The Apprentice : Elizabeth McKenna planning viewing party

A business owner is so excited to be a candidate on The Apprentice that she plans to hold a party during the first episode on Wednesday night.

Elizabeth McKenna, 40, who owns Flowers By Susan, on King Street, Southwell, was selected as one of 18 candidates vying for the chance to be Lord Sugar’s business partner.

The florist is set to watch the first episode of the BBC show with friends and family.

She said: “I have been a fan of The Apprentice since the day it was released.

“I have absolutely loved it from start to finish and I love the You’re Fired programme as well. I think that is hilarious.”

Elizabeth, who also has a flower shop in West Bridgford, said the chance to invest £250,000 into her business was a big reason behind her application.

She said: “I chose to apply for The Apprentice because I was looking for investment for my flower shops and I wanted to pit my wits against the other candidates to see if I was actually as good as I hoped I was.

“On the investment front, I am a florist.

“I have a good business and am looking to expand.

“The sort of exposure that one could obtain through The Apprentice, as well as the investment, should I be lucky enough to get it, would be a fantastic way of developing and improving my business.

“I always have this little inkling as to whether the likes of Karren (Brady) Claude (Littner) or Lord Sugar would say, ‘Yes, she’s all right,’ and I secretly wanted their approval as well — I have to admit that.”

'The most fulfilling experience I have had'

Elizabeth, who lives in a village near Southwell, said she believed she had what it took to be Lord Sugar’s business partner because she could strike a good deal, work hard, was competitive and had a good sense of humour.

“I loved the experience for every second I was there,” she said.

“It has been the most fulfilling experience I have had in my life and I want to thank everyone involved.”

Elizabeth began training as a florist in 1995 and had her first business in Leicestershire.

She opened her first flower shop, in West Bridgford, in 2007 and the Southwell branch celebrated its third anniversary on Sunday.

Her business employs up to 12 people across both branches.

Elizabeth said she wanted to expand her business and client base.