The Apprentice star Linda Plant is on the search for North West business.
The 70-year-old, famously known as the no-nonsense interviewer of the hit BBC programme and Lord Sugar’s right hand woman, is set to be a guest judge at this year’s North West’s LGBTQ+ Business Awards. She is currently on the lookout for businesses who are worthy to win accolades such as Best Employer Award and the LGBTQ+ Ally Award.
From market stall entrepreneur to stock market leviathan, Linda knows good business and is happy to give priceless advice to those who want a piece of the pie. However, not many fans know that Linda is no stranger to the LGBTQ+ business world, having successfully owned a gay club in Leeds in the 80s.
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Now, wanting to pass her wisdom on to others across the region, Linda emphasised the importance of “seeking support if you are not sure how to climb up the ladder,” before adding: “Keep an eye on the completion of your goals and monitor if they are successful or not. If you have started to climb the ladder then you have done something right. I give the same advice to anyone - recognise an opportunity and don’t be afraid to have a go.
“If you don’t buy a ticket, then you can’t win the lottery. Fear of failure should not prevent you from trying. Also, be honest and have realistic goals , don’t try to wing it. Walk before you run and push yourself but keep your eyes on the prize. Try to establish your USPs and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you don’t know something. A good support system is important. Finally, treat people with respect, and in turn, you will earn their respect - it will carry you through your journey.”
The pioneering business woman initially started with a market stall before going on to become the fearsome interviewer she is known as today. She explained it was her mother who started the stall as a means to supplement their family’s income to make ends meet. She worked on the stall in her school holidays and it quickly became the catalyst to her business life, claiming she knew she loved business from that point onwards.
The mum-of-three's links to Lord Sugar go back to her days in fashion and when he owned electronics company, Amstrad. Linda revealed the two weren't socially friendly but knew of one another as they both had homes in Florida. That was until he rang her up one day seven years ago and asked her to audition. Since then, she has made a name for herself as ‘queen of the mean’ on the hit TV series.
Taking some time away from the screen, the TV personality will be judging the North West LGBTQ+ Business awards, which celebrate the best of what the community has to offer and are being held at The Titanic Hotel in Liverpool on Friday, October 21.
Anyone can apply or nominate someone for the awards as long as they are a member of the LGBTQ+ community or if they are allied to the community. This year will feature three new categories - the Entrepreneurial Spirit Award, Best Social Media Award and LGBTQ+ Networker of the Year Award.
Managing Director, Drew Cockton, told the ECHO : "People can expect a glittering, completely 'over the top' red carpet vibe from the awards. We went all out last year with our decorations as did our guests with their outfits. Lots of awards evenings can be very stale and corporate but the LGBTQ+ Business Awards won't be."
