Derbyshire businessman to star in BBC show The Apprentice

EMBARGOED TO 0001 TUESDAY OCTOBER 7
For use in UK, Ireland or Benelux countries only. BBC undated handout photo of James Hill, one of this year's candidates for the BBC programme, The Apprentice. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date date: Tuesday October 7, 2014. See PA story SHOWBIZ Apprentice Series. Photo credit should read: Jim Marks/BBC/PA Wire

NOTE TO EDITORS: Not for use more than 21 days after issue. You may use this picture without charge only for the purpose of publicising or reporting on current BBC programming, personnel or other BBC output or activity within 21 days of issue. Any use after that time MUST be cleared through BBC Picture Publicity. Please credit the image to the BBC and any named photographer or independent programme maker, as described in the caption. — EMBARGOED TO 0001 TUESDAY OCTOBER 7 For use in UK, Ireland or Benelux countries only. BBC undated handout photo of James Hill, one of this year's candidates for the BBC programme, The Apprentice. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date date: Tuesday October 7, 2014. See PA story SHOWBIZ Apprentice Series. Photo credit should read: Jim Marks/BBC/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: Not for use more than 21 days after issue. You may use this picture without charge only for the purpose of publicising or reporting on current BBC programming, personnel or other BBC output or activity within 21 days of issue. Any use after that time MUST be cleared through BBC Picture Publicity. Please credit the image to the BBC and any named photographer or independent programme maker, as described in the caption.

A young businessman from Chesterfield – whose nickname is ‘Del Boy’ – is set to star in hit BBC show The Apprentice.

James Hill, 26, will compete against 19 other candidates in the hope of landing a top job with Amstrad founder Lord Alan Sugar.

The son of Chesterfield businessman Jason Hill, James’s entrepreneurial spark began aged 13 when he sold chocolate bars to his school classmates to make extra dinner money.

He launched his business career by setting up a hand car wash.

The multiple business owner’s previous ventures include supplying gaming machines to clubs in the UK, which he later expanded to Ireland, and opening a restaurant and bar.

James said: “Having to fend for myself since the age of 16, I believe my strength of character and drive to succeed will put me in good stead.

“Del Boy’s my nickname – always chancing, I’m a bit of an opportunist.”

He admits he can be “a bit of a know-it-all” and that his tendency to get “over-excited” may get on people’s nerves.

James said he believes his “strength of character” will see him through Lord Sugar’s tough recruitment process.

The Apprentice starts next Tuesday at 9pm.