Mark Wright

A businessman with a remarkable success story which saw him go from living out of his rucksack in a London hostel, to launching his own business with Lord Alan Sugar, Mark Wright’s journey to the top is truly inspiring. Born and raised in Australia, he spent 6 months travelling the world before finding himself in London in 2012. Staying in a hostel in Victoria, the only possessions he owned were a handful of clothes, a sleeping bag and his rucksack. Without even a mobile phone to his name and less than £200 in the bank, he needed to think on his feet.

With the little money he had, he purchased a suit and began door knocking at businesses looking for work. He managed to get a position in an internet marketing firm where he spent two years establishing himself as one of the leading figures in the industry. In 2014 Mark received a phone call from a friend suggesting The Apprentice to him.

Despite having never heard of the programme before, he decided to apply. Little did he know that he’d beat off over 10,000 applicants to win the show and earn a £250,000 investment opportunity with one of the world’s most renowned businessmen, Lord Sugar. Describing it as the most gruelling experience of his entire life, Mark put everything into the process quitting his job, giving up his flat and having no contact whatsoever with the outside world.

The risk was worth it and he was crowned the winner of the show. From this, with the help of Lord Sugar he launched his Search Engine Optimisation business, Climb Online. The company aims to assist clients by improving their online marketing strategy. The business has been a huge success with offices in Essex, Bristol and he is aiming to open one in Cape Town.