Twenty-five-year-old Joseph Valente owns a plumbing business in Peterborough. He describes himself as successful, passionate and driven and says he applied to be on the show because he feels it is his destiny to be Lord Sugar’s business partner.
“I am the definition of success,” he has been quoted as saying. “I’m a godfather of business and I’m here to make Lord Sugar a lot of money.” Joseph scooped the £250,000 prize to grow his plumbing business.
Lord Sugar said: “Joseph is a great example of what’s possible. He turned his life around and decided he was going to go to work and here he is today, a well-deserved winner of The Apprentice and I look forward to him being my business partner. I hope it inspires a lot of people to see what is possible in this world.”
Julia Evans, chief executive of the Building Services Research and Information Association (BSRIA), commented: “We would like to applaud and acknowledge this very talented young man whose idea and energy for his plumbing business will certainly help raise the profile of the engineering and practical skills needed to build such an empire.
“Hopefully, this celebrated win on a recognisable television programme will help and encourage the workforce of tomorrow choose such an important and useful trade – essential for the construction industry. Plumbing is an excellent long term and rewarding career choice. BSRIA and its members wish him well in his new venture.”