Karen Bremner - The Apprentice Series 2

WHAT BEEN GOING ON?

2006-07-24T09:21:00.000+01:00

Well, I guess it's time to update you all on what has been going on in the world of Karen Bremner. I am now into my fourth week with Talk107 as their Business Correspondent. It is a struggle to get up at 0600 every morning but I am really loving the buzz of live radio and think that the presenters on the morning show are amazing. They are up even earlier and always sound full of life - really sharp and funny. You can listen live by logging onto www.talk107.co.uk and should definitely give it a listen.

I am still plugging away at the TV companies and trying to persuade them that I do have a future on the small screen. It is definitely a case of being in the right place at the right time so I will just have to make sure I keep being as many places as possible! The one thing that has stuck me when I have been lucky enough to have meetings with people is how amazingly positive people are and how genuinely nice. There is a perception that the media is full of false 'luvvies' who are short tempered and full of c**p - but that really hasn't been my experience at all. People have, without exception, been friendly and given me good advice. Long may it continue - although a bit of work would be even nicer.

The end of July will be really busy with a presentation in Milton Keynes on business planning and being in London for the judging of an innovation competition run by i10 - really looking forward to those.

I guess I can't end this without wishing Michelle and Syed loads of congratulations on their latest 'merger' - baby Dewberry/Ahmed - good luck to you both!

IT'S PLANNING - NOT MONEY - THAT MAKES THE WORLD GO ROUND

2006-07-05T08:27:00.000+01:00

Throughout my military career there was a huge emphasis placed on the importance of planning and communicating that plan. There were times when I was on the Apprentice when the frustration of watching poor planning nearly drove me to lose that infamous cool exterior (some are still saying 'ice queen!').

I am delighted to have been asked to speak at a business seminar in Milton Keynes on the 27 July. The focus of the seminar will be the importance and relevance of planning in business and there will be a wonderful opportunity to network with like minded business people.

The numbers of places are strictly limited and I would urge you to book as soon as possible. Action International are currently the number one business coaching business in the world and come highly recommended.

To book call 0845 1304838.

IT'S ALL HAPPENING

2006-06-27T14:33:00.000+01:00

It has been a while since I wrote in my blog - not even sure if people are still having a look at it! No matter, it's good for the soul.

I have been on the media trail recently. I have made the decision that I am going to give it a go for 6 months and see if I can make a living out of it. I'll revisit in December and, if need be, I can go back down the path I was following before I had even thought about The Apprentice. I have a lovely start with a bit of radio work for Talk107, an east coast of Scotland station, for which I will be business correspondent. Starts small with two slots in the morning - but from small acorns great oaks grow (or something like that). I have also done a screen test or two and will be on Sky Legal this Friday at 1200 for the news review programme. I'm loving it too much.

It is crazy that the application process has started again for those thinking about applying for next year. It seems like a lifetime ago that I filled in the form trying to be a bit 'wacky' and standout from the crown but also trying to maintain a bit of professionalism. I can remember thinking that I wanted it so desperately and being determined that I would get on.

I was on Radio Scotland this morning with one of the new producers of the series. She was saying that they were looking for people from all walks of life and with all types of business experience and that there would be more emphasis on that in this series. I really hope not. I think it would be better if SAS didn't even know what people did for a living and then there would be no question of any kind of bias creeping in. There wouldn't and couldn't be any criticism that he has his own prejudices about graduates and consultants and the thing could be judged purely on the basis of the tasks - we'll see.

BIG NEWS

Samuel Judah and I have decided to take our experiences of The Apprentice on the road. We will be doing a series of business presentations setting out lessons learned from the series and answering any and all questions the audience may have. We want it to be a pretty informal do, so there will be some lovely wine and nibbles which will loosen the tongue a bit!! The first one will be in central London at the end of July and if that goes well we will be coming to a city near you.

If you are interested in the London event, do get in touch through this site. I can give you all the details as they come in. I will also post the link to the website once it is up and running (by the end of the week) which will allow you to pre-book tickets at a much reduced cost.

It will be a great night......

LIFE GOES ON....

2006-05-27T10:14:00.000+01:00

It has been a bit of a weird week. Despite Big Brother now dominating the reality TV stakes there has still been some interest in the world of The Apprentice. I have been contacted by a number of newspapers and radio stations to have my say on various issues (from whether you should ever lie on your CV to whether I will be supporting England in the World Cup). Ruth was on 8 Out of 10 Cats last night (which seemed really scripted and which they didn't let her speak nearly enough). I thought Ruth looked amazing - really pretty and very confident. I know that Jo will be on the small screen any time soon - although I won't spoil it by saying where she will be - she'll be great too, I'm sure.

I have spent most of the week at the computer or on the phone. I am now looking for work again and have a number of things in the pipeline. Do I go it alone? There are various options for Karen Bremner plc but I don't know if I have the nerve to step out on my own at the moment. I am lucky enough to be able to sit back, take a deep breath and decide where I want to go rather than having to take the first thing that comes along. It is such a privileged position to be in and I know that I should make the most of it.

I was down in London last week to speak at a conference in the Excel centre. It was an amazing time where I met some amazing people. The place was full of people who have decided to bite the bullet and do something for themselves - workwise. I spent the whole time I was there meeting and talking to people about The Apprentice. People want to know (in reverse order) what Alan Sugar was really like, whether Syed was really as they portrayed him and whether I really want to work for Amstrad.

