is getting set to welcome a new group of hopefuls to the boardroom as . Last year’s winner of the reality show Rachel Woolford is one of the few people who knows how the new candidates are feeling.
The 2024 victor is getting set to expand her hugely successful Leeds based fitness space, North Studio, to offer a dedicated Reformer Pilates studio right next door in partnership with .
This obviously has involved working closely with the peer and after dealing with him since her win Rachel, 28, insists he is nothing like his “scary” TV image.
Speaking exclusively to she said: “For me, he’s been great. He’s been so supportive. His team have been incredible towards me, and I’ve learned a lot over the last six months, just working with them.
“So, you know, he likes straight talking people, and that’s what I am, so that’s probably why we do work so well together. And, yeah, he’s got a certain persona on the show, and people think he’s this really scary character.
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Lord Alan Sugar and Rachel Woolford have opened their first venture together since her Apprentice wi (Image: PA)
“I think the most important thing [with him] is just telling the truth and saying the facts. And if you do that, then you can’t really go wrong.”
Lord Sugar has partnered with the entrepreneur to purchase the commercial premises next door to her current studio, which will be part of an expansion of her existing space and will enhance her offering with an extra 120 classes a month.
Historically it is not the usual sort of business you would associate with the mogul, although he has already dipped his toe in the fitness industry investing in Bronx Boxing Club after Marnie Swindells won the 2023 season of the show.
However Rachel wasn’t surprised he was drawn to her proposal as she says the industry is “booming” at the moment.
“I think he is open minded and I don’t think it takes a lot to kind of go out and see how much the health and wellness industry is booming at the moment – hence the saturation of the market as well.
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Rachel Woolford beat Phil Turner in The Apprentice final in 2024 to win Lord Alan Sugar’s investment (Image: PA)
“There’s so many different gyms and boutiques opening up all over the country. So it’s a booming market. So I think he invested in it because he knew it was growing, and the year before, he invested in another gym.
It’s (Bronx) a very different concept to what I do, but it’s still the health and wellness industry. So I think he knew from his previous investment, that it is a really lucrative market, and it’s something that is booming in the UK at the moment.”
North Studio is located in Roundhay, and was established by Rachel in 2020. It is a boutique wellness space which prides itself on a small group focus to offer a range of classes and workshops delivered by highly experienced coaches, who tailor workouts to an individual’s abilities and needs. It also boasts a ‘Refuel Kitchen’ serving coffee, fresh juices, smoothies and energy boosting shakes.
The former economic and business management student turned fitness entrepreneur beat pie shop owner, Phil Turner, in the final of the last series of The Apprentice with both pitching to Lord Sugar to win £250,000 and go into business with him.
is expected to open it’s doors in early February.