My Story
From Breakdown to Breakthrough
My Journey to Rebuild and Rise
Hi, I’m Andy Price. I make IT personal and easy to understand for professional services firms. I'm local, approachable, and never speak jargon. I'll take care of your IT and cybersecurity, so you can get on with running your business.
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As a trusted IT and Cyber Security expert, I’ve worked with everyone from government departments to ambitious startups, helping them secure and streamline their operations.
My mission? To make technology an asset, not a headache.
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My approach is simple: I cut through the technical noise to deliver clear, reliable solutions that actually work.
Through Initial IT, I bring enterprise-level expertise with proactive, hassle-free guidance tailored to each business.
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But let me tell you, it hasn’t always been this way.
Andy Price (Me)
Founder of Initial IT
Struggling at School
From Feeling Stupid to Finding My Potential
At 13, school had already crushed my confidence. I was told I wasn’t smart enough, destined for the dole queue or, at best, a dead-end job.
I wasn’t academic, and the constant struggle to keep up with subjects I had no interest in completely destroyed my confidence.
For years, I carried that belief, that I wasn’t good enough, that I didn’t have what it took to succeed.
It’s a horrible feeling, isn’t it?
When you’re young and you think the world’s already decided your worth before you’ve even had a chance to prove yourself.
But everything changed when I got to college. For the first time, I was studying something I was genuinely interested in.
And, it was like a light switch flipped.
Suddenly, I wasn’t just scraping by, I was excelling. I shot to the top of the class, and for the first time in my life, I started to believe in myself.
Even better, other people started to notice me too. Teachers, classmates, they saw potential in me that I’d never seen in myself before.
It was a game-changer. That experience taught me something I’ve carried with me ever since.
When you find something you’re passionate about, something that lights you up, you can achieve things you never thought possible.
1997, my friends and I, during the College years and for first time in my life, Im starting to believe in myself
Humble Beginnings
The Struggles of Starting Out
2005, In my first appartment in Lichfield
Corinne and I celebrating our first Christmas together
At 24, I was back in my childhood bedroom, surrounded by posters from my teenage years. But this time, I wasn’t dreaming about cars or music, I was launching Initial IT, buzzing with excitement and hope.
I thought, “This is it, my big break.” But reality hit hard. Clients didn’t magically appear, and I felt invisible, unheard, and completely lost.
Every day, I’d wake up with this knot in my stomach, wondering if I’d made a huge mistake.
The doubts crept in, whispering, “What if you’re not cut out for this? What if you fail?”
But here’s the thing, I’d been here before, hadn’t I?
That feeling of not being good enough, of the world deciding my worth before I’d had a chance to prove myself. And just like I did back in college, I decided to fight back.
Determined to gain traction, I threw myself into networking events, handed out leaflets, and even offered my services for free just to build credibility. I cold-called, sent hundreds of emails, and did everything I could to get my name out there.
Progress was painfully slow. Each day felt like an uphill battle, and the lack of immediate results was crushing. But I’d learned something back in those school days: when you find something you’re passionate about, you don’t give up.
You dig deep, you push through, and you keep going, even when it feels like the world’s against you.
A Life-Saving Gift and a Renewed Purpose
Life threw me a curveball. While my wife Corinne was pregnant with our second daughter, Mia, I was diagnosed with kidney failure. By the time Mia was six months old, I was on dialysis, juggling a strict medical routine with a full-time workload.
I’d often finish dialysis and head straight to client meetings or networking events, running on sheer determination.
The lowest point came during a hospital stay with a life-threatening infection.
I was exhausted, physically and emotionally.
But I refused to let kidney failure define me and my family kept me going.
In 2010, Corinne gave me the ultimate gift, one of her kidneys. Her selflessness gave me a second chance at life, and I vowed to make it count.
2010, The Lichfield Mercury
The gift of life and love, me with my rock, and love Corinne, and my daughters Carys and Mia (Lucy hasn't arrived yet)
Building Success Amidst Silent Struggles
2009, Cardiff Castle watching the Stereophonics
"There are not many photos of me with Kidney failure. I wonder why?"
