Agents who watched the final of the latest The Apprentice series may have spotted a familiar industry figure among the experts passing judgement on the finalists’ business plans.

Mary Beeton (main image) who heads up Hamptons’ sales operation, was on TV during the show last week as one of the business specialists examining the business plans of the finalists,  Dean Franklin and Anisa Khan, along with regulars Lord Sugar, Baroness Karren Brady and Tim Campbell MBE.

The Apprentice finalists had been charged with creating compelling business plans, developing their brands, and designing advertising campaigns.

These were then delivered during crucial pitches to a room full of industry experts, with Franklin winning the £250,000 investment ‘prize’ to develop his air conditioning enterprise.

Beeton was invited to be part of the final show as a property industry expert participating in the audience at the gala dinner and in a breakout session with Lord Sugar and five other experts in their field to share their thoughts on Franklin’s business idea.

Thrilled

“It’s not an everyday request to be asked to take part in The Apprentice final, and I was thrilled to participate in such an iconic TV show,” she says.

“Going behind the scenes is one thing, but offering insight, advice, and my point of view to Lord Sugar was a real privilege.

“The finalists were impressive – passionate, and with their entrepreneurial spirit on full display.

“Chosen as an expert in the property market my role was to evaluate Dean’s business plan and to share my perspective on plausible market demand and potential growth opportunities in the residential sector. It was a fantastic experience, and I wish Dean all the best in his future endeavours.”

This year’s series of The Apprentice averaged 6.7 million viewers an episode, peaking at 6.8m for the final.