Oh Sugar... Sir Alan's Approach Found Wanting

British tycoon Sir Alan Sugar has no doubt adapted his style a little to provide compelling TV on the hit UK show The Apprentice, just finished with another series – nevertheless, a survey out this week suggests entrepreneurs don't see him as a business role model, while his interview technique has recruiters cringing.

A YouGov survey commissioned by Alliance & Leicester Commercial Bank found that less than one in three (29%) of the start-ups and small business owners questioned think Sugar is a good business role model, and more than half (51%) said that one of the things the show has taught them is 'what not to do'. Less than half (44%) thought that working as his apprentice would have made them more prepared for setting up their own business.

Steve Jennings, Director of Business Banking at Alliance and Leicester Commercial Bank, comments: 'It is clear from our research that TV shows, such as The Apprentice, inspire people to start up their own business.' However, the bank cautions that 'businesses need to be realistic and ensure their business is based on a sound business plan, rather than having dreams about the large expense accounts seen in such programmes.' It does add a note of respect for the tough-talking Amstrad and former Tottenham boss, however: 'Love him or hate him, Sir Alan Sugar is one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the UK and businesses understand the hard work and dedication it takes to be successful.'

Meanwhile Sinead Hasson, Operations Director of specialist MR recruiter RPCushing Recruitment, pronounces herself 'unnerved by the way Sir Alan conducted himself in the Boardroom'. She explains, 'There is a minefield of legislation designed to protect employees and candidates from discrimination on the basis of gender, family situation and every other conceivable variable... including issues around the demands that children are likely to place on candidates. [Sir Alan] was seen throughout the series to direct such questions exclusively to the females – Katie, Kristina and Jadine – despite the fact that male contestants were known to have children.' While this might have more to do with 'naïve editing' than 'genuine sexism', Hasson concludes: 'One thing is for sure... employers should NOT base their interviewing style on Sir Alan's. Questions which could give rise to a claim of discrimination, on any grounds, are best avoided at all costs...'

Web sites are at www.bbc.co.uk/apprentice , www.rpcushing.co.uk , www.yougov.com , www.alliance-leicester.co.uk , www.amstrad.com and www.arsenal.com [you surely don't want to look at Tottenham?].

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas, 2024- by Nick Thomas, unless otherwise stated.

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