With renewed purpose, I threw myself into my work. I co-founded an IT business and, as CEO, grew it from zero to a £1 million turnover in just five years. A very proud moment.
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To the outside world, I was winning, I was succesful and I was on top.
But behind the scenes, I was struggling. The relentless pressure, long hours, and constant stress took a toll on my mental health.
Depression and anxiety took hold, and burnout pushed me to my breaking point. One day, Corinne found me under my desk, overwhelmed and in tears. I felt completly broken and I couldnt go on.
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Walking away from the business I had poured everything into was devastating. It put me in a dark place, a place I wasnt sure how to get out of.
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But in that moment of despair, I realised something powerful.
If I could build a successful business once, I could do it again, this time, on my own terms.
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A renewed sense of passion and determination took hold and I realised something.
I wasn't starting over, I was starting stronger, with renewed passion and determination.
The Power of Resilience and Continuous Learning
Resilience became my superpower. Through dialysis, burnout, and heartbreak, I learned how to rise stronger each time.
After leaving my previous venture, I made a promise to myself
I wouldn’t repeat the same mistakes.
I threw myself into learning, studying leadership, marketing, sales, and the everyday skills I’d once overlooked.
I wasn’t just rebuilding a business, I was rebuilding myself.
Portugal 2024, with the people that matter
This is reason I do what I do,
with Corinne and my lovely daughters Mia and Lucy
Reimagined and Reinforced
2022 Warwick Festival
left to right my wife Corinne, me, my sister Emma, Megan my eldest Niece and my brother in law Satish
Since then, Initial IT has become stronger than ever. Over the past 12 months, I’ve rebuilt the business from the ground up, refining every process, investing in market-leading tools, and strengthening every layer of cyber protection we deliver.
I’ve relaunched with a fresh new brand, ready to hit this year with serious momentum. My clients now benefit from a business that’s been battle-tested and rebuilt with purpose.
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A significant part of this journey wouldn't have been possible without the unwavering support of my sister, Emma, and my brother-in-law, Satish. Satish is one of the best businessman I've ever met. His unrelenting determination and strategic insight have been a constant source of inspiration.
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Through countless conversations and his invaluable guidance, I've learned so much about building not just a successful business, but a fulfilling life. Their belief in me, especially during the toughest times, provided the foundation upon which I rebuilt Initial IT.
I wouldn't be where I am today without them.
Honesty, Clarity, and Client Centricity
At the heart of everything I do are the values of honesty and clarity. In an industry often clouded by jargon, I believe in speaking plainly and focusing on results.
My journey has reshaped my definition of success. Today, success means helping clients grow without technical headaches, providing a great life for my family, and building a business that supports a fulfilling life.
When clients choose Initial IT, they’re not just getting a service, they’re getting a partner who’s been through the trenches and knows what it takes to overcome adversity.
In tough times, I remind myself of our identity and purpose. Our commitment to exceptional service remains steadfast, regardless of the obstacles we face.
And For the next generation whose starting their own journey in business my advice is simple
"Know your values and master sales and marketing. Technical skills are important, but your ability to connect and communicate your value is what drives success."
2025, Big Business Events, Chelmsford, Andy Price and Adam Stott
Adam is certainly the king of his Castle.
Building on Success - The Story Continues...
April 2025
Tommy Forham and I
I recently had the pleasure of meeting Tommy Fordham, the entrepreneur who built and exited Mallet London, one of the most recognisable names in British fashion. His story is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through vision, resilience and hard work.
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Tommy’s next chapter is just as inspiring. He’s now building CTRNE, a brand focused on mindset, legacy and long-term impact. It’s not just about fashion anymore. It’s about purpose.
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Hearing his journey made me reflect on my own.
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I didn’t come from privilege. I started in retail, fought for apprenticeships and eventually built Initial IT from the ground up. I’ve made mistakes, taken knocks and rebuilt when it all fell apart. But like Tommy, I’ve always believed in doing things differently. Cutting through the noise. Keeping it honest. Building something that truly matters.
