Show notes
Hi, I’m Granger Forson. You can always find me at www.bizsmart-gloucestershire.co.uk or on LinkedIn. On this episode of ScaleUp Radio, I had the pleasure of speaking with Andy Western, founder of AJW Solutions and Sam Boards.
Andy’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and remarkable innovation. From a five-million-pound management buyout falling through to starting AJW Solutions in 2007, he carved a niche in the defence and aerospace industry. Supplying the MOD within months of launching, Andy built a trusted reputation in engineering, project management, and ground support equipment.
But Andy’s real pivot came when life introduced him to a new challenge — and opportunity. Inspired by the needs of autistic teenagers, he founded Sam Boards, creating sensory activity and motor skill products that were both discreet and effective. What started as 3D-printed prototypes quickly gained traction in schools, hospitals, dementia care homes, and even police custody suites, helping people manage anxiety, neurodiverse challenges, and recovery.
Today, Sam Boards products are used by 14 UK police forces, the NHS, and organisations as far away as Australia and Ukraine. Andy’s journey shows how adversity — from divorce to COVID setbacks — can be turned into purpose-driven innovation with global impact.
If you’re curious about creating products that solve real problems, growing businesses with integrity, and leaving a legacy of positive change, this episode will inspire and challenge you in equal measure.
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So, let’s now dive into the inspiring journey of resilience, innovation, and life-changing impact with Andy Western.
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Andrew can be found here:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-western-164b971a/
Slide Pack can be found by emailing samboards19@aol.com
Resources:
The Caring View Podcast - https://thecaringview.co.uk/category/podcasts/
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