I'm going to put my neck on the chopping block and try to predict the winner of The Apprentice 2015, so here goes.
What is apparent from previous series, is that like any good entrepreneur Lord Sugar likes to manage his risk.
1. People - He likes people who stick to what they know. An area in which they have a track record in and knowledge of. He doesn't want an accountant who wants to become a chef! Previous winners had business plans which were closely associated with their backgrounds. Obviously this is hard to predict without knowing the candidates business plans, but hopefully candidates will have gathered this from previous series.
2. Finance & Scaleability- Again he wants plans that are going to be low risk in terms of finance required. Where the initial £250k is going to be more that enough to start and run the business and is scaleable. Previous businesses backed included a recruitment agency, and website/SEO business, where all you need is a phone, computer, and a desk!
Gary- its been mentioned he wants to start an event management business. this would seem to fit the profile on both counts.
Vana - she has a background in social media business, and her plan may be along these lines. Scaleability is not an issue, but they do have a habit of burning money, so may not be attractive.
Richard - runs a digital media agency, if his plan is along these lines, this would fit the profile, in terms of experience and a scaleable financial model.
Joseph- runs a plumbing business- not so attractive in terms of scaleability.
Charleine - runs a hairdressing/beauty business - again if related then scaleability might be an issue.
3. Product/Service
Lord Sugar is a product man, he likes something he can understand, and something that has a clear revenue stream. All the businesses seem to be services. Here Vanas business if based on social networks could be the weak one.
4.Synergy and leverage
Like all investors Lord Sugar would look to see how he could add value, leverage his contacts and experience to make the business a success. On the other hand, he requires someone who will be self sufficient and not require alot of hand holding.
Joseph and Charleine would probably need that. Richards and Gary would be the most attractive under this criteria.
So taking into account the above, I predict a Gary and Richard final with the winner being.....Gary.
He is mature, stable, gets along with people and his business would seem to fit the risk profile.
But then what do I know, I thought Reggie N Bollie would never get to the final of X Factor!
