Hamptons’ Head of Sales Mary Beeton featured in the grand finale of BBC’s The Apprentice last week.
Now in its 19th series, the episode aired on Thursday 17th April, at 9pm and showcased the culmination of this year’s intense business competition.
In this episode, the two finalists, Dean Franklin and Anisa Khan, faced their ultimate challenge: to create compelling business plans, develop their brands, and design advertising campaigns.
They then delivered crucial pitches to a room full of industry experts alongside Lord Sugar, Baroness Karren Brady, and Tim Campbell MBE.
PROPERTY EXPERT
Beeton was invited to be part of the final show as a property industry expert. She participated in the audience at the gala dinner and in a breakout session with Lord Sugar and five other experts (main picture) in their field to share their thoughts on Dean’s business idea.
BEHIND THE SCENES
Beeton says: “It’s not an everyday request to be asked to take part in The Apprentice final, and I was thrilled to participate in such an iconic TV show.
“Going behind the scenes is one thing, but offering insight, advice, and my point of view to Lord Sugar was a real privilege.
“The finalists were impressive – passionate, and with their entrepreneurial spirit on full display. Chosen as an expert in the property market my role was to evaluate Dean’s business plan and to share my perspective on plausible market demand and potential growth opportunities in the residential sector. It was a fantastic experience, and I wish Dean all the best in his future endeavours.”
SHOW WINNER
Dean Franklin went on to win the show and had been on the winning team six times out of ten and clinched the win when he project-managed his team to victory in week three.
Launched in 2020, Dean co-founded an air conditioning business with his business partner during the pandemic.
The company supplies and installs air conditioning units in both homes and commercial properties across London and Essex, and it is this company Lord Sugar will give his £250,000 investment and support.
This year’s series of The Apprentice averaged 6.7 million viewers an episode, peaking at 6.8m for the final.
AIR CONDITIONING AND PROPERTY PRICES
Pic credit: BBC iPlayer
But does adding a high-end air-conditioning unit or do properties with high-end air-conditioning command a higher price?
Beeton tells Property Soup: “While not universally driving prices up, air conditioning can certainly enhance a property’s appeal, particularly in turnkey properties and high-end developments.
“This feature is especially appealing to international buyers who are more likely to expect such amenities in their homes.
“When it comes to second-hand homes, there’s a growing trend of adding A/C to developed, turn-key second-hand homes, but again, far from commonplace.
“In the high-end real estate market, advanced climate control systems are increasingly seen as a desirable amenity. However, their presence doesn’t typically translate directly into higher property values. Rather, at this premium level, such sophisticated features are often anticipated as standard inclusions in luxury homes.”
