Apprentice Howard's novel business break

A budding entrepreneur who wants to become Sir Alan Sugar's next apprentice honed his skills working in his Mole Valley school's library, The Advertiser can reveal.

Howard Ebison, who is starring in this year's hit BBC1 series, grew up in Ashtead and went to Therfield School, in Leatherhead.

A source close to the retail business manager told the Advertiser that his family still live in Ashtead, where he spent his early years.

And former Therfield pupil Adam Hollis said he remembered Howard from the mixed school.

"He was several years above me and although I never really spoke to him, I did get the same bus," he said.

"He worked in the school library helping out the library assistant.

"[He] didn't really seem like the entrepreneurial type. He just kept himself to himself."

Howard, who was once sacked from his job at a fish and chip shop, has battled his way through from 15 to the final seven contestants and hopes to land the six-figure salary job.

The self-trained musician, who now lives in Derby, said: "I am a credible businessman who wants to go far. I'm incredibly ambitious.

" If I don't go far down this route I shall go far down another route."

On last week's show, the eight contestants were faced with the task of re-branding Margate – perceived to be a rundown area in Kent.

The 24-year-old was in his element during the episode, which saw his team attempt to sell the seaside town as an attractive resort for the gay community.

Although his team lost the task, the award-winning dancer was self-assured, unflustered and assertive in voicing his opinions.

During the episode, branding experts praised Howard for two well-performed pitches in what was easily his best performance so far

Back in the boardroom, Sir Alan told Howard that his team lost the task because they failed to effectively execute their idea.

Sir Alan told Howard: "I don't get the feeling, and correct me if I'm wrong, that the officials and residents object to the gay thing. They just thought the whole thing was pathetic."

In this week's episode, shown last night (Wednesday), Sir Alan challenged the seven remaining candidates to get to grips with selling in the baby market.