"I've got an extremely high IQ."
The 18th series of The Apprentice hits our screens on February 1, 2024, where 18 new candidates will battle for Lord Alan Sugar’s £250,000 business investment.
Assisting Lord Sugar in finding his next business partner will be Tim Campbell and Karren Brady.
The candidates are as varied as ever, ranging from a UK Garage artist to a pharmacist to a yoga teacher.
From the very first episode, the contestants will be challenged as they take a trip to the Scottish Highlands.
The contestants will be tasked with a corporate hospitality challenge where they will put on luxury away days for corporate clients.
For the 2024 series, there will be five British Asian candidates – Asif, Amina, Paul, Virdi and Raj.
The five hopefuls look to impress in the boardroom, with the possibility of winning £250,000 and taking their business plan further.
Will they face Lord Sugar’s dreaded “You’re fired!” Or will they have a more favourable experience?
Let’s find out more about the new candidates.
Dr Asif Munaf
From Sheffield, Dr Asif Munaf is the owner of a wellness brand.
On his CV, he describes himself as: “Beauty, brains, body and business.”
His business plan focuses on vitamins and supplements, which he launched whilst working as a doctor during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Asif may be appearing on The Apprentice but it is not the first business show he has been on. He went on Dragon’s Den to pitch his D.A.T.E. Smoothie.
However, his idea received no investment as Asif elaborated:
“Was far too early but I learnt some great business insights from the Dragons.”
The eldest of six siblings, Asif added:
“I’ve got an extremely high IQ. I’ve got an extremely high bench press. And to top it off, I’m quite good on the eyes.”
Amina Khan
Amina has been a qualified pharmacist for over 10 years. Over that time, she has created a successful skincare and supplements business.
Based in Ilford, Amina’s biggest success is achieving a turnover of £1 million within two years of launching her business.
She stated: “I achieved all this with no investment, no business background, no social media following and only in-house marketing.
“To think, I couldn’t even afford a cheeky Nando’s three years ago!”
She believes she has never experienced a business fail but admitted she is a “massive risk taker”.
On why she deserves Lord Sugar’s investment, Amina said:
“I’ve already made over £2 million in my three years of business with very healthy profits.”
“I have no fancy team or office and I started from absolute zero.
“On my own, I’ve built the foundations for a very successful business and joining forces with Lord Sugar means we would dominate the market overnight.
“I am also one of the hardest working women I know. There is no one else like me. My drive and determination are unmatched.”
Dr Paul Midha
From studying as a dentist, Dr Paul Midha became the owner of a dental group.
Revealing he used every resource he had to start his practice, Paul said:
“After graduating as a dentist, I diligently saved a 20% deposit upon the acquisition of my first dental practice and invested every resource, leaving just £100 in my account, and dedicated myself to the practice.
“Over 15 months of unwavering dedication, the practice’s valuation soared to an astounding £900,000, an exceptional growth of over five times its initial value.”
Paul stated that while he has suffered setbacks, he believes they have played roles in subsequent successes.
Paul may even showcase his hidden talent on The Apprentice:
“My proficiency in body-popping has been a standout talent that paved my way to victory in numerous talent shows during my younger years (including a Britain’s Got Talent audition).
“This unique skill opened doors, leading to an exciting opportunity as an extra in a Disney TV show.”
Speaking about why he deserves the investment, he added:
“Presenting a product-based business plan to Lord Sugar, I aim to revolutionise the healthcare attire market.
“When executed adeptly, this approach has the potential to secure a substantial market share.
“I’m ready for the extensive learning ahead, understanding that I have much to gain and a long yet rewarding journey ahead.”
Virdi Singh Mazaria
Leicester’s Virdi Singh Mazaria makes history as the first turban-wearing contestant on The Apprentice.
He is a DJ who wants to introduce Lord Sugar to the music industry, an industry he has not invested in.
Virdi has DJ’d in seven countries and even produced a track for the late Sidhu Moose Wala.
His passion for entertainment hopes to take him into films as he wants to star in a Marvel film.
Virdi says: “I believe I am deserving of Lord Sugar’s investment because I bring more than just entrepreneurship to the table.
“I am a creator of unmatched experiences, a performer, my ambition is relentless setting me apart in the fast-paced world of business.
“With Lord Sugar as my business partner, I am ready to step into a realm of remarkable success.”
On his fellow candidates, he added:
“The other candidates are just extras on my journey to the top.”
Raj Chohan
Mortgage broker Raj Chohan takes her work seriously but knows how to have fun while doing so.
In September 2023, she was named ‘Mortgage Broker of the Year’. Raj was also named Silver Award winner of ‘Best Businesswoman in Finance’.
Raj is also a property developer and serviced accommodation provider.
She is confident she will succeed on The Apprentice and has lofty ambitions:
“I have business acumen and the drive to succeed, with all the attributes to scale up this business.
“I have life experience and maturity, and I’m considerate yet very determined to reach my goals.”
“My business is already working with the opportunity to take advantage of a more profitable way to make an income.
“Working with me, I’m receptive to change and take feedback well. I value experience and professional advice. I want to be the UK’s leading lady within the bridging world of finance!”
Raj has goals to become a multi-millionaire by the time she is 50.
The 18th series of The Apprentice is set to become a weekly indulgence once again.
With its diverse line-up of confident candidates, the show will see great challenges and standout moments.
But as in the previous series, not everything goes to plan. The clash of men versus women, conflicting personalities and decisions may lead to mayhem.
DESIblitz wishes Asif, Amina, Paul, Virdi and Raj the best of luck
The Apprentice starts on February 1, 2024, on BBC One, airing at 9 pm.
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