates still make the same mistakes year after year?
“No, because the mistakes are born out of the fact they are under terrific pressure – it is a cauldron in there. Of course, they are silly errors and we have a giggle about them, but would I do any better? I wonder.”

Do you have to stop yourself from saying too much during the tasks?
“I am dispassionate about it, and I don’t befriend them. I remember one candidate chumming up to Margaret once, saying how much he admired her fragrance. He nearly got a smack!”

Are you good at predicting who will win?
“We all think we’ve spotted the winner, and we always get it wrong because, by week three, they’ve usually disappeared and somebody else comes along and grows in stature. For instance, in last year’s show, Joanna, who ran a cleaning company, made huge strides while highly educated surgeon Shibby took an order for 1000 bread rolls and produced only 16!”

What is your tip for winning The Apprentice?
“Be honest, numerate and straightforward. Stella, who won last time, played it very well by not getting involved in the bitching. She was poised and adult, and a worthy winner.”

What makes you stay with the show?
“I’ve nothing else to do and nowhere else to go – and the money is quite good. Seriously, though, I do it because I enjoy the success of the programme. Being associated with that is a pleasure, and I think it provides inspiration for young people.”