A NORTH Yorkshire businessman is to star as one of the contestants on the new series of The Apprentice.
Oliver Medforth the co founder of drinks producer Raisthorpe Distillery based at Raisthorpe Manor, Wharram near Malton, has a shop at York Designer Outlet, among others, selling its locally-produced gins and beers, Yorkshire tonics and range of other spirits.
The Apprentice hopeful says: "I’m hard working and determined to achieve anything I set a goal to do. I fully enjoy what I do, and this will be applied to Lord Sugar if I manage to get the investment."
Series 18 of The Apprentice sees the likes of a rejected Dragons’ Den hopeful and a pie supplier to Manchester City.
The business competition show sees 18 candidates face new weekly tasks as they battle to win a £250,000 investment and mentorship from Lord Sugar.
Lord Sugar is joined by his advisors Baroness Karren Brady and Tim Campbell MBE who took over from Claude Littner.
The 2024 series of The Apprentice will see all candidates head to the Scottish Highlands as its men vs women in a corporate hospitality challenge.
Raisthorpe is a family business, launched more than 10 years ago by Julia Medforth at the family farm in Thixendale. It produces Yorkshire Tonics, gin liqueurs, vodkas and dry gin from its own still on the farm.
Raisthorpe has won recognition for its products with 16 Great Taste Awards for its gins and tonics and they started at York Designer Outlet with a pop-up stall and consumer demand encouraged them to expand.
Flavours range from elderflower, rose and raspberry to sloe and damson. Products are made using locally sourced ingredients and are also sold through farm shops, delis and independents as well as online at www.raisthorpemanor.com
Other Yorkshire contestants this year include Dr Paul Midha, a Leeds-based dental group owner who started his practice using 'every resource he had' and he hopes to revolutionise the healthcare attire market.
He said: "I am ready for the extensive learning ahead, understanding that I have much to gain and a long yet rewarding journey ahead."
Meanwhile Dr Asif Munaf is the owner of a wellness brand from Sheffield who describes himself as "beauty, brains, body and business."
He has also appeared on Dragons’ Den looking for a £50,000 investment for a ten per cent stake in his company Date Smoothie, although he was told by entrepreneur Touker Suleyman “You’re not a businessman”.
Dragon panel member Peter Jones told Mr Munaf he would “rather” he saved lives by staying in his profession as a doctor before he also declared himself “out” in 2018.
The Apprentice airs on February 1 on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel