Claire Young

Claire Young, 32, is the straight talking, no-nonsense sales woman who first infuriated, and then won over 11 million viewers to reach the final in series 4 of BBC1’s ‘The Apprentice’ (2008).

Starting by graduating with a science degree from Bristol University, Claire accelerated up the career ladder, working firstly for L’Oreal in marketing, moving into sales at Colgate Palmolive, then retail buying for the global health and beauty group, Superdrug – all before her success in The Apprentice challenge!

Since then, she has relentlessly pursued her passion for entrepreneurship and enterprise, starting up several businesses, including www.schoolspeakers.co.uk and www.girlsoutloud.org.uk. Claire has also become a regular presenter for GMTV; discussed business, employment and redundancy issues on Sky News & ITN; established herself as a public speaker, and even started writing her own book!  Her writing also includes a weekly newspaper column and contributions to several magazines.

As well as all this, Claire strives to help young people raise their aspirations through her work with numerous, Government backed initiatives and charitable institutions. She makes time to work ‘hands-on’ in schools and heads the Young Ambassador Apprentice Network for the National Apprenticeship Service, she recently met for round table talks with the Prime Minister. Her story of drive, hard work and determination stands as an inspirational model for those who think such goals are beyond them.