Tag Archives: Helen Milligan

A lot of Apprentice tasks require a considerable degree of creativity. It has always been thus for as long as I have been watching, and the past two weeks of series eight have both put it at the heart of the tasks. I expect many more like this, because this series, like the last, is about finding a candidate with whom Lord Sugar can go into a business partnership. Tom, Helen, Jim … Starting a new business, especially for a...

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After 13 episodes (11 tasks, plus two “specials”), the Final Four candidates at last got a chance to present their business ideas, and meet Lord Sugar’s interviewers. I don’t know about you, but it was a tense time on the Clayton sofa.  I expect there are 9 million or more opinions about the outcome and many will be informed by the hindsight Tom was so often accused of. Tom’s Hindsight But, as the “You’re Hired” follow-up show reminded us, often,...

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It is fashionable to slate the candidates in The Apprentice for their failings and weaknesses.  And they certainly do all have them, but I do recall reading in a book somewhere: “Let those without sin cast the first stone” So rather than bitch about the lack of general knowledge and naivete of the candidates, or their lack of skills in this discipline or that, I want to celebrate what they bring to Lord Sugar’s table.  In Brilliant Project Leader, I advocate valuing...

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In my blog, The Apprentice: The Final Five, I make my predictions. Who do you think will win?  Take this poll. More on The Apprentice.

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Last night’s show looked at the backgrounds of the final five candidates. Whilst I am as interested as anyone, I do not want to comment on how I perceive the candidates personally, outside the four walls of my own home. Instead, I want to take the opportunity to reflect on the chances each of them has of winning, and on the series so far. Extraordinary The first thing to say is that the change in the format of the show...

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In tonight’s episode, the last six was whittled down to the final five, and I stop being even handed and start expressing an opinion about the candidates. Let’s remember what this series is about: finding a business partner to start a business with Lord Sugar.  So Lord Sugar stripped it down to fundamentals, because he is wise enough to know that, whilst the business he and his apprentice launch will be modern and sophisticated in form; in substance, it will...

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It is getting close to the end now and two factors combine to make the show ever more compelling: 1. We are starting to get to know many of the candidates so, like soaps and real family, we start to feel allegiances, and 2. Few candidates are shoe-ins for a firing, so we are intrigued to see what will happen. Let’s however, stay aware that we are watching a show.  The producers and editors are choosing from many hours of footage...

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In last week’s analysis of The Apprentice (week 8), I highlighted three people and promised a short blog on each. In the third of these, I want to look at Helen Milligan’s competent professionalism, and ask the question: Has Helen shown any real entrepreneurial flair? Helen Milligan Greggs, the high street bakery and convenience food outlet has more stores (1,400) in the UK than McDonalds (1,200) and twice as many as Starbucks (700). So a rapid promotion from a regional manager...

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