I enjoyed the experience so much that I am going to take some time to speak at similar events. I had no idea the interest that had been generated by the show and I think there are some interesting business lessons to share. I intend to have an online form ready in the next couple of days/weeks but, in the meantime, if you would like me to come and speak at an event you are holding please don't hesitate to get in touch.

REALITY (TV) BITES BACK

2006-05-22T16:54:00.000+01:00

I have been a bit naive! I found out today that my seemingly innocent chat with a guy from the Recruiter Magazine has become a Scottish-wide story in a newspaper. I was talking to a chap who called Taylor Herring about the recruitment company who had got me set up with the job I had started in when I left the Apprentice. I told him that, sadly, I had been fired for the second time in as many months (according to TV-time anyway) and was no longer with the firm. I explained that they had said I was not a cultural fit (!) for the organisation and they had questioned my commitment to the organisation as I had so many other things going on in the background. I thought we were having a chat - we were, in fact, having a recorded interview which became a newspaper story.

I haven't seen the story so I don't know exactly what it says. I only hope it reflects that I am not bitter about what has happened. I am disappointed. This is a company which I thought I would do great things with and it was a huge disappointment. But everything in life has to be a learning opportunity. I am now qualified to do things I couldn't do before. I met some amazing people. Everyone I worked with has said how surprised they are and how understand why the decision was made.

It just feels like The Apprentice all over again.

THEY THINK IT'S ALL OVER....

2006-05-16T09:37:00.000+01:00

..it is now.

The Apprentice 2006 has come crashing to an end. After the maddest experience of my life there is a slight sense of relief that I can go back to life pre-Apprentice (or close to it). There is no doubt that I have had some of the most amazing experiences of my life thanks to the programme and I can only thank Talkback Thames and all the other candidates for making it so!

There has been some unfortunate press coverage recently and I hope that others can see that it is just that...the press making something out of nothing. There is no hiding that I would have liked to see Ruth win but I am happy for Michelle. I'm sure she will do a cracking job for Sir Alan in what will be a pretty tough job. He's found his Apprentice.

And, as for the rest of us. It is interesting to see who has gone back to 'normal' life - whatever that is - and who is making the most of being a minor celeb for 15 minutes. Anyone who has read this blog knows that I have really enjoyed the interesting and different experiences that have come out of the show. The premiere to which I was invited was amazing and the various radio and TV appearances have blown my mind. I now have to take a deep breath and decide where I want to go now. There are so many opportunities out there - not just for me but for everyone. I am determined now, more than ever, to grab them and make the most of every day.

Being surrounded by positive people helps. Suddenly, nothing is impossible and you can move mountains. There will be things that get in the way but if life was easy it would be boring. Onwards and upwards.

I will keep writing the blog for a little while so keep popping in. I would like to thank every single person who has emailed and written to me. You have no idea how affirming it was to receive messages of support when I was feeling pretty dejected. I have replied to just about everyone and will be sending out some signed photos later today (for those of you who took the time to write and email requesting them).

For anyone wondering whether to apply for next year's Apprentice I would say take the risk and go for it. You never know where you might be this time next year.

AND THEN THERE WERE TWO

2006-05-04T09:04:00.000+01:00

So, the mystery is over - Michelle and Ruth are the final two and somewhere deep in London decisions are being made about who will be the Apprentice. I will be in London next Tuesday for the showing of the final show and a live filming of You're Hired. There is no doubt in my mind who should win and there is no doubt in my mind who will win and they aren't the same person.

I have watched the last 2 months of the Apprentice along with the rest of Britain. Although I have always known who would be fired I have been as intrigued as anyone as to how the players would get on. When I went into the house I knew immediately that Ruth would be my biggest challenge. I also knew that she would do brilliantly - and I wasn't wrong. She is the whole package and, no matter what Siara says, she is not a one trick pony. Ruth is straight-forward, determined and, yes, aggressive. She will be a success in anything she does - she may just be too good for SAS and his empire.

I have always like Paul for much the same reasons as Ruth. He is straight-forward and straight talking - he's only 26 and has got loads of time to make his millions which I think he will. Bottom line is, though, he was amazing in the tasks and never ended up in the boardroom. This, it appears, has now led to his downfall. SAS had never seen him or heard from him so he was doomed. Granted, he wasn't great in the interviews but he had proved his worth in the last 10 weeks. SAS made it clear that he couldn't care less about the tasks - that, to me, is very telling and just confirmed everything I had thought. The tasks are a cover. He will get rid of you not matter what happens if he decides you are not a fit for his company.

Ansell is a lovely man and has, again, proved that he can work with anyone successfully. I didn't get to know him at all in the house and don't feel he got enough TV coverage for me to really comment further. He was great in the interviews and in the boardroom and so I was really surprised when he went. SAS gave no real reason other than that he was a nice guy. Nice guys don't make it (apart from TIm of course!!).

And Michelle, the silent assassin. I don't want to comment on open forum on what I think of Michelle. I will simply say that SAS has been impressed by her story. She worked 3 jobs when she was growing up and worked as a check-out girl when she was 16. She comes from a big family and gives her brothers what they want. She has hardly shone throughout the last 10 weeks but is in the final. I'm pretty sure she'll win.

Enough said.............

