TWO past contenders to be Sir Alan Sugar’s Apprentice who set up their own consultancy have held their first event.

Kristina Grimes, from Harrogate, North Yorkshire, has joined Jennifer Celerier to form KGJC, which provides business analysis and mentoring to help boost performance by up to 15 per cent.

The business recently held its first event, Raising the Bar, at the Harrogate International Exhibition Centre, which was attended by more than 1,000 business people. The event featured numerous motivational speakers, including Ms Grimes – runner-up in the third series of the Apprentice – and Ms Celerier, who starred in series four, to help re-instill business confidence into the region and help companies weather the economic downturn.

Ms Celerier said the feedback received from the event shows the impact such motivation can have on businesses during such a tough time.

“We have been inundated with positive messages of thanks from delegates who attended our event, and this proves that companies definitely benefit from new inspirational ideas that they can adapt in the workplace to secure positive growth,” she said.

Mayor of the Borough of Harrogate, Councillor John Fox, said the event has had a positive impact on the area.

“I was very happy to be associated with Jennifer and Kristina’s Raising the Bar event, as it is the first one they have run in Harrogate.

“They have supported both the town and the local companies here that catered for the delegates, and delivered a much needed focus on stimulating business growth within the regional economy,” he said.