Bio
Margaret Mountford is a British lawyer and businesswoman best known for starring in the BBC reality competition television series The Apprentice, since 2005.
Mountford has spent over 20 years working with Sir Alan Sugar and is his most trusted advisor.
Born and brought up in Holywood, Northern Ireland, she says her background aided her career progression, because "coming from Northern Ireland gives you a lot of basic level-headedness and stands you in very good stead".
Margaret was educated at Girton College, Cambridge, before becoming a solicitor in private practice.
She was a partner at Herbert Smith, a top-tier legal firm; it was at this time she met Sir Alan Sugar while she was doing legal work for Amstrad's flotation on the Stock Exchange.
After retiring in 1999, Margaret took up her current role on the Amstrad board as a non-executive Director. Although never officially employed by Sir Alan, they have worked together on projects for over 20 years.
Mountford is currently working part time toward a Ph.D in Papyrology, the study of ancient manuscripts.