In a thrilling conclusion to the 2025 series of BBC's The Apprentice, Lord Alan Sugar has crowned Dean Franklin as the winner, awarding him a £250,000 investment for his air conditioning business, ADL Conditioning. The final episode aired on April 17, 2025, showcasing a fierce competition between Franklin and fellow finalist Anisa Khan, who owns an Indian-Italian fusion pizza company.
The series spanned 12 weeks, starting with 18 ambitious entrepreneurs, and it culminated in a high-stakes pitch where the two finalists had to present their business ideas to Lord Sugar and a panel of industry experts. The final challenge involved creating a new brand and advertising campaign, which they then pitched to secure the coveted investment.
During the final boardroom showdown held at The Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn in London, Lord Sugar deliberated over the merits of both candidates. He expressed his confidence in Franklin's business model, stating, "As opposed to food where everyone’s got to eat, and a £10, £12 pizza is affordable to most people, I’m going to say that, Dean, you’re going to be my business partner.”
Franklin's journey throughout the competition was marked by ups and downs, as he faced several challenges that put him at risk of elimination. Notably, during a task involving a kids' banking app, he admitted to making significant errors, yet he managed to survive the scrutiny of the boardroom. Reflecting on this, Franklin said, "There were a few times I thought I was going to be fired in the process… I was under it quite a lot! Every task we lost, I got brought back as the final three.”
Despite these rocky moments, Franklin's determination and ability to admit his mistakes won him favor with Lord Sugar. He noted, "The reason I’ve done so well is because I would own up to it, and that’s what I think played to my strengths.” His straightforward communication style and rapport with Lord Sugar also contributed to his success. Franklin remarked, "I think he sees a lot of himself in me, and that’s a compliment.”
After securing the investment, Franklin expressed his disbelief and excitement, saying, "I can’t believe I’ve just won The Apprentice. This is going to mean the world to me and my family. My kids are going to be over the moon.” He shared that he had long envisioned winning the competition, stating, "For years, I’ve been saying to my friends and family that I’m going to go on the show and I’m going to win it.”
In a candid interview, Franklin reflected on the emotional toll of the competition, revealing that he struggled being away from his family for the duration of the show. He stated, "There were all these new emotions I didn't know I had. I mean, it was so hard. I've never been away from my wife and kids for longer than a couple of days before.” He missed significant family events, including his son’s birthday, which made the experience even more challenging.
Dean's business, ADL Conditioning, was born out of necessity during the COVID-19 pandemic when he recognized a growing demand for air conditioning units. He explained, "I jumped at the opportunity, put all my eggs in one basket, took the risk, made the jump and haven’t looked back.” With Lord Sugar's investment, Franklin aims to scale his business significantly, targeting a profit of £1,000,000. He confidently stated, "Let’s see how far we can take it; a million is just the first step.”
The final was not without its dramatic moments, as the BBC worked diligently to keep the outcome a secret, even filming two versions of the finale. However, social media hints and leaks led to speculation about Franklin's victory prior to the airing of the final episode.
Franklin's win is also significant for his business partner, Alex Scott, who has been with him since the inception of ADL Conditioning. Franklin mentioned, "Alex has won The Apprentice! He is over the moon with it. You know, it's a massive opportunity for him.” Together, they plan to leverage Lord Sugar's investment to expand their business and increase their market presence.
As Franklin looks forward to the future, he is filled with optimism about the opportunities that lie ahead. He stated, "What Lord Sugar can bring to the table, not many people can. He’s going to open so many doors and opportunities that will put this company on a rocket ship.”
In summary, Dean Franklin's journey on The Apprentice is a testament to resilience and determination. From overcoming challenges to achieving his dream, Franklin's story resonates with many aspiring entrepreneurs. His win not only signifies personal success but also the potential for growth in the air conditioning industry, as he embarks on this new chapter with Lord Sugar as his business partner.
