Victoria Gibbs beat off stiff competition from seven other finalists in The Hirer to land a new role with tanning products company Fake Bake after four weeks of intensive training.

Victoria, who gave up a branch manager's position with the Royal Bank of Scotland to take part in the programme, will become the UK divisional manager for Fake Bake At Home, with responsibility for recruiting more than eight hundred new managers and spray tan professionals to the company.

Commenting on her decision to select Victoria, Fake Bake boss Sandra McClumpha said: "It was an incredibly tough call. All the girls have performed exceptionally well in all the tasks to date but Victoria consistently rose above the competition by coming up with strong, creative business ideas that went on to win her plenty of respect from the judges.

"Victoria will play a fundamental part in the business and I'm confident she will achieve the targets I have set."

Victoria moved from Rothesay to Glasgow when she was just 17. She secured a job at Royal Bank of Scotland a year later, and worked her way up the ladder over six years from customer adviser to branch manager.

Well respected with the bank, Victoria was placed on 'future leader' courses and attended conferences for top performers. She admits she wasn't looking for a job when applying for The Hirer, but was keen to learn something new.

"I loved my job but I was determined to take on a fresh challenge," she said. "The Hirer has been an amazing experience and I'm glad I took the decision to go for it.

"It has been a tough few weeks, with intense business training and coaching but it all worked out for the best.

"I can't wait to get my teeth into the new project and I'm sure it will be hard as well as lots of fun. The tasks I have undertaken with The Hirer have prepared me well for the position.

"Plus the new role will also enable me, for the first time, to start saving and planning for my wedding. I am absolutely delighted to have been chosen as the winner."

In addition, fellow contestant and single mum Laura Hogg (25), from Bishopbriggs, was also awarded with a position in the business and will be acting as Victoria's deputy for Fake Bake at Home. Laura, who previously had successful jobs in direct sales and recruitment, is pleased the Fake Bake boss took her on board.

The Hirer was created by leading Scottish recruitment consultant and employment guru Greta Hill-Lyons, and involved eight highly qualified candidates undertaking a number of professional business tasks over four weeks.

All candidates worked together throughout the tasks and received expert guidance, training and mentoring which they will be able to take with them to future employment.

To see how the candidates managed their tasks and to see Victoria announced as winner, log onto www.thehirer.tv.

See also:

Victoria aims high on reality TV show - September 24
Victoria heads for final Hirer task