10 years in mobile

2019 marks a decade since four friends made the decision to set up their own mobile tech agency.

And what would a 10th birthday be without a party?

So, in true Apadmi style, we took over the Science and Industry Museum in Manchester for the evening, and celebrated alongside friends, family and some of the fantastic people we’ve met over the years.

Cocktails and cupcakes, a magician and musicians – not to mention a flash mob.

The evening was a nod to everything we’ve achieved over the last 10 years in mobile, including speeches from our Founders, a DJ set from Clint Boon and some inventive poetry from Mike Garry.

We’d like to say a massive thank you to the friends, employees and clients who joined us on the night, but also to everyone who’s been there to help us throughout the past decade – we couldn’t have done it without you.

But what do our founding team think of their journey so far? We chatted to them about their experiences after 10 years in mobile…

Adam Fleming, CTO and Co-Founder

What has driven you throughout the last 10 years in mobile?

“I’ve always been driven to find solutions for real problems. Technology adds a lot of tools to the toolbox that you can bring to bear on problems – but for me the emphasis is always on the solution.”

What has been your most memorable moment or experience?

“There isn’t a single stand-out memory for me – but when I think back, the things that really jump out are the times when we’ve been able to exceed expectations, or solve problems which have never been solved before – which is great when working on the Labs team!”

Have you made any mistakes which turned out to be a blessing?

“Making mistakes is the best way to learn – and I’ve made my share. Strangely, my biggest lesson was around being honest with yourself about how much you can really do – you can’t take everything on yourself. That said, I don’t really think that a mistake can ever be anything other than a blessing in disguise – as long as you can learn from it.”

If you could go back to day 1, what would you tell yourself?

“It’s a long game – things happen both faster and slower than you expect – take the time to look up from the trenches and focus on the long goal.”

Garry Partington, CEO and Co-Founder

What has driven you throughout the last 10 years in mobile?

“A desire to do great stuff – I love it when we deliver top work, which others enjoy or benefit from. I get up in the morning and enjoy going to work, to see what changes we can make. I like the fact that we can explore ideas, opportunities and have fun at the same time.”

What has been your most memorable moment or experience?

“Meeting the Queen, raising money, our 12 days of Xmas video (which I still enjoy), Vegas was a little out there…”

Have you made any mistakes which turned out to be a blessing?

“I made mistakes in Reality Mine, that’s for sure, but the blessing is back focussed on Apadmi, and helping look at bigger and better opportunities.”

If you could go back to day 1, what would you tell yourself?

“That the road ahead will be a long and enjoyable one, so buckle up and get ready for the ride – hold tight and keep an open mind.”

Howard Simms, CEO of Apadmi Ventures & Co-Founder

What has driven you throughout the last 10 years in mobile?

“Succeeding. Taking on new challenges, learning and evolving. Working with brilliant people. Bringing cool tech to life.”

What has been your most memorable moment or experience?

“The 1st month we were able to take a salary….it only took 8 months(!) Along with NHS tech saving lives, the BBC iPlayer Radio app, winning app developer of the year and voted in the top 10 globally for what we do. Oh, and recruiting Ryan Quinn.”

Have you made any mistakes which turned out to be a blessing?

“I’ve not made any mistakes so I’m unable to comment…”

If you could go back to day 1, what would you tell yourself?

“It’s going to be hard, but enjoy the journey. Remember to trust your instincts.”

Nick Black, CCO & Co-Founder

What has driven you throughout the last 10 years in mobile?

“I’ve always been driven, since an early age selling my packed lunch at school to make a few quid. I love smart technology that solves a need & works well, and seeing some of the great solutions we’ve delivered has always driven me to do more. In everyday life I always seem to encounter bad technology that doesn’t work, is slow or just gets in the way. That also drives me, and I still feel that same excitement that I felt at the start 10 years ago, especially when I think about what we could achieve in the next 10 years.”

What has been your most memorable moment or experience?

“A TechNorth (Tech Nation) trade mission to San Francisco with 15 northern tech companies – it opened my eyes to the diverse range of great tech companies in the north, and their willingness to share and help each other.”

Have you made any mistakes which turned out to be a blessing?

“Plenty. Maybe working too hard? That’s been a constant theme for me, but I do love it.”

If you could go back to day 1, what would you tell yourself?

“Relax, slow down (sometimes) and enjoy the journey. And delete that horrible photo of yourself that was used in all the early PR materials (my kids love to show that to everyone).”