THE Apprentice star Michaela Wain has launched the company of her dreams after securing more than £250,000 vital investment.

Last year, the Heaton-based mum-of-one narrowly missed out on Lord Alan Sugar's investment after being fired in series 13 of the BBC show.

But one year on, she is celebrating the successful launch of her business venture We Connect Construction, which will be trading from Crown Street in Bolton.

Fellow Apprentice contestants Joanna Jarjue and James White joined Michaela and Harrison for the business launch at Manchester Hall rooftop terrace.

It has been a busy 12 months for Michaela, who is also expecting her first child with fellow Apprentice star Harrison Jones next month.

The 34-year-old business woman said: "It's been a long journey from finishing The Apprentice to getting this business up and running. I managed to find an amazing investor who believes in me as much as the service we have developed and I'm super proud to have achieved all of this whilst being a mum and creating another little one to join the family.

"Thanks to everyone who has watched and supported by journey so far."

Fans were outraged at Lord Sugar's decision to send Michaela home during a triple firing in week 12 of last year's Apprentice series.

But the feisty redhead said "it worked out for the best."

"I failed to get the investment I needed on The Apprentice but in the end it all worked out for the best", she said before adding: "I actually needed a larger amount than I initially sought and I have an amazing investor and business partners who have direct links to this sector who have developed my technology with me. It has been brilliant to see it all unfold."

We Connect Construction will trade at regional level initially, starting with the North West and Ireland, with the view to expand to Greater London by March, and then to the rest of the UK.

The firm runs a data-led generation website for the construction industry, providing information on the latest projects and contact details for employees working on these.

Michael has also launched a mobile site, integrating Google Maps to allow people to find new projects within a set radius of their location.

The former Thornleigh Salesian College pupil said: "It has probably been the toughest year of my life so far, business and personal, but I’m certain next year it will literally pay dividends. And I cant wait to prove everyone wrong who doubted that I could compete with large companies.

"The construction industry is really taking off again. We intend to help as many companies as we can to progress and expand to compete for some of the larger projects that were previously out of bounds."

Her website www.weconnectconstruction.co.uk went live on October 1.