Marnie Swindells, 30, emerged victorious in The Apprentice in March 2023, securing a £250,000 investment from Lord Sugar for her boxing gym, Bronx, located in southeast London. Initiated in 2019 through a lease from the local council while she worked as an immigration barrister, the gym required significant renovation. Swindells raised £350,000 from Sport England, the London Marathon Charitable Trust, and Sporting Assets to refurbish the basement. With the prize money, she renovated the second floor, and the expanded gym reopened in April. Bronx now boasts 500 members with subscriptions and another 400 users on a pay-as-you-go basis. She employs three staff members and works with fourteen contracted coaches. Swindells confirms that the business is profitable.

The Unpredictable Aftermath of Winning

I am incredibly thankful for my experience on The Apprentice, but I would advise prospective contestants to enter with caution. It’s not just about Lord Sugar, but the sheer magnitude of media attention and publicity you’ll face. It’s unimaginable until you experience it.

My motivation for joining the show stemmed from the financial hurdles I encountered while renovating the gym’s basement. Lacking the necessary funds, I thought, “I have nothing to lose,” and saw this as an opportunity to secure the investment needed for the second floor. Filming and completing tasks were the highlights for me, and there was a strong camaraderie in the house. The producers banned “task talk” when we weren’t filming, ensuring we weren’t constantly trying to outdo each other.

However, after my win, I faced paparazzi outside the gym, vicious articles, and a level of scrutiny that was overwhelming. It’s similar to what Love Island contestants face. As an ordinary person, there’s no way to be prepared for it. So, I strongly advise people to evaluate their resilience before participating.

The Pros and Cons of Having a Billionaire Investor

There’s a common misconception that Lord Sugar’s involvement is purely for the show, but it’s very real. I communicate with his team almost daily, and he has been incredibly supportive, visiting the gym a few times. I handle the daily operations, but significant financial decisions are made collaboratively.

Receiving the £250,000 investment as a lump sum after my victory was surreal, and sharing a bank account with Lord Sugar is still unbelievable. Beyond the financial boost, having him as an investor has provided us with exposure that we couldn’t have achieved otherwise.

The downside is the immense pressure on me to make no mistakes, all while in the public eye. As a first-time entrepreneur, it’s almost inevitable to make errors, but there are no private mistakes here.

Lord Sugar’s philosophy is that there’s always room for improvement, and while the business is profitable, better margins are always the goal. His constant push is very motivating.

Dealing with an Overload of Opinions

After my win, I was inundated with well-meaning advice. In many cases, I now wish I had trusted my own instincts.

My success on The Apprentice was partly due to my ability to secure funding with my business plan and my passion for boxing, which provides vital opportunities for youth struggling in life.

Lord Sugar’s decision to invest in me was based on the business’s financial viability, but he also recognizes potential. For anyone starting a buzz-worthy business, it’s essential to remember that it’s your creation, and you know it best.

Marnie Swindells shared her insights with Amy Wilson, a regular contributor to the Times Enterprise Network