Andrew Bloch, 51, has served as the official spokesperson for Lord Sugar for nearly 25 years. His career began as an intern at Lynne Franks PR, whose founder inspired the character Edina Monsoon from the iconic sitcom Absolutely Fabulous. At 26, Bloch partnered with Graham Goodkind to establish Frank PR, which grew rapidly and was sold in 2007 for an initial sum of £8.1 million, plus an earnout (the agency was reacquired by its management in 2021). In 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic gained momentum, Bloch made the bold decision to pursue an independent career, operating under his own name without employees or a board. He describes the ensuing five years as “exhilarating.”

“While working at Frank was rewarding—filled with great clients, projects, and colleagues—I felt an entrepreneurial urge stirring within me by March 2020. Something vital was missing,” Bloch shares.

He had contemplated this transition for two years, feeling that the 20-year anniversary since launching Frank PR was an opportune moment for change. Although he assumed a non-executive role at Frank, this arrangement left him with ample free time.

Upon founding Andrew Bloch & Associates, he initially lacked a definitive business strategy. “I assessed my preferences, strengths, and weaknesses to uncover what worked best for me,” he reflects.

Ultimately, he recognized that managing people was not his forte, prompting him to create a business model that didn’t hinge on hiring staff. Thus, the name “& Associates” emerged, highlighting his strong professional network. His focus also shifted towards personal and professional growth, as he aimed to allocate 20% of his time to charitable initiatives.

The Emotional Connection of Building a Business

Deciding to step away from a company he had built was challenging for Bloch. “The need for continuous learning drove me to take this leap. After we sold the business in 2007 to an Australian marketing services group, I found my capabilities restricted. I longed to regain my independence and the spark for my work,” he admits.

Overcoming Challenges as a Public Relations Professional

As a PR consultant who prefers to be behind the scenes, Bloch faced the necessity of putting himself in the spotlight. “I always aimed to elevate my clients’ visibility, rather than my own. But stepping out on my own required shifting that perspective. I’ve learned to communicate my strengths authentically, following the same guidance I’ve offered my clients: you must remain true to yourself.”

Redefining Success Beyond Financial Gain

Initially, he aimed to match his previous salary within a year while gaining more personal time, equating this to success. However, Bloch quickly learned that maintaining a balance and securing satisfactory clients ultimately leads to financial rewards. “Success is about enjoyment now. If I’m not enjoying what I do, I reassess what needs adjustment to elevate that enjoyment,” he explains.

A Diverse Portfolio of Work

As Lord Sugar’s PR advisor, Bloch has spent nearly a quarter-century overseeing PR for The Apprentice winners and assisting with their business ventures.

He consulted with Lord Sugar about his solo venture, noting that clients care more about the quality of work than the organization behind it. “His connection is with me, not Frank PR,” he acknowledges.

Additionally, he partners with PCB Partners, where he leads their marketing services division, executing mergers and acquisitions while empathizing with founders’ journeys. He collaborates with AAR, a marketing-focused management consultancy, and has launched a talent agency named Big Dog Talent, made various investments, including into Stakked, a marketing group, and taken advisory roles.

Learning to Decline Opportunities

Bloch recognizes that saying “no” is one of the toughest skills to master, especially with lucrative offers on the table. “In my experience, reputation is everything. Delivering quality work is your strongest form of PR, leading to word-of-mouth recommendations,” he stresses. “It’s crucial to remember that bad news spreads faster than good news, so prioritizing quality is essential, even if it means declining certain opportunities.”

Understanding the Value of Workforce Size

Bloch notes, “There’s often a misconception that having more employees equates to increased profits. However, a successful business model doesn’t rely purely on staff numbers. It’s about monetizing your network and partnering with the best in the industry.”

Commitment to Charitable Endeavors

One of his proudest achievements is a campaign he led alongside Sir Lloyd Dorfman for a Covid memorial at St Paul’s Cathedral. They successfully raised £2.7 million, resulting in the first memorial at St Paul’s since World War II.

Within his commitment to dedicating 20% of his time to charitable work, Bloch emphasizes the importance of personal time: prioritizing family activities such as attending football matches and school events that are often missed in corporate roles.

Andrew Bloch shared his experiences with Richard Tyler, editor of the Times Entrepreneurs Network.