TIME FOR A BIT OF BLOGGING

2006-04-30T13:43:00.000+01:00

Hello all. I have been busy doing more of that horrible studying type stuff so haven't had a chance to write anything for a while. I watched the latest episode of the Apprentice through my fingers as Syed and Ruth carried out the most ridiculous idea ever for a service on a cruise ship. These people were 50+ (mainly) and I couldn't see how a backwards egg and spoon race was ever going to do it. I thought they would be destroyed for having a raffle (a service?) and was sure that was going to be the reference to reading the rules. The show was a bit weird as, again, there was no sign at all of Michelle or Ansell. Ansell did manage to jump on the bed and Michelle danced a bit but we didn't see anything else. It is strange that they are in the final 4 but there doesn't seem to have been anything shown to say why they are there.

Syed came across really well in his You're Fired even though I was surprised that the panel were so onside. It is normal for there to be one of the panel having a go whilst the other is a bit more gentle. This time it looked like they both wanted to get in his pants!! His interviews have been very good too - very measured and with a dash of self-criticism. I enjoyed listening.

I haven't been up to much. Had a great time as a guest at the Chamber of Commerce dinner and was asked to draw the raffle. Enjoyed a mad night at the St Andrew's University fashion show (two huge Magnums of champagne on the table with shorts of Absolute Raspberry vodka and no-one drinking but me - very messy). I have been getting some more interesting job offers and also got my first 2 hand-written fan letters. So lovely if a bit strange to believe that people want to write to me. I will write back but am loathed to send a signed picture (as requested) as it feels so arrogant!

I have been asked to speak at a couple of events over the coming months and am generally loving the fall-out from the Apprentice. I am also really looking forward to the 9th May when we all get together again. I am very interested to see the dynamics of the group as things will have moved on so much from the time when I was in the house and people were generally getting on okay! Will be an interesting night and, by then, we will have our Apprentice!

I'M A STOCKBROKER DON'T YOU KNOW

2006-04-20T10:16:00.000+01:00

I have just finished and passed my last exam and am now (technically only) qualified to be a stockbroker! It has been weeks and weeks of horrendous studying but the first stage is over. I have now been handed two HUGE folders of papers to plough through for the next 2 weeks to do my certificate in Financial Planning 3 and 4 - Retirement Planning and Financial Protection - YAWN!!!

I am waiting for the moment when I wake up and decide that I have reached all my goals and don't need to keep looking for the next big thing! For most a law degree and a career in the law would be enough - I would love to know what it is in my make-up which means I am never settled and have to keep looking - a friend told me it is typical of Scorpions - any other thoughts?!

Time is moving on and it will soon be time for the You're Hired show - I am so looking forward to seeing (most of) the Apprentices. We are planning a massive night out - so standby London.

THERE'S SOMETHING WRONG!

2006-04-16T08:29:00.000+01:00

There is a problem with leaving comments on this blog. I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT TO DO! Sorry! If you want to get in touch you can still use the contact me link.....I will try and sort this out but I think it is a blogger problem rather than one with this site.

Hope you all have a happy and chocolate-filled Easter.

(Added 10 minutes later) - I think I have fixed it - let me know if there is still a problem...

I TOLD YOU!

2006-04-14T11:59:00.000+01:00

I am as daft as a brush ( as my mum would say). Thanks so much for all the comments you have been posting on the site which I totally didn't know I had to moderate! Suddenly, a whole world of chat is on the site that I hadn't read before.

I can now answer some of them.

Thanks to those of you who said you shouted for me when I was practically running down the red carpet at the Sharon Stone premiere. I honestly didn't hear anything but would have loved to have stopped and seen a friendly face - it was a mad time!

I will now be moderating all comments as quickly as they come in!

ANOTHER WEEK - ANOTHER ESCAPE

2006-04-14T08:58:00.000+01:00

Thought I would take a break from the relentless studying and throw some words down! I have been stuck inside for the last week studying Regulations which, believe me, is enough to send anyone quite mad. As a result I have been clicking on and off the internet (and especially the Internet Forum) every five minutes so am quite up to speed on what the great posting public think of the series at the moment.

When Sharon was fired it seems there was little real response to her. The main thrust of things was how Syed is managing to cling on for so long. I don't want to say anything about Syed himself but I do think that it sends a really poor message to everyone, but especially young wannabe entrepreneurs, if the person that lies is the one that stays in. I would like to say that I have never lied but that in itself would be another one but there is a difference between telling your best friend that her bum doesn't look big in that dress (when she's already bought it, is wearing it and is about to go on the hottest date of her life) and blatantly lying about why you are 30 minutes late for a deadline. I have been in many situations where a deadline meant just that - whether it was tendering for local authority business or having to get court papers in - and there is no flexibility and if you cock-up you should have the honour and decency to admit it. You WILL get caught out in the end and you WILL look a bigger fool for it. If there is one message here it is that you shouldn't lie to get on in business and you don't have to. One of the things I learned in Officer Training was the importance of integrity and that is something which has carried me through my life.

Things have quietened down on the media front - as they inevitably will - there are still a few interviews and TV opportunities floating round but these things, it seems, take time to mature. I am happy to bide my time as there was never any really burning desire to be the next Kirsty Wark! I did enjoy my 15 minutes though and would recommend the next series to anyone.

On that thought I see that the application forms are already out for the next series. I would be very surprised if Alan Sugar does a third one. I don't think it is fresh anymore with him - it is just too obvious what his prejudices are and it makes the firings less interesting. I would love to see someone like Stellios have a go and really mix things up. For anyone thinking about applying I would recommend it 100% (or 150% if you are Syed!). The one thing to take with you to the interview, though, is yourself - what I mean is, don't try and be wacky or the next Jo (there is only one, believe me). These TV guys have seen it all before and they can see someone trying to play a part. If you are what they are looking for then you will make it - just be yourself - another bit of honesty!

