The Apprentice is back and fighting for finance, 16 ambitious new entrepreneurs are competing to win a life-changing £250,000 investment in their business. With the loser’s cab on standby, there’s no easing gently back into boardroom life and Lord Sugar makes it clear from the outset that the stakes are higher than ever. Each task will end with the candidates being summoned in to fight their corner in the boardroom, with one final opportunity to escape the firing line. Sixteen candidates, twelve tough tasks, one life-changing opportunity. The Apprentice returns on Thursday 6 January from 9pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer

Meet the candidates

Aaron

Aaron Willis, 38
Chorley, Lancashire
Occupation: Flight Operations Instructor

Having served in the RAF for 12 years as Flight Operations Instructor, Aaron has set out to start his own security business. From travelling all around the world and previously working as a milkman, horseman and butcher, this outgoing and full of life salesman is “hungry for success” and at a stage now, where he “can’t let anyone stand in his way”.

“My strongest point is that I can sell, to anybody and I think that’s the reason why my business will be a success, because people will buy from me.”