Swansea firm hired for starring role in hit BBC series

by thisissouthwales.co.uk/ - 30/06/2011

"YOU’RE hired! Workers at Swansea firm Mono Equipment were given the dream job of appearing on last night’s hit BBC show — The Apprentice"

Viewers were able to follow contestants from teams Venture and Logic battling it out to bake the best biscuits at the Fforestfach premises, for the task set by the uncompromising Lord Alan Sugar.

Andrew Jones, managing director of the firm, which is based on Queensway, said it was a strange day for everyone concerned.

“It was quite surreal,” he said.

“They were on site for just one day — the whole production team moved down here and took over the whole of the site.

“It was amazing.

“From the time talkback Thames first made contact and filmed the show, it was three weeks from start to finish.”

He said everyone was excited about seeing the programme.

He added: “Now that the screening of the show has actually arrived and we have seen some adverts for it there is a bit of a buzz amongst the members of staff.”

The production company got in touch with the Swansea business after enlisting the help of a biscuit consultant from the city.

They suggested the Fforestfach site as an ideal location for the filming to take place.

Mr Jones said the production crew were at the facility, which primarily manufactures bakery equipment, nine months ago to see if it would be suitable for the show.

He said: “It was quite an unusual request, but the biscuit consultant was familiar with us and was aware we had a test bakery and that we manufactured bakery equipment on the site.

“We were able to facilitate both teams as we had a second kitchen facility.

“Some of the staff took part in the focus groups and a local Women’s Institute and a local mother and toddler group were involved as well.”

For months Mr Jones, who has worked with the company for the past seven years, along with the rest of the staff have had to remain tight-lipped about being involved with the show after signing up to a confidentiality agreement which prevented them from revealing anything about the filming.

The managing director, who watches The Apprentice “from time to time” said he did not think it would be likely that the site would again play host to the show in the future, although he would be happy to accommodate the programme makers if they wanted to make a return.

“It’s good brand awareness for us but I think it’s probably a one-off,” he said.

“I think the show helps to give the company a bit of a profile.”

The winner of this year’s The Apprentice series will win an investment of £250,000 to plough into a start- up business of their choice.

And the winning contestant will be able to choose what type of firm they want to set up and will have the backing and mentoring of Lord Sugar, with each taking a 50/50 stake in the company.

More Details: http://www.thisissouthwales.co.uk/Swansea-firm-hired-starring-role-hit-BBC-series/story-12849187-detail/story.html