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Tommy’s story shows that where you start doesn’t define where you finish. And just like him, I’m still building. Not the biggest business, but the right one. One that protects clients, simplifies IT and delivers peace of mind.
Massive respect to you, Tommy. Great to meet someone so grounded, driven and real.
May 2025
I met Ross Kemp and it really got me thinking. Here’s a guy who’s spent years diving headfirst into some of the toughest, grittiest situations imaginable, shedding light on the things most people would rather turn away from. And, honestly, it struck a chord with me because, in a way, it mirrors what I’ve built my career around. Most people know me now as the guy who keeps their businesses safe from cyber threats, the one who simplifies IT and makes it work for them. But what they don’t always see is the journey that got me here.
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I didn’t start out in a shiny office or with a clear path.
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I’ve built businesses, rebuilt them when things went sideways, and learned, sometimes the hard way, how critical it is to protect what matters most. And that’s what drives me every single day: making sure the businesses I work with are secure, resilient, and never left vulnerable. Meeting Ross was surreal. It reminded me that we’ve all got battles, some are broadcast to the world, others are fought quietly behind the scenes. But they all matter. They all shape who we are. I’m proud of how far I’ve come. And I’m even prouder that I get to use my journey to help others protect what they’ve worked so hard to build.
Ross Kemp and I
Building on Success - The Story Continues...
I recently joined Marian Ardelean on The Quiet Peckish Project podcast, where we didn’t just chat about cyber security, we share a proper Romanian meal too.
The episode blends Marians homemade dishes with down-to-earth insights on business resilience and the role of simple, proactive tech in keeping companies safe.
It was a relaxed, honest conversation about what really matters, protecting what you’ve built and making IT one less thing to worry about.
I was recently honoured to receive the Five-Figure Milestone Award from the Big Business Entrepreneurs. But here’s the thing, it’s not really about the numbers.
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For me, this award symbolises something far more meaningful: personal growth, mindset shift, and stepping into the leader I’ve always known I could be.
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When I joined BBE, I didn’t just want to grow a business. I wanted to grow myself.
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To get clear, focused, and uncomfortable enough to create real change.
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To stop holding back and start showing up. Winning this award is a reminder of how far I’ve come. From starting out in a factory, to rebuilding after business setbacks, to becoming someone who now leads with purpose and confidence.
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This is just the first of many to come.
May 2025, Me and the main man, Adam Stott
Building on Success - The Story Continues...
Meeting Phil Harris was a real reminder of what it means to turn passion into purpose. Phil’s made a name for himself and now gives back through his DJing courses, helping others take their first steps into a world he knows inside out.
That hit me, because I know what it’s like to start from scratch, full of ambition but without a clear path. His work isn’t just about music. It’s about opportunity, mentorship, and belief.
It took me back to my own beginnings, working in a factory, dreaming of doing something bigger, and relying on the right conversation at the right time to change the course of my life.
That’s why what Phil’s doing is so powerful. He’s giving people that conversation, that chance. And that deserves serious respect. He talked about the highs and lows, the self-doubt, the hustle, and, through it all, the importance of lifting others up as you climb. I believe in this deeply, too, whether it’s helping business owners protect what they’ve built or mentoring someone who just needs to know they’re not alone in it.
It's inspiring to see someone like Phil lead with passion, share what he knows, and make space for others in his world. Because success means more when you bring others along for the ride. If you’re thinking about taking a leap or giving back, take a page from Phil’s book: teach what you know, support where you can, and always back yourself.
We're proud to announce that Initial IT has been honoured with a 2025 Global Recognition Award, a testament to our commitment to simplifying cybersecurity and delivering exceptional service to small and medium-sized businesses.
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This award recognises our innovative Cyber Clarity Blueprint, our relentless focus on client protection, and our leadership in transforming complex IT into clear, effective solutions.
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It reflects the trust our clients place in us and the dedication of our team to staying ahead of evolving cyber threats. For us, it's not just about technology, it’s about peace of mind.
June 2025
Levi Roots is best known for turning his Reggae Reggae Sauce into a household name after his memorable appearance on Dragon’s Den. But behind the catchy jingle is a story of resilience, creativity, and entrepreneurial grit.