OK - probably enough of me. I had a message from someone saying that the comments button isn't working on this site. If you have any problems just drop me a quick email and I will see if I can do something! (now that was a lie - there is no way I would have any idea how to do anything with IT but I know a man who can!).

ANOTHER TASTE OF TV!

2006-04-09T21:15:00.000+01:00

Hello one and all. I am going to have to make this quick as I am currently taking my stockbroker's exams and am meant to be studying at the moment - you have no idea what a load of nonsense I am filling my head with at the moment.

I had a lovely day today when I went to the STV studios in Glasgow to do a morning news review programme - Sunday Live - with Stephen Jardine and Tommy Sheridan. It was fast and furious - in at 1000, read the papers and then talk about them at 1100. I have been stuck in a classroom in London for the last 5 days so wasn't exactly up with the news - I hope I managed to sound reasonably knowledgeable!

Stephen has been a great support to me and has recommended that I get an agent (something I never thought about). I will give it a go and see if there is anything out there. I am still in talks with three TV companies about possible projects so who knows what is on the cards. I have to say, I am not holding my breath and will keep on with the studies in the meantime.

I actually didn't watch The Apprentice this week on Wednesday! I can't believe that I didn't as I thought that I would never miss it this series but I was out celebrating my first exam success and couldn't persuade those I was with to put down their drinks for an hour between 2100 and 2200. I was gutted that Samuel went (even though I knew he was going to) as he is one of the soundest people left on the show and really has got a huge amount to offer. He made it clear that his skills are in presenting and selling to high level clients and he proved his worth in the advertising task - but Sir Alan clearly would rather have a Top Shop assistant than a top level negotiator. He was great on You're Fired - which I think always sorts the men from the boys.

Still not sure how Michelle is getting away with it....I couldn't believe that she survived this week as SAS told her that she was 100% responsible for what had happened. If you are 100% responsible then no-one else is to blame AT ALL. Have the laws of maths changed since I was at school? Syed gives "150% effort" all the time, he was "100% to blame" for the pizza task yet Alexa went. Can someone please explain this to me?

SAS was in fine form again in his Mirror column praising Paul for being charming with the ladies. I don't mean to go on but weren't the women thrown to the lions for similar behaviour in week 1? My mum phoned me when I was on my way back from the studios today to let me know how inconsistent it all seems. What is charm and what is flirting? Can only a man be charming? Is it the case that a woman is using sex to sell and a man is simply making best use of his 'talents'. Paul said he would marry about half a dozen women on Wednesday - that's pretty outrageous in anyone's book. Don't get me wrong - I reckon you use everything at your disposal (within reason) to achieve an aim but the man making the decisions can't seem to decide what he thinks is acceptable and what is not!

But enough of this - there are Regulations to be learned.

OK - AM I TAKING THIS A BIT TOO MUCH TO HEART?

2006-04-01T12:16:00.000+01:00

Right Dean. Get your slap on and get yourself off to the Sharon Stone premier! I want to see how much alike we are!

WELL 'ARD TO TAKE

2006-03-31T15:27:00.000+01:00

I cannot believe what has happened. My (lovely!?!) best friend has phoned me up and told me that I was in The Sun yesterday. Now I'm thinking it will be a reference to what a big mistake SAS made when he fired me (I can dream) or something equally complimentary....but no.

I have the dubious honour of being the runner-up in The Sun's lokalike competition with DEAN GAFFNEY!!!!!! AAARRRRGGGGHHHHH.......

I would post pictures of us side by side just so I can convince myself that they have got it completely wrong but I am really worried that I'll look and decide that there is a similarity. Even if you think there is please don't tell me.

I'm off to lock myself in the toilet (avoiding looking in the mirror) and have a good cry!

JO GOES!

2006-03-30T13:35:00.001+01:00

For the first time in weeks I actually enjoyed watching the programme last night...and not because the lovely Jo was fired but because there seemed to be a bit more of an emphasis on what was a real business task. I also hated watching it because I would have loved to have been there and think I would have had a good crack at selling some cars. I know how I like to be sold a car and I think I could have put it into good practice.

As it was, Ruth was shining last night. She was the only one who really seemed to 'get it' and it was a damn shame that the team she was on lost again. I do think that they should have divided the total sales by the number of people on the team as there is definitely an advantage in having an extra person there. Tuan has said (on the Internet Forum) that there was no advantage as there could only be two sales at any one time but while the others are sellinfg those who aren't could be doing something (even if it's just blowing up more balloons).

And my lovely friend Jo was finally given the boot. I do think that it was right that she went and I know that she won't be too mad at me saying that. I have the upmost respect for her though. She is the only one left who was really being herself. She took the bollocking from the salesman on the chin and admitted her mistake - something that other people seem unable to do. She had the guts to stand up and be counted when she knew that others were against her. Don't get me wrong, Jo can be tough to take sometimes but she is a good person with a huge heart and someone I am proud to know. There has been speculation that Jo will never be employed again but I believe she will be a huge success in everythng she does. Her father was amazing on You're Fired and said what all her friends and family were thinking (I'm sure).

