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Business

Winner of BBC’s The Apprentice launches first project with Lord Alan Sugar

Rachel Woolford, the 2024 winner of the BBC’s ‘The Apprentice’, has revealed plans to launch her first joint initiative with Lord Sugar, in her home city of Leeds. The project will see Rachel expand her hugely successful fitness space, North Studio, to offer a dedicated Reformer Pilates studio - right next door. Lord Sugar has partnered with Rachel to purchase the commercial premises which will be part of an expansion of the existing Leeds studio and will further enhance North Studio’s Pilat

The Editor

The Editor

·2 min read
Winner of BBC’s The Apprentice launches first project with Lord Alan Sugar

Rachel Woolford, the 2024 winner of the BBC’s ‘The Apprentice’, has revealed plans to launch her first joint initiative with Lord Sugar, in her home city of Leeds.

The project will see Rachel expand her hugely successful fitness space, North Studio, to offer a dedicated Reformer Pilates studio - right next door.

Lord Sugar has partnered with Rachel to purchase the commercial premises which will be part of an expansion of the existing Leeds studio and will further enhance North Studio’s Pilates offering with an extra 120 classes a month.

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Former economic and business management student turned fitness entrepreneur Rachel, 28, beat pie shop owner, Phil Turner, in the final of the 2024 series of The Apprentice with both pitching to Lord Sugar to win £250,000 and go into business with him.

Following her win Rachel cited ambitious growth plans for North Studio and this expansion marks the first step in realising her long-term vision for the business.

Speaking about the investment Lord Sugar said: "Our acquisition of the commercial premises marks not only a significant milestone for North Studio but also a bold step forward in our new business partnership. This project brings an expansion of the existing North Studio offering is a direct response to the growing demand in the fitness industry for Reformer Pilates”.

Located in Roundhay, North Studio was established by Rachel in 2020 and is a boutique wellness space. It prides itself on a small group focus to offer a range of classes and workshops delivered by highly experienced coaches, who tailor workouts to an individual’s abilities and needs.

The studio space also boasts a ‘Refuel Kitchen’ serving coffee, fresh juices, smoothies and energy boosting shakes.

Commenting on the expansion Rachel said: “At North Studio, we're all about delivering the highest quality, small group personalised fitness experiences. With investment from Lord Sugar, we are now able to achieve the next stage in our planned growth with the addition of a fantastic new space dedicated to Reformer Pilates that is still in keeping with our boutique studio vibe.

“I am extremely excited to start this new chapter in partnership with Lord Sugar and the team is working hard to bring the new studio to life ready to welcome clients.”

Design and fit out of the Reformer Pilates studio is underway and it is expected to be open in early February.

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