Apprentice star Adam Corbally left students feeling “inspired” after he held a motivational talk and social challenge at the University of Sunderland.

Adam, who was a final five contestant on Lord Sugar’s long-running TV show The Apprentice in 2012, came to the university to share his business knowledge and skills and challenge students to develop their own business ideas.

First speaking about his own story, Adam then tasked attendees to develop a business idea, guided by himself and development specialist Ian Farrar to eventually be pitched to judges.

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Following the event, Adam praised the fantastic “North-East welcome” he was given by the university and its students.

"I received a warm north-east welcome to the University of Sunderland from all of the team and it was fantastic to meet the students and see their confidence grow over the two-day challenge then listen to them pitch their ideas to judges.

“Events like this help students develop so many qualities such as team-work, problem-solving, resilience and communication skills along with brainstorming and developing ideas which really impressed me.

“Five teams came up with five ideas for sustainable businesses that would make a positive social and environmental impact, in just two days!”

After his appearance on TV, Adam became a professional speaker and re-told his story from leaving school at sixteen to operating multiple successful business ventures.

The Northern Echo: Adam Corbally speaking to students at the University of Sunderland.Adam Corbally speaking to students at the University of Sunderland. (Image: UNIVERSITY OF SUNDERLAND)

The 43-year-old was then inspired to set up Enterprise Days, that sees young people with a passion for enterprise take part in a two-day event to boost their business acumen.

Pippa Christie, Student Innovation and Knowledge Exchange Officer at the University of Sunderland’s Centre for Graduate Prospects, called the two-day event “extremely motivational.”

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She added: “Adam brought passion, inspiration, tips and enthusiasm, which left every participant with the knowledge and belief that with the right skill set and idea, they too could be entrepreneurial.

“Adam’s journey from education to successful businessman is incredibly motivational and left the students feeling empowered to strive for success in their careers.

“We recognise how important experiential interventions are to enrich the student experience and hope to encourage an innovative mindset in our employed and self-employed graduates.”