And what of those who are left? It was almost comical to watch the winning 'team' (there is no 'I' in team but there seems to be a lot of 'me, me, me') move out of the boardroom as if they had just been told that they would being going to the bingo for their treat. It would have been really interesting to see how they would have performed as a unit next week but it is inevitable that they will be split again. I still maintain that certain individuals are faililng to actually do anything other than hang on the coat tails of those who are going for it. I don't know if SAS notices or even cares - only time will tell.

I am looking forward to seeing what becomes of Jo and can't wait to see her (next week at a charity gig for Ben's charity) and tell her what a STAR she is.

YOU'RE FIRED MUG

2006-03-28T12:36:00.000+01:00

I know it is blatent advertising but I guess that this is my blog so I can do what I want. After laughing myself silly at the Boleg Bros Firing Films (see the links on the news page) I am now the proud owner of a You're Fired mug. I am gutted that they don't do personalised ones (I would have loved to have seen me getting the 'pan to the head' firing) but I can have a good laugh everytime I have a coffee. Although SAS and Nick look really realistic it is the Margaret character that is scarily true to life. It has got a kind if blank but knowing stare - just like the woman herself.

I understand the Bros are trying to get a mug on Jonothan Ross on Friday. Shame Harry Hill isn't still on - he'll do anything Apprentice related!

Have a look on www.bolegbros.co.uk - you will definitely get a good laugh (and may be persuaded to get the mug!).

AM I WATCHING THE RIGHT CHANNEL?

2006-03-23T14:35:00.000Z

It was so nice to see Big Brother back on our screens last night....okay, slight exaggeration there, but what on earth was that programme last night. There were absolutely no business lessons there and, frankly, it was another mad firing with no real justification for it.

It makes me wonder what I gave up my job and time with my family for. It is becoming increasingly clear that Sir Alan has picked his choices right at the beginning and is now just making sure he gets rid of the ones he doesn't want when the opportunity arises - no matter how they have performed in the task.

I did think the editng was really clever as, if I didn't know who was going to get fired, I would have assumed that Paul's advert (and it was Paul's advert) would have been the losing one. It was clear that SaS didn't like it - just as well SAS did! What is the point of even having the experts? They said that Ruth's advert was closest to the brief and it would have appealed most to the audience to whom it was meant to appeal. And SAS just ignores that....

When are we actually going to see certain people come out of their shell? There are a couple of individuals who have contributed nothing - other than to complain when they don't like something so they can say so in the boardroom should they be pulled in. It just seems that the longer you stay out of the spotlight the longer you are going to be in. There should some criticism for those not willing to step up to the mark - there is in 'real life'.

I see that Alexa is on Richard and Judy tonight. She is becoming a real media babe. Good on her - she is a lovely person and was just unlucky to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. I will be glued to the screen at 5pm to see how many times they ask her about her famous cousin and chickens.

Let me know what you want to know. Although I was out early - I have kept in touch with most of the Apprentices and am happy to divulge as much as I can.

Again - a big thank you to all of you who are still emailing. I can't respons at the moment as there is something mad happening with my Yahoo Mail (if anyone knows why the reply button won't work please let me know). xxxx

I'M BACK

2006-03-20T19:53:00.000Z

Hello, hello and hello again! It has been the maddest 10 days of my life but I am now back to being able to write a bit on the blog about what has been going on.

First is really the show itself. I still can't say too much about it as we are being held to our contracts and it can get messy (as Sharon found out) but it was such a nightmare to have to watch myself being fired all over again.

It is strange to watch yourself and even I was shouting at the TV! "Defend yourself woman"!! The truth is that I really didn't think it was important for me to speak up at the time as I was confident that I had performed well on the first 2 tasks and I had been the best of a bad lot in this task. I will not say that my performance was flawless - not checking to see if that guy had the jacket we wanted was beyond forgivable. But, I had kept my calm and had managed Jo throughout the task. The weird thing is that Sir Alan was NEVER going to get rid of her and I found out this week that it was always between myself and Alexa. I don't think either of us deserved to go but I really think that the decision he made was a mad one - and he gave the worst reason ever. If he didn't want another lawyer - don't let me give up my job, leave my family and believe that I was really in with a chance. He was the one who said it was real life - well, make a real decision based on business performance......AAARRRRGGGGHHHH

Having said all of that it turns out that getting fired when I did was probably the best thing that could have happened. I LOVED doing my You're Fired and it was great to meet Adrian (who was a star) and Felicity (who is just as gorgeous as she looks on the TV)! It was such a night of being spoiled and pampered and I was happy to give the panel a real go. I was so happy to see that there were only about 3 'FIRED' placards held up at the end of the programme (although one of them was Nargis!).

WEDNESDAY: I traveled back up to Scotland after doing a bit of Press with Taylor Herring and then spent the rest of the day on the phone to reporters - all quite tame really and most wanting to hit the 'sex sells' thing again. I was happy to talk for hours!

THURSDAY : This was a great day when I spoke to radio stations live. My favorite was the BBC 2 Business Slot where I was proposed to by a listener! More of that later. I loved doing the radio stuff as I could talk tough business woman while sitting in my nightie and slippers! There was loads of press and my favourite headline was the Sun's 'You're Feart' (scared - for those of you outside this fair country!).

FRIDAY : I had a massive interview with the Sunday Mirror and a 2-hour photo-shoot. There was an in-pouring of emails and comments and even some job offers. I want to take this opportunity to thank every single person who wrote to me to offer their commiserations and good wishes. I hope that I replied to everyone (and there were about 150) but if I haven't yet, I definitely will. It was really important to me to know what people thought and I have never been so touched! People are generally pretty damn nice. I received my second and third marriage proposals - I just can't decide at the moment - all too busy!!

