Dean Franklin has emerged victorious in the 2025 season of The Apprentice, securing a £250,000 investment from Lord Alan Sugar for his air conditioning business, ADL Air Conditioning. The Essex entrepreneur, who faced off against Anisa Khan in a tense finale, expressed his disbelief and excitement upon winning the competition, stating, "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." Franklin's journey on the show was not without its challenges, as he struggled during the initial episodes and faced tough questioning from Sugar's advisers during the interviews.
Speaking to Yahoo UK ahead of the final on April 16, 2025, Franklin revealed that he had kept his win a secret from his children until the episode aired. "I just want to be there with them and live in the moment and watch it like a viewer with them," he said, highlighting the emotional significance of sharing this milestone with his family. The 35-year-old entrepreneur launched ADL Air Conditioning during the pandemic, and his hard work paid off when he clinched the title of Best Tradesperson of the Year in 2022/23.
Throughout the competition, Franklin faced numerous hurdles, including a rocky start in Austria where he struggled to make sales. He admitted that the first episode was overwhelming, stating, "You come away from filming The Apprentice and you still don't know the answer of who won the show, which takes a lot of weight, but it's all part of it and there's nothing you can do. You just gotta roll with it." Despite his initial struggles, Franklin's determination helped him rise through the ranks, eventually making it to the final boardroom.
Reflecting on the final boardroom experience, he shared, "I was exhausted—like you wouldn't believe. And I knew my taxi was outside that was taking me home. That got in my head when I was in the final boardroom and I was just thinking, 'I'm going home in a minute, let's just get this done and I'm going home.'" His candidness about the stress of the competition resonated with viewers, as he revealed the emotional toll it took on him, especially being away from his family for over two months.
Franklin was particularly affected by the absence of his wife, Chloe, and their two children, Bonnie and Ted. He described the toll of missing important family moments, including his son’s and wife’s birthdays, and how strict rules allowed him only one 10-minute phone call home each week. "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 confessed.
In the final, Franklin and Khan were tasked with creating advertising campaigns for their respective businesses, with previously eliminated contestants returning to assist. Franklin's team produced a TV ad that required a reshoot due to a significant error—showing a person being persuaded to buy air conditioning to heat their home instead of cool it down. This misstep highlighted the pressure of the competition, where every detail counted.
Lord Sugar, who ultimately chose Franklin for his investment, acknowledged some rocky moments throughout the series but expressed confidence in Franklin's potential. "Dean, through the process you’ve been quite good. There've been a few rocky moments where you remained in it by the skin of your teeth, but do I have the confidence in the residential market?" he remarked. Franklin's ability to adapt and learn from his mistakes was evident, and he was determined to leverage Lord Sugar's investment for growth.
After the finale, Franklin shared his excitement about the future, stating, "We’ve got a lot of things planned out for the future of the business and I’m excited, I can’t wait. If we play our cards right, you know, next year, I know he called me a dope, but we could be multi-millionaires." This optimistic outlook reflects Franklin's ambition and his commitment to making the most of this opportunity.
Since winning, Franklin has begun to establish a close working relationship with Lord Sugar, communicating regularly via WhatsApp and phone calls. He described the experience as surreal, noting, "It’s still scary each time I see Lord Sugar pop up on my phone with some news or advice." The partnership promises to provide invaluable guidance as Franklin seeks to scale his business.
Franklin's journey has not only been a personal triumph but also a testament to resilience and hard work. His story resonates with many aspiring entrepreneurs who face challenges and setbacks along their paths. As he embarks on this new chapter with Lord Sugar, Franklin remains focused on his goals and the support of his family, who have been integral to his success.
In a broader context, Franklin's win marks a significant moment in the history of The Apprentice, as he became the first male champion since 2017. The show's evolution from providing a job under Sugar to offering a £250,000 investment partnership reflects the changing landscape of entrepreneurship and the increasing importance of innovative business ideas.
With the support of Lord Sugar and his business partner Alex, Franklin is poised to take ADL Air Conditioning to new heights. As he continues to navigate the complexities of running a business, his story serves as an inspiration for others looking to pursue their dreams in the competitive world of entrepreneurship.
The latest season of The Apprentice is currently available for streaming on BBC iPlayer, allowing fans to relive the dramatic moments that led to Franklin's victory.
