It’s not just his apprentices that Lord Alan Sugar challenges.
In a scenario not unlike the BBC TV series, Graham Marshall (pictured), owner of promotional goods and branded clothing franchise Recognition Express Essex, was approached by Lord Sugar’s office looking for a personalised gift in double quick time.
Graham explains: “The phone rang and one of Lord Sugar’s aides was at the other end, looking for ideas for a long service memento to present to employee Ivor Spital, who was celebrating 40 years of employment the following Monday.
“I realised immediately that it wasn’t a joke and the enquiry was genuine, so thought quickly on my feet and suggested a stylish engraved glass plaque.
“We have our own workshop on site, so I knew we could meet the very tight deadline Lord Sugar required.
“We made the plaque within minutes of getting the final design approved and it was collected soon after.”
Lord Sugar wrote the citation, which said: ‘Thanks for all your loyalty, blood, sweat & tears. You only get 10 years for murder these days.’
Graham has since received a thank you message form the client to say the presentation has taken place and Ivor, who works for Lord Sugar’s real estate vehicle Amsprop, was delighted.