WEEKEND - More TV, more radio and more press. I honestly thought people might have heard enough but they kept coming. I was reveling in it though - does that make me a bad person?

And the most exciting thing of all - on Wednesday I was invited to attend the World Premier of the new Sharon Stone film 'Basic Instinct 2'. Me, Karen Bremner from Newbigging, nobody- was at the premier and invited to walk along the red carpet and I WAS PAPPED!!!!!! I went to the aftershow party and everything......at one point I was sitting in a booth talking to Christian Slater and thought that I had entered the Twilight Zone.

There is so much more to tell but I have to give these fingers a rest.

Hope everyone is well....

OUR HOUSE

2006-03-06T20:43:00.000Z

This brings back so many memories...

http://www.foxtons.co.uk/search?md5=b625ff347f604a87baef46f764c9365b&search_form=map&search_type=LL&inst_ref=ir_hmpd000143431&submit_type=search

THIS IS HILARIOUS

2006-03-06T13:10:00.000Z

This has got to be the best bit of Apprentice merchandise I have seen:

http://www.bolegbros.co.uk/shop/Themes.asp?Theme=1

A NEW WEEK, A NEW EPISODE

2006-03-06T12:50:00.000Z

Is it sad that I am already looking forward to the next episode and it's only Monday? I don't know if my heart can take the strain of this for the next 2 months.

There is still no sign of the blog being allowed to be put on the site so I will continue with my ramblings in the meantime.

I have been having a good nosey at all the other candidates sites and it is so weird to see that, in loads of cases, their sites really reflect their personality.

Tuan's has very defined serious and funny parts..and that is so him. When I first met Tuan I wasn't sure about him at all. His wit is SO dry that you can't really work out whether he is insulting you or just winding you up. I am going to take the road of least resistance and decide that he was just having a laugh with me most of the time! He is the consumate professional when required, though, and can really turn it on when needed.

Jo's site is just SO Jo. There is the wacky picture in the corner and the deep messages throughout...but no danger at all that she takes herself too seriously. Look beyond the flashy graffics and you see a see a woman with very strong beliefs and principles.

And mine - well, I was as much an Apprentice groupy at the start of this as I am now and that is why it is so Apprentice focused. If you want to know a bit more about me you can just ask - get in touch or press the comment button - but I really felt this was a site about me on the Apprentice and not about me personally!

There are loads of other sites, but if you want The Apprentice gossip keep popping back and have a look at the latest news and blog.

PS I can't believe the Michelle/Syed story has broken already. Not sure why he would have dumped her for what she said about him on episode 2 - I don't remember her saying a single thing about him! Did I miss it?

BIG THANK YOU...

2006-03-02T14:36:00.000Z

This is such a lovely chance to be able to say a huge thank you to all the people who I know (and lots who I don't know) who have been so supportive of my 'performance' so far on the show.

Last night was a bit tough for me as I was not expecting to see Nargis lay into me on the You're Fired show. I have no idea what she was talking about regarding dishonesty but that is pretty rough for anyone to take. In the profession which I have chosen, integrity and honesty are paramount and for someone to question it is for them to question everthing that I have worked for nearly 18 years to achieve (don't do the maths - I went to Uni at 16!).

I would love to write more about the show itself but hopefully you will see that on the BBC website or on this one once it has been cleared.

Suffice it to say that I didn't enjoy the humiliation that either team endured and can only hope next week is a better one.

WHAT'S GOING ON?

2006-02-25T19:49:00.000Z

So sorry about this. I guess by the time we actually get to post anything any interest will have gone and we'll be onto the next episode. And there is so much to tell you.

I thought Ben came across very well on both the You're Fired programme and on his many interviews and TV appearances! He is a nice, genuine guy and came across as such.

I was surprised to see Lorriane Kelly's piece in The Sun today calling all the women 'cheap tarts'. A bit harsh, I think. There seems to be a lot of discussion of neck rubs and massaging in the papers. Did I miss that on the programme? Granted, I did watch it from behind a pillow but don't remember seeing that.

And, oh dear Syed, what have you said on your CV? There is no doubt that we've all thought about exaggerating a bit on application forms but realise pretty quickly the repercussions should we get caught. Usually being outed by a national newspaper isn't one of them....

I was interested to see Mani shouting at Syed on the preview clip. He is a laid back guy so to see him lose it like that was a bit of a shock. That is why these programmes are just as interesting for the people who are in them as those of you watching. We only get to see what happens in our bit of the task...bring on episode 2.

GIVE ME JUST A LITTLE MORE TIME....

2006-02-24T09:35:00.000Z

Sorry folks, but there is still no word from the Talkback lawyers as to whether my blog is free for release. In the meantime, thank you all for your comments. There were some really positive ones and others that I will take as constructive criticism!!

Lots of people are asking why we went for the 'sex sells' approach when Sir Alan made it quite clear that he was having none of it. Firstly, please remember that this is a TV programme which has been edited from about 3 days of filming to produce that 1 hour of aired-programme. Secondly, there was never any intention to go to the market and blag freebies. It just happened when we got there. The reason I ended up paying for some of the fruit was that I wanted to make sure that we were within the rules of the competition and actually bought something!

I really can't say much more at the moment as it is all in my blog which I really hope I can get clearance for by the end of today!

