The Apprentice: Meet the 16 new contestants

Laura Hogg, 28, bridal shop owner, pictured above

Lives in Glasgow

“I am going to be one of Scotland’s next big exports”.

Jane McEvoy, 28 co-founder of food manufacturing company

Lives in Kilkenny, Ireland

“Anything is achievable if you have drive, determination, and a seriously good work ethic.”

Jenna Whittingham, 25, beauty salon owner

Lives in Lancashire

“My personality and character is once seen, never forgotten.”

Gabrielle Omar, 29, architect

Lives in London

“When it comes to business I can be like an animal and I will roar my way to the top.”

Michael Copp, 31, managing director of kitchen and bedroom furniture retailer

Lives in London

He says: “I’m better than unique; I’m naturally gifted in business.”

Katie Wright, 26, editorial and research director

Lives in London

“I would call myself The Blonde Assassin. I let people underestimate me just so I can blow them out of the water.”

Nick Holzherr, 25, technology entrepreneur

Lives in Birmingham

“I’ve got lots of ideas, I know how to whittle them down into ideas that will work and I’ve got what it takes to make them actually happen.”

Bilyana Apostolova, 25, risk analyst

Lives in London

“I got myself from a Communist block of flats in Bulgaria to the top of a skyscraper in the heart of the City of London.”

Stephen Brady, 33, national sales manager

Lives in Vienna, Austria

“Enthusiasm is a huge asset of mine and I believe it’s caught and not taught.”

Ricky Martin, 26, recruitment team leader

Lives in Hampshire

“I truly am the reflection of perfection.”

Tom Gearing, 23, director of a wine investment company

Lives in London

“I’m confident, charismatic and some people say I’m quite good-looking, so that adds to the bill.”

Adam Corbally, 32, market trader

Lives in Derbyshire

“I get too excited, but that shows my passion, it shows my drive and it shows my ability.”

Jade Nash, 29, business development manager

Lives in Bedfordshire

“What I want is to be able to retire when I’m 45, but I’m such a workaholic that I’ll probably carry on until I’m 80.”

Maria O’Connor, 20, restaurateur

Lives in Kent

“If you chuck me in the deep end I’ll swim, I won’t sink.”

Azhar Siddique, 33, founder and managing director of catering and refrigeration company

Lives in Manchester

“It’s not who shouts the loudest, it’s who has the ability to control the conversation.”

Duane Bryan, 29, founder/director of drinks distribution company

“I am a winner and I am a fighter. In order to be the best you’ve got to beat the best.”