Derek Tucker of Trowbridge-based Leigh Park Garden Machinery had two new ‘salespersons’ on his stand at the Royal Bath & West Show this summer.

The results of their selling efforts were aired on BBC One’s The Apprentice last Wednesday when the teams of wannabee entrepeneurs were sent out of their usual City comfort zone to sell goods and equipment to the farming folk of the West Country.

“We were asked during the earlier part of the year if we would participate in a TV documentary at the show in association with GGP’s Atco tractor brand.

“Only later on did we find out it was for an episode of The Apprentice but were unable say anything outside”.


Derek Tucker of Leigh Park Garden Machinery on The Apprentice this week

At the show, two of the contestants, James and Roisin, decided to take the option of selling Atco tractors on the Leigh Park Garden Machinery stand at the Bath & West, whilst another pair plumped for selling high-end hot tubs – and it was down to who sold the most by value.

“That gave us a bit of a problem,” says Derek, “because on the day, the 'hot-tub team' were knocking lumps out of the retail price, reducing the RRP of £4000 by £1000 – and more – to get a sale.

“We wouldn’t do that, it is not the way we sell – and we wouldn’t obviously compromise for the sake of a TV programme.”

In the event, James and Roisin sold two Atco tractors. “They were actually very good (although James got ‘fired’ in the boardroom).  Roisin in particular took all the specs the previous evening and really ‘mugged-up’ on the machines”.

At no time was anyone on the stand told that it was for The Apprentice only that the film crew were making a documentary and customers were asked for their permission to film the transaction.

 “Of course, we verified the two sales, but they were absolutely genuine, and neither were to existing customers of ours which was brilliant.”

Derek says that he was impressed with the professionalism of the production team all the way through. “Of course they edit the programme to highlight the tensions and arguments because it makes good television, but on the day we got no sense of that.  Everything was pretty well straightforward."

Watch the episode on BBC iPlayer here