The BBC has released the full candidate lineup for the 2024 edition of The Apprentice.

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.

Meet the 2024 candidates for The Apprentice

Dorset Echo: Amina KhanAmina Khan (Image: BBC/Naked)

Amina Khan

Ilford-based Pharmacist and Business Owner Amina Khan has created a successful skincare and supplements business and now wants to prove to Lord Sugar that her business is worth helping. 

Sharing why she thinks she deserves Lord Sugar’s investment, Amina said: " On my own, I’ve built the foundations for a very successful business and joining forces with Lord Sugar means we would dominate the market overnight."

Dorset Echo: Dr. Asif MunafDr. Asif Munaf (Image: BBC/Naked)

Dr. Asif Munaf

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 10% 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.

Dorset Echo: Flo EdwardsFlo Edwards (Image: BBC/Naked)

Flo Edwards

London-based recruitment consultant Flo Edwards is joining The Apprentice to show she has what it takes to work with Lord Sugar.

Flo wants Lord Sugar’s investment for the businessman experience: "equality, diversity and inclusion is at the core of the business so with Lord Sugar's experience with scaling recruitment businesses we can expedite this positive impact (alongside profits!)"

Dorset Echo: Foluso FaladeFoluso Falade (Image: BBC/Naked)

Foluso Falade

Also joining the 2024 series of The Apprentice is Manchester-based project manager Foluso Falade.

The self-proclaimed 'Mary Poppins of business' wants to run the first Social Enterprise to win Lord Sugar’s investment.

As Folouso said: "I am a one-of-a-kind type of person, an investment in one that guarantees profit."

Dorset Echo: Jack DaviesJack Davies (Image: BBC/Naked)

Jack Davies

Recruitment director Jack Davies from Bristol has never faced failure and believes " Failure is never an option."

Jack is after Lord Sugar's investment " due to my work ethic and drive to succeed, which I’m ready to prove with this business venture."

Dorset Echo: Maura RathMaura Rath (Image: BBC/Naked)

Maura Rath

Wexford Yoga company owner Maura Rath hopes The Apprentice will show that well-being will help make any business boom.

As Maura shared: "I believe I deserve Lord Sugar's investment because my business promotes positivity and well-being, in a profitable and scalable way, with five income streams."

Dorset Echo: Noor BouzianeNoor Bouziane (Image: BBC/Naked)

Noor Bouziane

Noor Bouziane, a Liverpool-based jewellery company owner has big ambitions and believes Lord Sugar would be missing out on plenty of cash if he were not to invest in her.

The Apprentice candidate hopes her brand will "generate a lot of money for Lord Sugar compared to other candidates."

Dorset Echo: Oliver MedforthOliver Medforth (Image: BBC/Naked)

Oliver Medforth

Sales Executive Oliver Medforth from Yorkshire has a background in markets and ran five retail shops for his family business.

The 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."

Dorset Echo: Onyeka NwezeOnyeka Nweze (Image: BBC/Naked)

Onyeka Nweze

Chartered Company Secretary Onyeka Nweze from London has a successful corporate background and money-making business plan.

The Apprentice star thinks she'll help Lord Sugar "make some serious money": "If Lord Sugar is ready to make some serious money, then he needs me. He's never invested in a tech business, now is the time."

Dorset Echo: Paul BowenPaul Bowen (Image: BBC/Naked)

Paul Bowen

Paul Bowen is a director of a pie company in Lancashire who prides his business on big-name clients such as Manchester City Football Club.

His after Lord Sugar’s investment for his time and knowledge: "With Lord Sugar’s strategy and my passion and ideas, I could make him Lord of the Pies."

Dorset Echo: Dr. Paul MidhaDr. Paul Midha (Image: BBC/Naked)

Dr. Paul Midha

Leeds-based dental group owner Dr Paul Midha started his practice using every resource he had and hopes to revolutionise the healthcare attire market.

Sharing: " I am ready for the extensive learning ahead, understanding that I have much to gain and a long yet rewarding journey ahead."

Dorset Echo: Phil TurnerPhil Turner (Image: BBC/Naked)

Phil Turner

Another pie company owner Phil Turner is from Bognor Regis and was awarded ‘Supreme Pie Champion’ in 2020 for his family-owned pie business.

The Apprentice star said: "I deserve Lord Sugar's investment because I already have a track record of successfully building and scaling a business."

Dorset Echo: Rachel WoolfordRachel Woolford (Image: BBC/Naked)

Rachel Woolford

Boutique Fitness Studio Owner Rachel Woolford from Leeds as plenty of experience managing her work independently.

Asked why she deserves Lord Sugar’s investment, Rachel shared: "Anyone in business must work hard, but I work harder!"

Dorset Echo: Raj ChohanRaj Chohan (Image: BBC/Naked)

Raj Chohan

Raj Chohan is a  Mortgage Broker from Leamington Spa and takes her work seriously but knows to have fun while doing so.

Speaking of why she wants to win the BBC show, Raj said: "Working with me, I am receptive to change and take feedback well. I value experience and professional advice. I want to be the UK’s leading lady within the bridging world of finance!"

Dorset Echo: Sam SaadetSam Saadet (Image: BBC/NAKED)

Sam Saadet

Essex-based Pre and Post-Natal Fitness Coach Sam Saadet is hoping to prove her business brain to Lord Sugar.

Sharing: "I deserve Lord Sugar's investment because I am one of the savviest, go-getting women I know! This business is all focused on something I am very passionate about whilst also making money too - it's a win-win."

Dorset Echo: Steve DarkenSteve Darken (Image: BBC/Naked)

Steve Darken

Management Consultant Steve Darken from London claims that he shares Lord Sugar’s sharp mind and sense of humour.

Steve also thinks "If I get the investment, the real winner in the show would be Lord Sugar! My CV speaks for itself - I’m a dedicated business and tech leader who smashes every goal and challenge set."

Dorset Echo: Tre LoweTre Lowe (Image: BBC/Naked)

Tre Lowe

London-based Music & Wellness Entrepreneur Tre Lowe is known for the UK garage band Architechs. 

The Apprentice hopeful knows he's "different from most people", sharing: " I believe the future of entrepreneurism will be about the personal stories, challenges, and triumphs of the founders."

Dorset Echo: Virdi Singh MazariaVirdi Singh Mazaria (Image: BBC/Naked)

Virdi Singh Mazaria

Music Producer Virdi Singh Mazaria from Leicester wants to introduce Lord Sugar to a lucrative industry that he’s yet to invest in, music.

Sharing: "I am a creator of unmatched experiences, a performer, my ambition is relentless setting me apart in the fast-paced world of business."

The Apprentice airs on February 1 on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.