The decision to return to this original format layout meant that Alan Sugar could now get more in-depth knowledge of the finalists' business plans, unlike in the past two series, through arranging the final task towards them promoting their idea to both himself and a large selection of industry experts.

Applications for the ninth series began in Spring 2012, with the selection process of auditions, assessments and interviews held within mid-Summer of that year.

This decision was aimed at making the final task focused on assigning the finalists of the series with creating a brand for their plan, and pitching their ideas to a large group of experts, regarding their plan's intentions, cost and pricing details, how it would expand, and other notable business details, thus providing more in-depth information for Sugar to have available than provided by just the Interviews stage.

In addition, Sugar brought back the use of exotic filming locations, with the global economic recession coming to an end, by arranging for one of his tasks of this series to be held within Dubai.

Although Poulton's involvement in the programme was broadcast, despite this oversight, he later admitted on Twitter, while thanking his supporters, that he had been "naive" and apologised for "wasting everyone's time".