The Apprentice winner’s company goes into liquidation with £200,000 debt-Josie Copson-Entertainment – Metro

James White won The Apprentice in 2017 (Picture: Jim Marks/BBC/PA Wire)

Seven years after winning The Apprentice, James White’s business has entered into liquidation.

On the 13th series of the BBC show, James secured a £250,000 investment from Lord Alan Sugar, but his business, Right Time Recruitment, is now in a significant amount of debt.

He appointed a voluntary liquidator, and the extent of the company’s finances have been listed on Companies House.

On his statement of affairs filed on June 10, which were originally reported by The Sun, the estimated deficiency/surplus is just under £200,000.

This includes owing HMRC £10,901.19, Llloyds bank £52,513.47, and his tax consultancy business Mileage Reclaim Limied £100,000.

On May 28, Companies House issued a compulsory strike-off, before it was discounted earlier this week.

Lord Sugar left the business in 2020 (Picture: Instagram)

James’ business owes just under £200,000 (Picture: Instagram)

James beat his competitors to secure the win (Picture: Jim Marks/BBC/PA)

Lord Sugar, 77, cut ties with the 33-year-old’s business, which specialises in recruitment within the IT and consultancy industries and once had London, Birmingham and Chicago offices, in 2020. With Lord Sugar no longer a joint shareholder, James became the sole owner and boss.

‘I wish James all the very best for the future and will follow his progress with interest,’ Lord Sugar said to Metro.co.uk in a statement after leaving.

James added: ‘I am very grateful for everything Lord Sugar has done for me. The knowledge and advice gained from Lord Sugar and his team has been invaluable.’

James wasn’t the only 2017 winner (Picture: Yui Mok/PA)

James didn’t think two winners was possible until it happened (Picture: Dominic Lipinski/PA)

In 2017, James White was named the joint winner of The Apprentice alongside Sarah Lynn, who got an equal investment in Sweets in the City, which offers packaged sweet gifts across the UK.

‘I didn’t think it was possible that there could be two winners,’ he told Metro.co.uk at the time.

On the Right Time Recruitment, website, it previously said the business ‘was founded by James White and Lord Sugar following James’ win on the BBC Apprentice’, adding that while it has ‘grown significantly’, those who work at the company ‘still retain the values of friendship and trust we were built on’.

While competing on The Apprentice, James had a romance with fellow contestant Jade English.

Metro.co.uk has contacted James White’s representatives for comment.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

Entertainment – MetroRead More