A RECRUITMENT specialist who set up his first business washing cars in Rowhedge had made it to the final of The Apprentice.

James White, 26, survived the terrifying interview stage of the process where he was grilled by Lord Alan Sugar’s most trusted advisors.

Despite being told his projected profits were wildly ambitious and being forced to reveal he was sacked from a previous job, Britain’s most belligerent boss handed him a place in the final to be screened on BBC One on Sunday.

Former Colchester Sixth Form pupil James will take on confectionary firm boss Sarah Lynn in the final and will have to pitch his recruitment business against her online sweet shop with help from candidates who have already been fired.

The winner will receive a £250,000 investment from Lord Sugar.

James, whose first foray into entrepreneurship was a car washing company in Rowhedge called Star Wash, admitted to interviewer Linda Plant he had been meeting investors on the side while working for another business, leading his employers to want to get rid of him.

Interior design mogul Mrs Plant said the revelation cast doubt over whether he could be trusted.

But Lord Sugar decided to back him as one of his top two candidates.

A trio of hopefuls were booted out of the show during the latest episode on Wednesday night - Joanna Jarjue, Elizabeth McKenna and Michaela Wain.