The Apprentice's Marnie Swindells denies her business 'could face investigation over £50k'

The Apprentice finalist Marnie Swindells has denied that her company ‘could be investigated over a £50,000 loan’ her business received to help it through the coronavirus pandemic.Her firm, named Bronx Boxing Limited, secured the funding through the Bounce Back Loan scheme which was launched by the government to help businesses survive lockdown.

The Apprentice final airs tonight

Marnie Swindells is a finalist on The Apprentice

The Daily Mirror asked the 28-year-old if she gave misleading information to obtain the loan.

However a representative has denied that claim and said the bank was “fully aware” of the company’s financial position, stating loan payments have been “made on time”.

Her company was established in July 2019 but only opened for business this February at a location in South London.

The Bounce Back Loan scheme allows companies to have loans of 25 percent of their turnover up to a maximum of £50,000.

The Apprentice final airs tonight

The Apprentice final airs tonight

According to The Mirror, Marnie’s firm acquired the loan in July 2020, just 12 weeks after the first lockdown began, but it had zero turnover that financial year as well as in 2021.

The accounts for the first year in business show Bronx Boxing Limited had a capital deficit of £1,367 and just one employee.

During last week’s episode of The Apprentice, Lord Alan Sugar questioned Marnie about the loans she had acquired for her business.

When the business mogul asked about her funding, she replied: “It’s a £150,000 grant from Support England, a £50,000 grant from London Marathon Trust, and a £100,000 interest-free loan from Sporting Assets. I have a £50,000 Bounce Back Loan.”

During last week’s episode of The Apprentice, Lord Alan Sugar questioned Marnie about the loans she had acquired for her business.

When the business mogul asked about her funding, she replied: “It’s a £150,000 grant from Support England, a £50,000 grant from London Marathon Trust, and a £100,000 interest-free loan from Sporting Assets. I have a £50,000 Bounce Back Loan.”

People can be barred from acting as a company director if they give misleading information to get a Bounce Back Loan.

Investigations into loans which are suspected to have been obtained using false information are carried out by HM Revenue and Customs and The Insolvency Service.

Express.co.uk has contacted representatives from The Apprentice and Bronx Boxing Limited for comment on the Bounce Back Loan.

Marine told Lord Sugar if she wins The Apprentice she will use his £250,000 investment to open a gym in central London, while fellow finalist Rochelle hopes to open a hair salon in London’s luxurious Belgravia.

The final of The Apprentice airs tonight on BBC One at 9pm.

Marnie Swindells