Harper Fox Partners, a recruitment company established by a former finalist on BBC's The Apprentice and financially backed by Lord Alan Sugar, has fallen into the red, according to its latest financial filings.
Financial Downturn for Apprentice-Backed Venture
New accounts lodged with Companies House reveal that Harper Fox Partners had negative equity of £30,560 as of 30 June 2025. This marks a stark reversal from the previous year, when the company held positive shareholder funds of £8,588. Negative equity indicates that the company's total liabilities now exceed its assets, effectively erasing the shareholders' investment.
The firm's current assets also saw a significant decline, dropping from £405,496 to £217,043 over the financial year. Consequently, its net current assets fell from £248,820 to £162,139.
Sugar's Investment and Apprentice Connection
The company was founded by Scarlett Allen-Horton, who was the runner-up in the fifteenth series of The Apprentice in 2019. Despite losing to winner Carina Lepore, Allen-Horton successfully secured a major investment for her executive recruitment venture from Lord Sugar in January 2020.
Documents confirm that Lord Alan Sugar took a stake of between 25% and 50% in Harper Fox Partners at that time. He also joined the board as a director, alongside his business partner Michael Ray.
When announcing the investment, Lord Sugar praised Allen-Horton's performance on the show and her professional background. He highlighted her plan to address a market gap with a quality-led search firm focused on the manufacturing and energy sectors, particularly in green technologies, and with a commitment to diverse and inclusive hiring.
Contrasting Fortunes for Apprentice Winners
The financial struggles at Harper Fox Partners follow news of another Apprentice-backed business facing difficulties. Oh So Yum, the dessert company launched by 2022 winner Harpreet Kaur with a £250,000 investment from Lord Sugar, was placed into voluntary liquidation in October 2024.
Lord Sugar exited that business in July 2023, with Kaur herself departing in October 2024, leaving her sister in charge before the company's closure amid reported six-figure debts.
The contrasting outcomes for these ventures highlight the challenging reality of business, even with the high-profile backing and exposure provided by the popular BBC series.
