CLAIRE YOUNG

Claire Young, 31 (www.claireyoung.co.uk) is the straight talking, no-nonsense sales woman who infuriated, then won over 11 million viewers to reach the final in series 4 of BBC1’s The Apprentice (2008). Since then she has worked non-stop setting up numerous business ventures and is passionate about entreprenurship and enterprise. 

She has become a regular presenter for GMTV; discussed business, employment & redundancy issues on Sky News & ITN; has become an established public speaker and even started writing her own book! Claire writes a weekly newspaper column and contributes to a number of magazines.  

After graduating from Bristol University Claire accelerated up the career ladder. Working for beauty giant L’Oreal in Marketing, Colgate Palmolive in Sales and Retail Buying for global health and beauty group AS Watson before entering The Apprentice.

Claire is passionate about working with young people, helping them to take off the blinkers and think big! Now a successful entrepreneur she has a non-business background and hopes her story will motivate others that with hard work, drive and determination anything is possible.

She works with a number of organisations such as Aim Higher,  Enterprise Village, Young Chamber of Commerce, National Apprenticeships, UK Youth, National Enterprise Academy, The Prince's Trust and Flying Start.

On a personal note she has physically transformed from her Apprentice days shedding 3.8 stones through diet and exercise.

CLAIRE IN THE HOTSEAT… 

If you could invite any 5 people to dinner (dead or alive!) who would they be and why?

Maryiln Monroe - what really happened to her?

Elvis - I grew up listening to his music - my mother's taste!

Clarke Gable - I watched Gone with the Wind a million times and still love the film

Michael Jackson - what is the real story with him - genius or strange?

My Grandfather who I never met as I know how much Mum and Grandma loved him

Which song reminds you of being 15 and why?

Anything by Take That - they were huge - I sobbed when they spilt up!

Who is your ultimate pin-up?

Simon Cowell - brains and humour are important to me and he has them in bucket loads!!

What’s your most embarassing moment?

Too many! Opening the door to Sir Alan on The Apprentice wearing a little towel (and nothing else!) - I was about to jump in the shower and didn't expect him to be at the house at 6am - was mortifying!

As a teenager - what were your future career aspirations?

I had no idea what I wanted to do. I knew that I wanted something that would engage me and I'd enjoy doing. I didn't want to lie in bed dreading going to work  -it shouldn't be like that. I also wanted a decent income so I could have the things in life I liked: holidays, a nice house & car and a horse!

How do you want to be remembered? 

FOR BEING HAPPY, WELL HUMOURED AND HAVING A POSITIVE IMPACT ON OTHER PEOPLE

Most used words or phrase

“How do we make this happen?”

“No problem” – I just get on and do things – I don’t like barriers!

“Thank you” – manners cost nothing and I appreciate it when people work/help me

QUICKFIRE:

Facebook or twitter:  Twitter

Favourite sweet treat? Condensed milk cold from the fridge (gross I know) or Jelly Tots

Who makes you laugh? My animals

What was the last concert/gig you went to? X Factor

Biscuit of choice? Jaffa Cake

Who inspires you? Lord Sugar, even at over 60 years old he's like a machine with drive

3 films to watch on a lazy Sunday afternoon? Pretty Woman, Gone With The Wind, The Hangover

3 things you could not live without? GHDs, Phone,  My Mum

Best advice you have ever been given? To listen more!

Name one thing you must do in your lifetime? Go to Texas and be a cowgirl

Now for the boring stuff

QUALIFICATIONS: