Southwell florist Elizabeth McKenna is fired from The Apprentice

Elizabeth, who runs Flowers By Susan in King Street and in Portland Road, West Bridgford, reflected on her experiences on the BBC One show and what she thinks of the final two...

The 40-year-old said: “I went into The Apprentice with a dream and that was to give my presentation at the final in the London City Hall auditorium. I fell short of this dream and now ponder the reasons for that.

“By the time you reach the interview stages of The Apprentice, Lord Sugar is at the point of assessing who is the best fit to become his business partner. And those interviews are incredibly demanding, in several ways. They challenged all aspects of my business plan but also myself, my personality, in order to rigorously assess my ability to be Lord Sugar’s business partner.

“The critiques of my business plan were tough, but who better to do so than some highly respected individuals within the business world. I have since used those thoughts and comments to help improve my business, my concept and my branding. My new Lizzie’s Bundles website, for example, is a unique and fresh approach to flower gifting and delivery at a national level.

“So to the two finalists. Sarah and James are astute, talented but more importantly, lovely people.

“One might say that in order for there to be a winner there has to be a loser. Or three in this penultimate episode. True but I would argue that I have actually won because I have come to understand that that there is nothing wrong with being true to yourself. There is nothing wrong with being a bit different. There is nothing wrong with being the odd one out.

“There is also nothing wrong with getting stuck in and trying even if there’s a chance of failure.

“There is nothing wrong with being honest.

“So what have I learned in the process? What has been my journey? Perhaps one where I have finally come to terms with who I am and what I am about. I have viable and valuable skills and knowledge. And through The Apprentice I have become confident in myself.

“What I wanted was to earn the respect of my assessors, Karren, Claude and Lord Sugar. And I hope I have done this.

It was a massive risk going on the show, both professionally and personally but I feel the risk has paid off. And now my journey is just beginning.

“It has been the most rewarding and challenging experience of my life.

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