June 11, 2025

Episode 1: From Redundancy to Resilience – Phil’s Leap into Business | What One Thing? Podcas

Episode 1: From Redundancy to Resilience – Phil’s Leap into Business | What One Thing? Podcas
The player is loading ...
Episode 1: From Redundancy to Resilience – Phil’s Leap into Business | What One Thing? Podcas
Apple Podcasts podcast player iconSpotify podcast player icon
Apple Podcasts podcast player iconSpotify podcast player icon

In this opening episode of What One Thing?, Hayley sits down with co-host Phil Davenport to uncover the story behind his IT business, Affirm IT.

Phil shares how he went from redundancy (just a week before his daughter was born) to building a growing managed service provider — with nothing more than a £250 credit card, one client, and a whole lot of drive.

They cover:
✔️ The mindset shift from employment to business ownership
✔️ How he landed his first client (before he even quit his job)
✔️ Why hiring an apprentice early was a game-changer
✔️ The importance of cultural fit over technical skill
✔️ The one thing that’s rocketed business growth in the past 18 months

Phil’s journey is relatable, honest, and full of moments most business owners will recognise — from self-doubt and burnout to bold decisions and real progress.

🚀 Whether you’re just starting out or scaling up, this one’s for you.

🔗 Connect with Phil on LinkedIn: Phil Davenport
💼 Learn more about Affirm IT Services Ltd: www.affirm-it.co.uk

🔗 Connect with Hayley on LinkedIn: Hayley Baxter
💼 Learn more about Corbar Accounting: www.corbar.uk


👂 Follow What One Thing? for weekly real stories and real lessons from real businesses on the grow.