The Apprentice - Where are they now? - Karen Bremner

I recently caught up with Karen Bremner, whose early departure from the second series of The Apprentice last year proved to be one of the most talked about incidents of the entire series.

Karen is a member of our The Apprentice discussion forum and I asked her what she has done since then, what her current commitments are, and what plans and aspirations she has for the future.

“Well, it has been the most amazing year. I had no idea that appearing on The Apprentice would have such an impact on my life - in loads of different ways.
Firstly, I can't explain how completely 'all-encompassing' it is. The day after the 'You're Fired' show I got home to find two reporters at my doorstep! I then received hundreds, if not thousands, of emails from all sorts of people. I was offered a number of jobs in everything from a charity who encourage and develop young entrepreneurs to a private equity partnership. Unfortunately, all of the jobs I was offered were in England and I am firmly in Scotland - and want to stay here for the foreseeable future. I then had an amazing time being asked to appear on a number of Scottish and UK-wide television programme and in the Scottish and National press. A number of production companies also asked me to get involved with projects they had developed.

Despite all of these amazing offers I took the decision to take some time out from full time work to spend time with my friends and family. One of the big lessons I took from The Apprentice was that money does not necessarily make you happy - I know that my family does it for me.

I couldn't do nothing though and in May 2006 I took, and passed, exams which qualified me to be a stockbroker. I then decided to take full advantage of the profile which the programme had given me and have spent the last 6 months giving motivational talks, hosting corporate events and giving after-dinner talks. I am well aware that interest will only last until the next set of Apprentices come along so I am 'milking it' for all I'm worth! I have a daily slot on a Scottish talk radio station - Talk 107 - where I am the business correspondent and have been known to fill-in when one of the presenters needs a day off - great fun and the opportunity to talk for 3 hours solid! I continue to appear on Scottish TV and radio intermittently - all great fun. I am about to present a consumer related Sunday evening show which starts on Sunday 24 March from 5pm-7pm.

2007 will bring new challenges. I will continue the talks as long as people stay interested. My main move, though, will be to start my own business. I will open Karen B in July 2007 which is a clothing boutique in Broughty Ferry - something I've always fancied doing. The Apprentice has given me the confidence to go for it.

Lasting memories of the year are from the people who have written, texted, emailed and shouted at me in the street to tell me that Sir Alan Sugar made a big mistake and that I was their favourite Apprentice. It was the most amazing experience and I don't regret it for a moment - I will be terribly jealous come the first episode next year - the new Apprentices will have the time of their lives.”

Karen also writes a weekly blog, writing comments on each episode of The Apprentice series 3 as it is aired, for The Daily Record

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