As The Apprentice 2026 makes its highly anticipated return to BBC One this Thursday 29 January, one of Lord Sugar's trusted advisers has shared visionary ideas for new tasks that could reshape the iconic business competition. Tim Campbell MBE, who serves alongside Baroness Karren Brady as a key mentor on the show, has exclusively revealed to City AM the innovative challenges he believes would test modern entrepreneurs.
Celebrating Two Decades of Business Battles
The Apprentice marks its remarkable 20th anniversary this January, continuing its tradition of pitting ambitious contestants against each other in classic business scenarios. Over the years, hopeful entrepreneurs have created everything from books and newspapers to cleaning products and holiday packages, all vying for Lord Sugar's investment of £250,000 into their business idea.
Campbell's Vision for Modern Challenges
Speaking ahead of the new series launch, Campbell outlined two particularly relevant sectors that could provide fertile ground for innovative tasks. "If there was something I specifically would lean towards," he explained, "I think working and supporting the charitable sector, a brand and marketing campaign focused on a charitable sector, could be really interesting, when we think about the strain and stress that particular sector is under in the marketplace."
Campbell further elaborated on another pressing area: "And also maybe an intervention with regards to social care, another big strain on our economic prosperity at the moment. There is an ageing population, there are more people who will need care at the end of their lives than we have babies."
The AI and Global Working Dimension
The adviser specifically highlighted how technological and economic shifts could be incorporated into these challenges. "So I think some of the economic changes – AI, global working – could be compounded with some of the social changes we're seeing," Campbell suggested, "to see if the candidates could come up with innovative business ideas focused on those two sectors."
He emphasised the show's broader purpose: "We find viable businesses that are successful and individuals that go on to create employment for the UK, jobs, tax revenue and innovation."
The Apprentice 2026: What to Expect
The new series returns to BBC One and iPlayer this Thursday, maintaining its status as a ratings powerhouse despite increasing competition from streaming services like Netflix and Disney+. The previous season attracted an average audience of 6.7 million viewers per episode, demonstrating the enduring appeal of Lord Sugar's boardroom drama.
International Flair and Technological Challenges
The first trailer for the 2026 series reveals some exciting developments, including:
- The boardroom temporarily relocating to Hong Kong
- Contestants completing tasks against iconic Asian cultural landmarks
- Participants riding dune buggies in adventurous challenges
- Competitors engaging in virtual reality combat with robots
Building on Recent Success
The new series follows a successful Christmas special that featured celebrities including Benedict Cumberbatch, Olivia Colman, and Robbie Williams supporting contestants like Rob Rinder, AJ Odudu, and Jake Wood in their charitable business endeavours.
For those inspired by the show, applications are currently open for the 21st season of The Apprentice, with a deadline of 23 January for submissions.
The Investment and Legacy
Lord Sugar continues his substantial investment in winners, now offering half a million pounds to develop the champion's business idea through a partnership. The show's impact extends beyond the final episode, as demonstrated by former contestants like Scarlett Allen-Horton, whose Lord Sugar-backed recruitment firm Harper Fox Partners has navigated the challenging business landscape since her appearance as a finalist in the 15th season.
As The Apprentice enters its third decade, Campbell's suggestions for AI-integrated tasks focusing on social care and charitable sectors reflect how the show continues to evolve with contemporary economic and technological realities while maintaining its core mission of discovering Britain's next generation of business innovators.
