Man who built firm in bedroom joins The Apprentice

Dan Miller never imagined a business idea he set up on a laptop from his bedroom 10 years ago would bring him face-to-face with Lord Sugar.

The 27-year-old entrepreneur, who grew up in Smalley, Derbyshire, launched a student recruitment company while at college and is one of 20 candidates selected for the 20th series of BBC One's The Apprentice.

Miller, who has been running his business on his own, said it was the right time to get business advice and guidance from "someone really big in the business world", but added the boardroom was "a bit scary".

The Apprentice, which starts on Thursday, sees hopefuls compete for Lord Alan Sugar's £250,000 investment and to become his next business partner.

Miller, founder and CEO of Young Professionals, said: "I set up my company when I was 17 from my bedroom to help students find jobs, help get them into the world of work through apprenticeships and work experience.

"I had no business connections, no experience, but a drive and passion."

He said his idea got early backing from Rolls-Royce and Experian and he has since worked with companies including PwC, Goldman Sachs and Linklaters.

In The Apprentice, Lord Sugar challenges candidates with tasks over 12 weeks and fires those - with the help of advisers Baroness Karren Brady CBE and Tim Campbell MBE - he believes have been responsible for the failure of the task in the boardroom.

The final five are interviewed and have their business plans examined, with the winner chosen for his investment.

The first task - a buying challenge - took the candidates to Hong Kong, which Miller said was "crazy" but an "incredible experience".

Miller said going into the boardroom for the first time was "a pinch-me moment", but terrifying.

"The boardroom is real, and it can be a bit scary at times," he said.

"You never know what questions you're going to be asked.

"You've got to be alert at all times."

However, Miller said despite Lord Sugar's tough exterior in the boardroom, he described him as a "great guy", who was "actually quite funny".

The show will test candidates on their branding, selling, and negotiation skills.

They will be challenged to create a children's book, sell live on television and host a corporate away day in Egypt.

Miller said the experience was "intense from start to finish", but gave him a fresh perspective on his own business.

"You're constantly against the clock, and you have to back your judgement," he said.

"I've learned so much in the process, learning to work with different people from different backgrounds.

"It was the most incredible experience I've ever had."

Miller said Lord Sugar's investment and mentoring would be "life-changing", adding he hoped to scale and grow his company into different markets and develop new products.

Follow BBC Derby on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.