The Apprentice: Episode Four

This week's task was to take over some floor space in Harrods and sell the most. First Forte's project manager was Tim (who has already lost) and Impact's leader was James. First Forte spent a lot of time discussing stuff and then went round the store selecting products with an hour to spare - they chose lots of demonstration toys and Harrods gifts. Impact were more prepared initially but selected a lot of soft toys and not so many crowd pullers. However maths (by Paul) let the team down as they had too much of one product than they were allowed.

On the Saturday when they were to do the selling First Forte got off to a flying start and sold well, whilst Impact stood and watched. Realising they had to do something they borrowed some more demonstrators from the toy department and got Paul to dress up as a bear and hug children and give them toys that their parents could then buy. At the 4pm check Impact were ahead by £400. First Forte had started well and were consistent but the Harrods staff who were helping them out had trouble with Adele and her attitude.

The last few hours were furious selling and the teams used their petty cash to buy vouchers to use as incentives.

In the end Impact won by less than £100. Tim and his team - Ben, Adele, Miriam and Sebastian went back in the boardroom. The team could not come up with specific reasons why they lost as they had worked hard, sold well and then lost by a small margin. Adele complained that the Harrods staff did not help them enough . Sir Alan was furious about her treatment of the staff. He mentioned that he knew she had personal problems (she was homesick and her grandmother was ill). Adele said she was going to make his job, and Tim's job easier and resign. Sir Alan butted in and said her attitude made her the perfect candidate to be fired. Then told the rest of the team they were lucky.