The Apprentice 2023 runner up reveals what she would’ve done differently in final task

Virgin Radio

24 Mar 2023, 07:42

The runner-up of The Apprentice 2023 has admitted the one thing she would’ve done differently to try and become Lord Sugar’s next business partner. 

The intense finale saw court advocate and boxer Marnie Swindells and hair salon owner Rochelle Raye Anthony compete for Lord Sugar’s £250,000 investment and the chance to go into business with the industry titan. 

Both Marnie and Rochelle were tasked with putting together their business plans to go in front of a room full of leading industry professionals, and had the help of their former candidates to make metaverse maps and digital billboards. 

In the end, Lord Sugar offered his partnership and investment to Marnie, explaining in the boardroom for the final time; “I’ve always been known to be a gambler, I’ve always been known to try new horizons so I’m going to try a new horizon… Marnie, you are going to be my business partner.”

For Rochelle, who owns her own salon and hair academy, falling this close to the final hurdle was “disappointing” but felt she gave as much as she could with what she had. 

Speaking exclusively to virginradio.co.uk after the final task, Rochelle explained what she would’ve done differently if given another chance. 

The hair expert said: “With the resources I had, I would love to have been able to show more hair types and textures because the backing and the beauty behind my brand is all about inclusion and diversity, and I wasn't able to showcase it as much as I could. 

Despite not being able to visualise her brand exactly how she wanted, Rochelle added that she is “still very happy with the outcome.”

She continued: “I think that I really portrayed who I am, what I'm about and the whole girls world that I really do have in my ethos and my business acumen. It's obviously hard to do with the resources, but I'm still very proud of what I did create.”

Seeing another all-female final for the second year running was a big boost for both Marnie and Rochelle, who both pride themselves on being strong women in business. 

On how empowering the final was, Rochelle added: “I think the one thing that happens when you sit in my chair is that you leave with confidence. I like to give that feeling to everyone. I think that if we all had that same mindset, we would see that you can collaborate over competition, because we can all win. 

“You don't have to dull anyone else's sparkle to enhance your shine. I'm proud and honoured to have been in another all-female final. That's just the icing on the cake for women all over the world. The suffragettes will be looking on with sparkle in their eyes.”

For Rochelle, breaking down barriers and stereotypes is something she’s taking away when she reflects on her entire Apprentice journey. 

When looking back on her 12 weeks in the boardroom, the hair care expert added: “It’s just been such a journey and one I'm forever thankful for. It’s opened lots of doors. I've met incredible people like Marnie, and to have her by my side, as two in the final, was just such a pinnacle for women all over the world just to say, ‘we're doing it, representing different kinds of women.’

"We've got a female boxer, she's a gold medallist in boxing, you've got an educator in the hair industry, we're breaking stereotypical norms and for that I’m forever proud.”

Catch up on The Apprentice on BBC iPlayer.