Do keep commenting. It is so interesting to know how we all came across on the television. It's not always what we are like in 'real life'!

I'M SORRY

2006-02-22T23:23:00.000Z

Well, folks, I was hoping to be able to give you the full account of what really happened in task one but we have been constrained by the legal bods at Talkback. As soon as my blog is 'cleared' I will have it posted and ready for comment.

In the meantime - please let me know what you thought by pressing the comment button and telling all!!

EVEN SAIRA BELIEVES THE HYPE

2006-02-22T13:32:00.000Z

I was gob-smacked to see Saira giving the girls a good slagging on GMTV this morning. Of all the people to believe what the pre-view to a BBC show says I thought she would be the last. And doesn't she have a short memory? It was less than a year ago that she persuaded a businessman to part with a digi-box for nothing by claiming she and Raj were 'team-Asia'.

There has been much made of what happens in tonight's show and that the women are somehow to be chastised for their 'behavior'. There is almost universal criticism of the way we were dressed (please read my last post for my response to that!) and the way we conducted ourselves.

It's all a bit to easy really! There is nothing but praise for Paul (and quite rightly so) when he manages to persuade a large number of people to part with large-ish sums of money for an apple. He doesn't have a low-cut top on (praise the Lord) but he does use his charm and a bit of flirting with the ladies. And has that even been mentioned? Of course not, it would seem a bit ridiculous to mention it and it simply wouldn't make interesting reading.

I'm not going to spoil anything but I would urge you all to remember that this is a TV show first-and-foremost and that a lot of what actually happened is going to end up on the cutting-room floor.

Of course, you will decide for yourself but I'll hopefully be able to tell you what really happened tomorrow.

Karen x

THE KNIVES ARE OUT!

2006-02-20T09:44:00.000Z

Some weekend! The weekend supplements were full of many, many television and business critics having a real go at The Apprentice the programme and, more particularly, the apprentices themselves. I guess it would be naive in the extreme to expect the papers to be full of sweetness and light but I wasn't expecting what we were given. A particular 'favourite' of mine was in The Observer Business Section on Sunday and was written by Simon Caulkin, the Management Editor (although, quite what he manages is not clear). If it wasn't for his photograph at the top of the page I would have sworn this was written by someone who had been keen to be one of the apprentices but who had fallen at the first hurdle - there was a certain amount of bitterness detected by this reader.

He is happy to call the show a 'travesty' and refers to the fourteen of us as 'gabby, over-assertive, unsufferable young men and women' - I'll take the over-assertive and gabby and welcome the 'young' with open arms.

He also claims that 'true to form' the girls tarted themselves up in the first episode.

I was wearing an old pair of jeans, walking trainers and a green T-shirt. I had no idea that was what the young tart on the street was sporting these days - it's back to fishnets and a mini skirt for me when I take Cameron to nursery - don't want the other mums to get the wrong idea.

The main thrust of the article suggests that in business it is all about competition but with a healthy dose of co-operation; and that The Apprentice is simply down to 'individual plausibility' rather than 'learning and teamwork'.

Mr Caulkin, I was there and I can guarantee that none of the tasks could or would have been carried out without all of the remaining apprentices being focused 100% on the task. But, yes, in the back of all of our minds was what we were ultimately aiming for...and, frankly, isn't that how people succeed in all walks of life. There is an element of working with and for the team but with an ultimate goal of either personal satisfaction or success.

I'm no Management Editor and I am no great business success story but I have little respect for anyone who writes, what is meant to be a serious business article, with the title 'In the end, the biggest a**hole always wins.'

Mr Caulkin, on this ocassion, you appear to be the winner.

"MY ONLY WEAKNESS...."

2006-02-15T19:41:00.000Z

Are there times in everyone's lives when they wish they hadn't said something? I'm sure that will be repeated many times over the coming weeks but it seems that there has been a particular sentiment that I shouldn't have felt it necessary to share with the rest of the UK!

"My only weakness is that I don't think I have any weaknesses."

Yes, I said it and it has been quoted in every article about The Apprentice (certainly North of the border - and misquoted by The Herald as "My only weakness is that I don't have any weaknesses"!).

It is currently my 'low point' on Celebdaq (ony £2.04 a share at the moment - bargain, get buying).

But, honestly, is it that bad?

What I was trying to say, and perhaps not terribly well, is that I recognise that my somewhat over-inflated impression of myself can sometimes be my downfall; that I can see that thinking that you are almost always in the right can actually get up people's noses a bit.

So - it is a weakness and it does make sense.

But, to be honest, I really wish I hadn't said it!

AND SO IT GOES ON

2006-02-12T21:05:00.000Z

So it's the Sunday after the big press launch and my life hasn't suddenly changed into a whirlwind of red carpet premiers and free gifts arriving at every turn! The weirdest thing is that I forget that not every person is as obsessed with the coverage and trailers as I am. I scared the living daylights out of my poor son on Friday when I saw the trailer and shouted for his dad at about 100 decibels. And I am only in it for a fleeting moment!

James Max did a piece in the Sunday Times which was nice but a bit bland. He has really done well out of the whole experience, it seems. There is no sign of Miriam (who was my favourite) but I understand that Paul is about to become a TV star.

There are some ABSOLUTE characters this time around. It is up to the public to decide whether they are credible busines people but there is no doubt that it is going to be entertaining.

I understand that the book is out next week - now there's something to look forward to!!