In this blog post, we explore how Levi transformed a family recipe and a dream into a multimillion-pound brand. From overcoming setbacks to embracing authenticity, his journey offers valuable lessons for small business owners.
Whether you're launching a product or growing your service business, Levi’s story is a reminder that passion, persistence, and personality can take you a long way.
I’ve just had one of the most transformative experiences of my professional life.
Attending Master Closer by Big Business Entrepreneurs wasn’t just another event but a complete mindset shift.
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Over a few intense days, I was surrounded by world-class coaches who challenged everything I thought I knew. They made us laugh, cry, and inspire us to dig deep, confront our limiting beliefs, and leave the old version of ourselves behind.
We weren’t just learning how to close deals, we were learning how to reach our full potential.
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And the truth is, we can’t go back. We’ve evolved.
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I walked away feeling every emotion possible: joy, clarity, inspiration, even tears. But most importantly, I left believing that I’m capable of more. And I’m not alone; everyone in that room walked away stronger.
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If you've ever doubted your ability to lead, sell, grow or inspire, trust me, the right environment and words can change everything.
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What’s the experience that changed your mindset forever?
July 2025
When I think about leadership, I often come back to something I learned from John Penberthy, founder of Adcon.
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John didn’t just build a company — he built it by focusing on simplicity, relationships, and clarity.
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Three things that, funnily enough, are just as vital in Cyber Security and IT Services as they are in entrepreneurship.
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What stood out most wasn’t the technology Adcon worked with, but John’s philosophy: don’t overcomplicate what people really need.
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👉 Clients don’t want jargon.
👉 Teams don’t want layers of complexity.
👉 People don’t buy “tech” — they buy outcomes, trust, and confidence.
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That resonated with me because it’s exactly how I run Initial IT. My job isn’t to dazzle with acronyms; it’s to make sure a solicitor, accountant, or consultant can sleep at night knowing their Microsoft 365 is secure, their data is protected, and their systems just… work.
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The lesson from John is simple: growth comes from clarity, not complexity.
August 2025
An Unexpected Lesson in Strength and Vulnerability
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I recently had the privilege of meeting Ashley Caine. I’ll admit, I didn’t know much about him beforehand (football isn’t really my world) – but wow, what a man.
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For 90 minutes I sat and listened as Ashley spoke openly about so many topics, some deeply personal.
His ability to balance incredible toughness with genuine vulnerability was inspiring.
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Here’s someone “hard as nails” who wasn’t afraid to share his feelings, his struggles, and his journey. That openness created space for honesty – we even shed a tear together.
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Ashley is so much more than a footballer. He’s a role model for strength, authenticity, and courage.
From 5 figures to 6 figures in just 2 months!
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Back in June, I was honoured to pick up my 5-Figure Revenue Award at Big Business Events. It felt like a huge milestone and proof that the long days (and even longer nights) building Initial IT were paying off.
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Fast forward just 8 weeks… and in August I proudly walked away with the 6-Figure Award.
Two awards. Two months. One very grateful bloke.
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This isn’t just about numbers—it’s about proving that when you focus on simplifying IT, protecting businesses with strong Cyber Security, and building genuine relationships, growth follows naturally.
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To my clients: thank you for trusting me to keep your businesses safe and your technology running smoothly. To my family: thank you for always being my anchor and biggest cheerleaders.
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I’m excited to see what’s next. Maybe I should start making space on the shelf for the 7-figure award?
Setptember 2025
I had the absolute privilege of meeting Dr Julie Smith.
It’s rare to be in the presence of someone whose work you’ve long admired — and the experience left me humbled and inspired.
What struck me most was her exceptional ability to distil complex mental health challenges into clear, relatable language. She’s doing essential work to reach people who may not have access to high-cost care, making insights and tools accessible to all.
One of her guiding principles that resonated deeply was, “Give your value to the world, and it will reward you.” Meeting her reinforced this belief. When you show up authentically, stay committed to your story and your voice. The impact can follow.
I am grateful for the reminder that influence is built piece by piece through consistency, generosity, and faith in what you offer.