A major contender on the 10th series of BBC’s ‘The Apprentice’, Sanjay is every bit as upbeat and energetic as he appeared on the show. Currently in the middle of launching his new food business ‘Tuk In’, a curry wrap creation with a fresh and vibrant twist, his personal qualities are continuing to serve him well. Sood-Smith impressed everyone when he came back for the finals, and inspired fellow contestant Mark Wright to victory, “I think people just assume that to make it in the corporate world you have to be cut-throat, and really tough and uncaring” he told us, “but that is not at all the case.” The young entrepreneur, referred to as ‘a guardian angel’ by Wright, also provides a motivational speaking service on the side, including goal-setting and personal development. Happily making the time to talk to us despite the buzz and bustle of the festive period, Sood-Smith shows us that having a balanced, accommodating attitude is the staple of a healthy work life.
Tell me about more about your business Tuk In; what do you think makes it unique?
We’re giving you a variety of curries wrapped in naan bread. It’s one of the nation’s favourite foods made accessible. There’s no faffing with cutlery, and you can have it on the go without a mess. But as well as the convenience aspect, we’re also focussed on health. We use fresh ingredients and each wrap is high in nutrients.
Is there a particular marketing technique you used, apart from the catchy name?
(laughs) Well our goal was to make it contemporary Indian. I’m half Indian and half English myself, and I wanted to give it that feel; something firmly rooted in Indian culture, but appealing to the British market. One of the images we are using is the colourfulness from the Holi festival so it’s really modern and multicultural.
You have a background in banking, but have since turned to the foodie franchise. Is that something you’ve always been interested in?
Yes, I’ve grown up around Indian food, and all through university I was a waiter. Initially when I left banking, my first hope was to start a contemporary Indian restaurant but after pairing up with a friend in banking, Tom, we thought it wiser to start a business with a broader appeal.
Elaborate on how your banking experience has informed your work in the food franchise?
I enjoyed a banking career for six years. It was the training ground that helped develop my operational and delivery skills. I was actually a branch manager looking after four different branches. I also moved into strategy retail development which exercised a high level of thinking. This continued with my experience in e-commerce and product development, so the industry really gave me a solid foundation.
What valuable lessons did you learn from ‘The Apprentice’?
That ability to understand different businesses and the skills required to thrive. I was working with different people, reacting to high pressure situations; having that ability to adapt and change quickly is integral to making it in business. Another experience was learning from the other candidates, who were all as equally passionate. It gave me the message that if you want something you should go out and get it.
What would you say was your toughest challenge on the show?
When we had to cart around a bus full of 25 people in Kent, on what was a coach tour; it was a big challenge because there were several different variables and you just never knew how people were going to react.
Was that also your most memorable moment?
Actually the most memorable is one I’ve had the pleasure of watching on screen, which was having a billboard that I designed being put up in Times Square. Incredible!
How did it feel to get as far along as you did?
So good. I've always been a fan of the show, for me it is as much about getting to do the tasks and play the game as well as trying to win. I thoroughly enjoyed doing all the challenges, and got to come back in week ten to help Mark win! The show has fuelled my passion for working with food and I'm happy to be going after what I want.
Where do you want to branch out with Tuk in?
We are looking to expand over the next year: we’ve landed a contract with a big airline so we are going to be supplying them. We are expanding across different retail sectors in the UK and are currently in discussions with European retailers too. It's a very exciting time!
Something about the business world that people don’t know?
Not only is it possible to do business whilst maintaining integrity and having a conscience, but it is actually better for its development. Cultivating a relationship with people is important; the way you communicate matters. The days when you had to be hard-nosed and brutal are long gone.
Finally, what is your advice to other young entrepreneurs?
Some people have a natural entrepreneurial flair but for me having a grounding in a bigger organisation and working in a company for that period of time gave me the skills and understanding to succeed. So I would say, unless you have a really great idea that you’re 100% sure about, it’s worth building a foundation and having the experience to fall back on.