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The Apprentice Winner Dean Franklin Under Fire Over Missing Air-Con Licence and Huge Fine Risk

BBG News

He recently became Lord Sugar’s new business partner after winning The Apprentice 2025. 

In other news, it appears that Dean Franklin, a successful 34-year-old air conditioning business owner, is currently under investigation for allegedly being a dishonest trader, following reports linking him to his award-winning company.

As a lifestyle advisor hailing from Essex and the founder of ADL, I’ve found myself in an unexpected predicament: operating without a crucial industry license for a staggering 17 months. This oversight could potentially result in a substantial penalty that may impact my £250,000 winnings from the BBC series.

In that timeframe, it’s alleged that a man with two children, who is also married, did not secure an F-Gas certificate for ADL, yet he disputes these accusations, asserting that he possesses all required documents to prove otherwise.

To operate safely with fluorinated gases, frequently found in air conditioning systems, businesses must possess the necessary legal certification.

Based on reports from The Sun, the company could potentially face civil penalties from the Environment Agency, with each violation subject to fines reaching up to £200,000.

49-year-old Conservative MP Alec Shelbrooke has also raised doubts about how the licensing problems faced by Dean on the show could have gone unnoticed during its screening process.

He told the publication: ‘This is an embarrassment for the BBC.

In my professional opinion, it appears they’re falling short when it comes to thorough fact-checking and investigation before airing their reality shows. This vulnerability has led to one controversy after another.

Approximately 3.5 million people watched as Dean emerged victorious against pizza entrepreneur Anisa Khan in the final round.

Throughout the show’s progression, it was disclosed that ADL generated an annual revenue of £500,000 and boasted a net profit of £171,000 prior to him consenting to sell half ownership to Lord Sugar.

As reported by The Sun, both Refcom and the F-Gas Register, acting as representatives of the Environment Agency, stated that ADL lacked the required certification from their establishment in May 2020 up until October 2021.

Despite the situation, Dean seemed to carry on with his usual business, posting images of projects for prestigious clients like the former Tottenham Hotspur player, Lucas Moura.

During that same period, the Upminster-based firm received numerous positive reviews. 

One individual commented: “Dean and his team did a great job.” The other praised him saying, “Dean is highly skilled. I strongly suggest using their services.

Graeme Fox, head of the F-Gas Register scheme, explained to the news outlet: ‘A business that did not possess a legitimate certificate had essentially been engaging in unlawful activities until they were officially registered.’

The Sun also reports that Dean was not formally listed as a director of ADL until April 2021. 

As I delve into the intricacies of business ownership, it transpired that my role expanded significantly in May 2020, when I acquired a 50% stake in our company. From day one, I was recognized as a ‘significant controlling individual,’ indicating a substantial impact on the company’s direction and operations.

I couldn’t contain my excitement when, come May 2020, I stepped into the role of a 50% shareholder. Right from the get-go, it was clear to all on Companies House documentation that I held a substantial influence over the company’s operations, being labeled as ‘a person with significant control’. It’s like my dreams have finally come true!

From March 2020 to the dissolution of DF Air Conditioning in October 2021, Dean didn’t hold a certificate that applied to ADL’s business activities.

A representative from the Environment Agency made this statement to Metro: “It’s important to know that operating with F-gases requires the necessary certifications and qualifications, as it’s illegal not to have them.

‘We are investigating reports of a potential breach of these regulations.’

In reply, Dean stated that he wasn’t aware of any current review or examination being conducted, and asserted that he has been certified in handling F-Gas since the year 2014 on a personal level.

I have reached out to the BBC, Dean’s representatives, and the Environment Agency for additional information or statements on this matter.

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2025-04-20 15:18

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