Thursday sees the return to our screens of The Apprentice.

The BBC reality TV show features 12 people competing for the prize of an investment in their business idea from Lord Alan Sugar.

Business Argus asked local business people what they thought of the programme and if they would ever be tempted to take on one of the contestants...

Ashley Harkus, managing partner, Everett Tomlin Lloyd and Pratt solicitors, Newport Pontypool and Usk

The Apprentice is usually discussed at some length in the office and is almost as popular as the Great British Bake Off. While some of the tasks are for pure entertainment value it does have some relevance to the working environment as many of the skills they have to demonstrate are equally important to any profession or business. While it would be unusual to ask a member of staff to buy a pallet of haddock or design a new perfume, delivering an objective by planning, negotiating and overcoming difficulties is part of a lawyers day. I doubt an episode about drafting a leasehold enfranchisement notice or assigning a lease would be a ratings winner even on the more niche channels, but the list of items needed to be ready for the Usk show or Cwmbran big event would test the most talented contender. On balance, while I’m sure some of them would make good lawyers, given the egos involved and the popularity of cake in the office I suspect we’d be more likely to employ someone from Bake Off.

Lloyd Davies, managing director, Convey Law, Newport

I love watching The Apprentice – it is always good to see the array of people that they seem to attract onto the show and the tasks that are set.

Some of the tasks are pretty far out, although they do reflect many of the requirements in modern day business, such as the ability to buy and sell - look after your clients and make a profit. I would like to see the contestants handle busy conveyancing transaction caseload. Many of the people here at Convey Law are extremely skilled in the way that they manage their clients during what can be a very stressful point in their lives. Would we employ anyone from the show? We are always looking for good bright people to join us at Convey Law, who have an ambition to move forward in the world.

Peter Lewis, MD, Industrial Automation and Control, Newport

My views on apprenticeships are well known. It is obvious that the TV programme bears no resemblance to reality at all. We look for prospective employees – ones who will stay with IAC for life if possible. Most of the applicants on TV are looking for a quick fix, fame and fortune. I would like to see most of the applicants tasked with getting a life. An apprenticeship is a long and hard experience which sets up people for the 50 years or more of work they need to contribute to society. It is satisfying and rewarding, but mostly hard work. It enables the individual to make a meaningful contribution to the human race and teaches them to enjoy working in a team with like-minded people. I have yet to see anyone who would make a go of an apprenticeship at IAC – our apprentices need maths and English.

Dan Smith, managing director, M4 Property Consultants and board member of Newport & Monmouthshire Young Enterprise

The Apprentice is good fun but it is an entertainment show. Of course it includes elements of reality, such as negotiation, salesmanship and teamwork, but the cut throat competitiveness and putting others down wouldn’t get you very far in the real world. It would be interesting to see the candidates undertake something completely different like a ‘campaign' – political or not - presenting their unique policies, catch phrases and pitching them to their rivals. As it is a reality show, it’s hard to tell to what extent the candidates have a grasp on the real business world and how much is for the camera. For young people with an interest in understanding more about business, we recommend looking into Young Enterprise. Their programs give both great insight and opportunity as well as equipping young people for the real world of business.

John Newell, managing director, Kingston Newell Estate Agents, Newport

I watched the first couple of series of The Apprentice but stopped a few years ago as I felt the candidates were playing to the cameras and coming out with outrageous comments and actions to secure air time for themselves and blatantly self-promote. I would like to see more of the candidates in their previous roles and be able to judge just how ‘fantastic’ they actually are in their own business environments rather than the opportunities presented to them by the BBC. Would I employ any of the candidates – no! The gung-ho approach favoured by many of them is not customer focused and I am sure would have a detrimental impact on Kingston Newell.

Jakko Brouwers, managing director, Morrello Clinic, Newport

There is no chance I would let any of The Apprentice candidates loose on our patients or suppliers! We provide a sensitive, caring approach and always put the needs and requirements of patients first. It is good fun to watch and in my opinion makes great ‘reality’ TV but it’s not actually reality and does not reflect the working environment. Perhaps they could be asked to promote the services of a clinic or similar company focused on care and rehabilitation? This would draw on the sensitive nature of these often brash, loud individuals and would be interesting to see how they adapt their approach and manner. Perhaps it might make them appear ‘normal’.

Leanne Fieldhouse, practice manager, Budget Vets, Newport

I love watching The Apprentice. There is a cringe worthy element to the programme and I do question if the candidates are being themselves or playing up to the cameras but it does make good viewing. Some of the situations we face on a daily basis can be quite emotional and it would be interesting to see how the candidates would deal with them. Personally I think some of the facades presented by the candidates would be exposed and they might not be as bold as they would like to appear. We would certainly consider any of the candidates for roles at Budget Vets but the chances of that happening would be pretty slim as the majority of our roles require specialist training and qualifications which wouldn’t provide the quick results they strive for.