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Started With Zero Clients - In A Recession

15 Apr 2019

Show notes

Apr 15, 2019

What does it say about someone who, in the middle of the recession, decides that they will go into business for themselves? 

It’s one thing to do that with a client base that you’ve been steadily building elsewhere, but Andy Philips decided to do something a little different with AP Insurance. He set it up on his own in 2011 - with zero clients. 

Thankfully, it was a risk that definitely paid off. They’ve now got 400 clients - and growing.

Andy’s story is an interesting one - and refreshingly honest.

He’s blunt about the fact that the first two years wasn’t easy - and that where they are now is not what the original plan was!

In this fascinating episode, Kevin Brent from BizSmart talks to Andy about his business, covering:

 - Why you don’t have to be a slave to your original business plan

 - How you CAN work with many different types and size of businesses

 - Why insurance isn’t the sexiest of sectors, but is essential.

 - The benefit of keeping in touch with clients, even if you’re the boss.

 - What his likes (and dislikes) are about the insurance industry

 - How to grow your business, whilst also looking at ways to add value to your clients

You can find Andy at www.apinsurance.co.uk or call 01527 306300 in the UK

 

In each episode, Kevin Brent from BizSmart will speak to people about their business journey; how they learned to take their company to the next level - and the advice that can be passed on to other business owners and startups everywhere.

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

Liked this conversation? Bring the same thinking to your business.

ScaleUp Radio is hosted by Kevin Brent — founder of Smart90, author of the Entrepreneurial ScaleUp System (ESUS), and the same Kevin who works directly with founders inside the G90 Summit.

The Summit is a structured half-day — quarterly, virtual via Zoom — where founders and their teams get clear on the three to five things that must happen in the next 90 days, and leave with a plan committed to making them happen.

Reserve Your Place at the G90 Summit →

Next session: 26th June 2026 · £97 for a standalone seat · smart90.co.uk/summit