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Dean Franklin wins The Apprentice – here’s what to know about his business

Dean Franklin’s ACs battled Anisa’s pizza business in the final

Alex Lee
Thursday 17 April 2025 22:07 BST
Dean secured Lord Sugar’s backing in a nail biting final
Dean secured Lord Sugar’s backing in a nail biting final (BBC)

After 12 chaotic weeks of boardroom bust-ups and questionable branding choices, Lord Sugar chose his next business partner tonight in the final of The Apprentice.

Hornchurch-based Dean Franklin faced off Sutton-based pizza entrepreneur Anisa Khan in The Apprentice finale this evening. The Essex businessman had been on the winning team six times out of ten, and even clinched the win when he project-managed his team to victory in the discount buying task back in week three.

The entrepreneur’s air conditioning business went up against Anisa’s fusion pizza brand in the final task of the series, which was nail biting to say the least. But it was Dean who took the crown, taking home the £250,000 investment.

Here’s everything you need to know about Dean’s ADL air conditioning business, and how you can book a service for yourself.

ADL air conditioning: Adlairconditioning.com

Launched in 2020, Dean co-founded ADL air conditioning with his business partner Alex during the pandemic, Based in Upminster, the company supplies and installs air conditioning units in both homes and commercial properties across London and Essex.

According to its website, the team has more than 20 years of combined experience and work on everything from single-room installs in homes to larger systems for shops, garden rooms and office buildings. The company offers fixed-price air conditioning installations, with customers able to fill out a short questionnaire online to receive a quote.

ADL installs a range of systems, including wall-mounted split units and ducted air conditioning. It says that a large number of its recent installations use Japanese brand Daikin, and there are loads of examples of its loft conversions and bedrooms to garden office projects on its Instagram. The company also offers emergency call-outs and ongoing maintenance options.

In 2023, Dean was awarded the Best Tradesperson Award at the Havering Small Business Awards, and he was clearly able to win over Lord Sugar as well.

We’ve rounded up the best portable air conditioning units for every home

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