The Apprentice splits with Sir Alan

By MICHAEL CLARKE
Updated: 10:11 EST, 29 September 2006

Apprentice winner Michelle Dewberry is quitting Sir Alan Sugar's company to set up her own business consultancy.

The former checkout girl, who beat 15,000 rivals – including the fierce Ruth Badger - to land the top job with Sir Alan, had been working on a computer disposal programme at Amstrad.

A full-scale launch of the environmental recycling project she was working on has been scrapped by Amstrad.

Both parties denied that there was falling out, although Dewberry has endured a rocky time since joining the company.

She was recently reported to be on gardening leave after becoming pregnant with fellow contestant Syed Ahmed's child. Dewberry discovered she had lost the baby after going to hospital suffering from stomach pains last month.

Today the former telecoms consultant said: "I am so grateful for the experience I have gathered from Sir Alan and others within his organisation. I am excited to take these learnings and help other companies by way of my new company, MDL.'

Michelle wooed Sir Alan with her calm exterior and determination on the popular BBC2 show, winning the final by putting on the best party at London's Tower Bridge.

In a statement, Amstrad said: 'Based on Michelle's research, both Michelle and the board concluded that to move to a full implementation of the proposed activity was too premature a move for the group as a whole.

'Xenon Green will continue to operate at a low level as it has been. It was decided not to proceed with the proposed expansion plan for the time being.'

Dewberry, who left school with just two GCSEs, grew up on a Hull council estate and was the second eldest of six children. She was spurred into getting a career when her older sister, a drug addict, fell to her death from the eighth floor of a tower block at the age of 19.

The tragedy prompted Dewberry, who has an on-off relationship with Syed, into action, and by 24 she was running her own telecoms business.