Who won The Apprentice 2015? Winner Joseph Valente takes Lord Sugar’s investment for plumbing business

Winner: Joseph Valente has secured Lord Sugar's £250,000 investment on The Apprentice
John Stillwell/PA
21 December 2015

Joseph Valente has become the winner of The Apprentice 2015, securing Lord Sugar’s investment of £250,000.

The winning candidate will be using the prize money to expand his existing plumbing company, which currently operates in Peterborough.

Valente edged ahead of fellow finalist Vana Koutsomitis, who proposed an app which combined mobile gaming with online dating.

The two businesses offered different attractions – while Valente is a candidate in the Lord Sugar mould with an old-fashioned business model, Koutsomitis’ risky app has the potential to reap huge financial rewards if it becomes successful.

However, Lord Sugar opted for Valente, having never worked in the service industry before.

“The service industry is one that I’ve never had anything to do with whatsoever, but I know it can be lucrative,” the head of the show said in the boardroom.

“Technology has been my best friend for over 50 years. But maybe it’s time to make new friends. Joseph – you are going to be my business partner.”

The Apprentice 2015: Ludicrous quotes

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Valente, who claims he was inspired to begin his plumbing business after reading Lord Sugar’s autobiography What You See Is What You Get, was clearly delighted to receive the top prize.

“I can’t believe I’m Lord Sugar’s business partner,” he said in his taxi. “I’m ready to work so hard.

“I can finally now say that I’m proud of myself, I’ve done something big in life.”

BBC One, 9pm

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