With the party season’s treasure firmly out of reach, Apollo stocked their boutique in Manchester’s Trafford Centre with radical but pricey garments made entirely out of recycled suits and office wear. Unfortunately Apollo misjudged their audience as the majority of Manchester’s fashionistas were reluctant to trade in hard-earned cash for old (we can say that in this context) ties.
Despite the team’s poor product selection, "yes" man and retail guru Alex Epstein was convinced he could bring ‘bees to the hive’, with his insider knowledge of the shopping centre. What knowledge? This lapse was the start of a performance crucifixion by his peers. Alex felt Apollo’s promotional stand should be positioned in the hub of the centre, claiming it was the perfect location to attract the greatest footfall. Nice idea. If only their stand wasn’t miles away from their frocks. Alex later agreed with Sugar’s critical assessment and accepted his informal warning without appealing – "Thank you, Lord Sugar – three bags full."
Synergy’s marketing strategy was not exactly flawless either. Luckily their sales figures saved it from boardroom scrutiny but Stella was once again selected to demonstrate her cat-walking skills (it’s about time she checked the job description). Modelling a short, tight, sequinned dress, her grounds for sexual harassment were crystallised following week two’s antics, especially when her appearance was likened by her interviewers to certain working girls in Amsterdam.
However, in the boardroom Paloma’s transformation into ‘The Devil wears Prada’ was complete with her unique take on employee relations: bullying her colleagues into submission. She berated Alex for his minor misdemeanour, even though it wasn’t as fatal as their fashion faux pas and then needlessly belittled his attempts to "intellectualise the space". Meanwhile, Sandeesh was left wondering why she was there at all after she was praised for supporting her team leader, only to then be advised by Paloma that she wasn’t the candidate Sugar was looking for. Thanks.
Despite gunning for Sugar’s own job, the former marketing manager could still have escaped termination but for her fatal enquiry "just one more thing?" Sugar must have thought he was about to hear an impassioned speech of apology and regret; afraid not. Paloma dished up more of the same. Wasting no time in giving Paloma the ultimate dressing-down, Sugar gave the "smart but arrogant" hopeful her marching orders.
When will the candidates learn that they need to clean up their act? Find out next week as the teams attempt to develop a new brand of cleaning products.
Daniela Cohen, Sheridans – Media Lawyers