IT'S ALL A BIT SURREAL

2006-02-10T15:42:00.000Z

I don't know how much of the coverage you have all seen but it has gone a bit mad in Scotland. I came home on Tuesday night, after the Press release, to find a Daily Record reporter at my door. It felt very 'Posh Spice'.

I think this blog is going to be a bit self-indulgent! It is really cathartic to be able to write down all the things that are going through your head as the date for the programme starts coming ever closer. There are some absolute stars on the show. I am going to put up profiles of everyone - with my own little additions - but I won't spoil it. I'll wait until after the first episode - and it's a corker!

Would love to get any feedback on the site, the blog and the programme in general.

THE STORY SO FAR

2006-02-10T10:56:00.000Z

I always wondered how the Apprentices were chosen. This is how it happened for me:

11 July 2005

I had filled in the longest ever application form as soon as I heard that they were looking for new candidates for the second series of The Apprentice. I had loved the first series and got totally hooked on it and Jennifer, my sister, had started the whole interest by telling me about the series in America. I had been looking at my email every day for weeks waiting to hear if I was in line for an interview.

When the message came, its address was ‘apprentice-no reply’ and my heart sank. When I opened it, it was actually letting me know that I wasn't to reply to the email! The message said that there would be an interview in Glasgow on the 11 July 2005. And there it started – the obsession with what to wear, what to say and how to say it.

The interview on the Monday was everything I expected and I felt really up for it. I was due there at 0900 but arrived a bit early and got to watch all sorts of people walking in…some very odd ones to be honest. I eventually went up to the floor where the interview was on and sat down…with lots of very quiet people. I couldn’t bear the silence so started talking to some people and found out the kind of person who applies for this kind if thing. There was a guy in full Scottish kit who was handing out his business cards and reading The Apprentice book. Mmmmm, fairly sure he was out after the first stage.

I was called into the first interview and just had a quick chat with a guy about why I wanted to be on and what I could do for Sir Alan. I felt really comfortable and confident and was off to the second stage after a bit of a wait. The second stage was much like the first but a bit more in-depth.

I then had to wait in a room with 3 guys and we were taken into a room and asked to debate a question – ‘What is the best British brand?’ Yeah, went fine and I felt like I handled myself really well. It was then an interview with the two producers, a quick screen test and I was off again. What a drama.

So we were all waiting to hear whether we were going to go any further. There was loads of great chat on the Internet Forum and people spoofing each other constantly. Finally, the call came on Thursday 21 that I was going to be going to London for the next stage of the interviews –ARRRGGHHHH!!!

25 July 2005 God! Just two weeks later and I was on a plane and off to London for the next stage. I met the lovely Ruari and Alan at the airport and we spent the next few hours talking almost only about the Apprentice and how desperate we were to work for Sir Alan. We went to the interview and found that we were in a room with 7 other people all as keen as us. And let the games commence!!! Basically a big shouty, noisy session of debates, discussions and tasks. I can honesty say that I didn’t really enjoy it and I didn’t think that I had put myself across that well. So we spent the next couple of hours talking about how badly we thought we had done. It was definitely time for a pint of Stella – or two.

Back home and I knew that I had it bad. There was not a moment that went past over the next couple of days when I wasn’t thinking about how I had done and whether I would get the call. I had convinced myself that I definitely wasn’t in one minute and the next that I definitely should be in and if I didn’t get the call something was wrong. I really was torture. I have never felt that bad about anything and just couldn’t bear it! I know it sounds really stupid to get so worked up about it but I had reallt set my sights on this and I was determined that I was going to get it!

On the 28 July, I got the call I had been waiting for. At 1600, just as I was leaving work, I got a call from the lovely Katie to say that I was to go to London on the Monday for a psychiatrist’s interview (to make sure I wasn’t mad?) and to sign some paperwork. And so the adventure began.

Hitting the Headlines

2006-02-09T06:54:00.000Z

Series two of the Apprentice is now beginning to hit the headlines:

The Daily Mirror - Sir Alan unveils new Apprentice hopefuls
The Guardian - Rude and pushy return to make Sugar scowl
The Daily Record - Exclusive: Scots who want to be Sir Alan's Apprentice
The Herald - Scots in running to be Sugar’s new Apprentice

Visit my blog again soon for more updates!

Welcome to Karen Bremner's Apprentice blog

2006-02-08T07:12:00.000Z

Welcome to my blog - I can't believe I am even using a word like that - I am pretty IT-illiterate but here I am with my own website.

I decided to set up a blog because, when I watched last year, I was so desparate to understand what was really going on with the tasks and the people who were doing them!

The second series of the BBC's Apprentice begins on 22 February 2006 and you will be able to follow my adventures with the other 13 contestants as we battle for the prize: a £100,000 a year job with Sir Alan Sugar. And, believe me, there are some serious battles. I don't know if the programme is better than last year but it is certainly entertainment - there are some massive characters which you will grow to love (and probably hate!).

I intend to be as honest as I can, so if you are looking for the 'party-line' you would be better off on the BBC 2 website!

This is the BBC press release about the show: "Following the huge success of the first series, The Apprentice is back for a 12-week run on BBC Two starting on Wednesday 22 February at 9.00pm. The critically acclaimed show returns to challenge a new group of aspiring tycoons to test their skills in this unique business entertainment series. Competition this year was fiercer than ever with more than 10,000 people applying for the six-figure salaried job with Sir Alan Sugar. These applications were whittled down to the final 14."

Who is to say how they chose the final 14 - you'll need to decide once you've seen us all.