Rachel Woolford The Apprentice: Leeds entrepreneur says appearing on BBC show was a risk - but it's paid off

The final episode of Series 18 aired yesterday (April 18) on BBC One and saw Rachel and Phil Turner, of Bognor Regis, battle it out to win Lord Sugar’s approval and a £250,000 investment into their businesses.

Rachel, who lives in Shadwell, founded boutique gym North Studio in Roundhay in 2020. She later opened a second site in Harrogate and went on The Apprentice to expand her business across the north.

Speaking to the Yorkshire Evening Post, Rachel shared her beginnings, support she received from the city and what’s next for her.

What inspired you to start your own business in Leeds at the age of 23?

I always wanted my own business since I was a kid. That was one thing I did know. I've never been able to sit still. I've always wanted to do something a little bit different and I'm from a family of two self-employed parents. I think it was the natural route for me to go down.

I had been working at various gyms. I had a management role at Sweaty Betty at the time and I left it and risked it all. People do think you're crazy when you do something like that, especially when you're 23. But for me, what did I have to lose? I was young, I didn't have any responsibilities. I didn’t have any kids. I'm so glad I've done it now. It was a big risk, but it’s paid off.

Sign up for our free newsletters today

And what's it been like owning a business in Leeds?

Owning a business in Leeds, I wouldn't do it anywhere else. People say to me, ‘do you not open in London?’ There's so many reasons I won't open in London. First and foremost, my company values - we are a northern brand and I will stick by that for as long as I am running and owning my own studio. And London is a very crowded market.

It's a pleasure to own a business in Leeds and have such a strong community of northerners. I couldn't be prouder of owning a business in Leeds, especially coming from a family who have had businesses in Leeds as well. My grandad had a business in Leeds, my dad had the business in Leeds and now me, so hopefully my own children one day might have one too. My roots are here.

Did you expect to get to the final of the Apprentice?

You've got to have belief in yourself when you apply for something like the Apprentice. But there's always been a seed of doubt in my mind. I think I'm one of those people that doubt themselves probably a little bit too much.

And I was aware I was amongst a very good cohort of candidates this year, the amount of credible people in the process, it’s intimidating. I was by no means thinking, ‘I've got this in the bag’. I thought I'm gonna have my work cut out here but as long as I stay true to myself, not be b****y, not throw people under the bus, I'll be proud - however I perform.