Harpreet Kaur: The Inspirational Journey from Banking to BBC Apprentice Winner 2022
Harpreet Kaur is a name that has become synonymous with ambition, perseverance, and entrepreneurial success. Rising from her early days in banking to becoming the BBC Apprentice Winner 2022, she has proven that determination and hard work can pave the way to remarkable achievements. Her journey reflects not just professional milestones, but also personal growth, resilience, and the ability to seize opportunities. This article explores the inspiring life of Harpreet Kaur, her business ventures, education, personal life including her wedding, and her path to becoming a celebrated figure in British entrepreneurship.
Early Life and Education
Building Strong Foundations
Harpreet Kaur grew up in Huddersfield, United Kingdom, a city known for its rich cultural heritage and thriving communities. From an early age, she displayed leadership qualities and a drive to succeed. Education was a significant part of her journey, and she pursued her academic goals with great dedication.
Academic Excellence
She studied Leadership and Management at The Open University between 2011 and 2013, where she graduated with a BA First Class Honours. This accomplishment provided her with the theoretical and practical understanding of business operations and leadership strategies.
Prior to this, she studied Marketing and Advertising Management, Business at Leeds Metropolitan University in 2009–2010. Her involvement in the Leeds Met Marketing Chapter showcased her active participation in extracurricular activities, reflecting her passion for business and marketing at an early stage.
Professional Career in Banking
Barclays Bank: The Early Steps
Before venturing into entrepreneurship, Harpreet Kaur carved out a successful career in banking. Her first professional experience was with Barclays Bank in 2010. She initially worked as a Customer Advisor, quickly advancing to the role of Personal Banker from 2011 to 2012.
Barclays UK: Assistant Branch Manager
Her strong performance led to her promotion as Assistant Branch Manager at Barclays UK Retail and Business Bank in December 2012. She managed this role until July 2013, developing crucial skills in client relations, leadership, and operational management.
HSBC: Leadership Roles
Harpreet then joined HSBC, where she continued to build her leadership portfolio. She participated in the Senior Branch Leadership Programme between 2013 and 2015, an initiative designed to prepare promising employees for senior roles.
Her commitment and performance earned her the role of Retail Branch Manager at HSBC in April 2014, a position she held until July 2015. This experience gave her extensive exposure to management, customer service, and financial operations.
The Leap into Entrepreneurship
Founding Oh So Yum
In August 2015, Harpreet Kaur co-founded Oh So Yum, a dessert parlour brand that combined her passion for food and entrepreneurship. Starting in Huddersfield, the business quickly expanded, offering a range of indulgent desserts, cakes, and treats that attracted a loyal customer base.
Oh So Yum became a household name in West Yorkshire, operating branches in Leeds, Huddersfield, and Bradford. Harpreet’s vision was not just about selling desserts; it was about creating experiences, offering quality, and building a brand that people loved.
Harpreet Kaur Apprentice Journey
BBC Apprentice Winner 2022
Harpreet Kaur’s entrepreneurial journey reached national attention when she appeared on The Apprentice UK 2022. Competing against other talented candidates, she showcased her leadership, determination, and business acumen throughout the series.
Her innovative dessert parlour concept, Oh So Yum, impressed Lord Sugar, and she was crowned the BBC Apprentice Winner 2022, securing a £250,000 investment and a business partnership with Lord Sugar.
Expanding the Brand
Following her win, Harpreet expanded Oh So Yum’s operations, offering nationwide deliveries and catering for events. The Apprentice platform not only gave her financial support but also provided national exposure, turning her into a recognised entrepreneur across the UK.
Harpreet Kaur Business Ventures
Oh So Yum’s Growth
With Lord Sugar’s investment, Harpreet took Oh So Yum to greater heights. The brand tapped into the growing dessert culture in the UK, focusing on quality products and excellent customer service.
Returning to Independent Ownership
Later, Harpreet made the bold decision to buy back Lord Sugar’s shares, regaining full ownership of Oh So Yum. This move showcased her confidence in her brand and her commitment to steering the company independently.
Transition to New Opportunities
In 2024, after nearly a decade of running Oh So Yum, Harpreet announced she would be stepping back from the business to explore new ventures. Her decision reflected her desire to expand her horizons and continue evolving as an entrepreneur and public figure.
Harpreet Kaur and Akshay Thakrar
From Colleagues to Life Partners
While on The Apprentice, Harpreet met fellow contestant Akshay Thakrar. Their professional connection soon blossomed into a personal relationship, capturing the attention of the public and media.
Harpreet Kaur Wedding
In 2024, Harpreet and Akshay tied the knot in a grand three-day wedding celebration that combined traditional Indian ceremonies with modern festivities. The wedding took place at Wentbridge House Hotel in West Yorkshire, followed by a beautiful traditional ceremony at ISKCON Bhaktivedanta Manor near Watford.
Their marriage made headlines as they became the first on-screen couple from The Apprentice UK to get married. The event symbolised not only their personal love story but also the new beginnings in both their lives.
Harpreet Kaur Age
When Harpreet Kaur entered The Apprentice UK in 2022, she was 30 years old. As of 2025, she is 32 years old, continuing to evolve in her career and personal life. Her journey at this relatively young age highlights the extraordinary success she has achieved in just over a decade.
Lessons from Harpreet Kaur’s Journey
Persistence Pays Off
Harpreet’s story demonstrates the importance of persistence. From working in banking to running her own business, every step prepared her for the challenges of entrepreneurship.
Education and Career Experience Matter
Her academic background in business and management, combined with practical banking experience at HSBC and Barclays UK, laid the foundation for her entrepreneurial success.
Balancing Personal and Professional Life
Harpreet has successfully balanced her business achievements with personal happiness, marrying Akshay Thakrar and starting a new chapter in her life while maintaining her professional identity.
Conclusion
Harpreet Kaur’s journey is one of inspiration, ambition, and resilience. From her beginnings in Huddersfield to her academic achievements, successful banking career, and eventual triumph as the BBC Apprentice Winner 2022, she embodies the qualities of a modern entrepreneur. Her success with Oh So Yum, her bold decision to regain full ownership, and her personal milestones such as her marriage to Akshay Thakrar all contribute to her remarkable story.
At just 32 years old, Harpreet Kaur has achieved what many only dream of, and her journey continues to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs across the UK. Whether through her businesses, public speaking, or media presence, Harpreet remains a shining example of what dedication and vision can accomplish.
