Successful Sheffield-based entrepreneur Andrew Bruce’s journey into the world of business is a story of determination, adaptability, and resilience. From his early days in Dundee, to becoming a key figure in South Yorkshire’s business community, Andrew’s path has taken him from working in some of the world’s largest corporations to running multiple ventures for himself, each with its own unique challenges and rewards, both on a personal and career level.
Born and raised in Dundee, Andrew’s first career ambitions were rooted in technology. He studied for a degree in computer science at university, but it wasn’t long before he realised his passion and potential lay elsewhere. “I went to uni for computer science but quickly realised I could make more money not being a programmer,” he recalls.
That decision set him on a new path – one that would lead to the dynamic world of sales and marketing. It was a turning point that would shape his professional future.
After several roles that helped him build a foundation in sales, Andrew landed a position at Sky. Starting as an area manager, his talent and drive quickly saw him promoted to regional manager, overseeing operations in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
The role came with significant responsibility, managing teams and ensuring the success of Sky’s broadband, satellite and TV services. It also required Andrew to travel extensively, something that became a defining feature of his early career.
A critical moment in Andrew’s life came when he was asked to take over Sky’s Northwest region, which, somewhat bafflingly, included Sheffield and spread as far west as Blackpool.
The move was professionally rewarding, but it also proved to be personally transformative. It was here that Andrew met his future wife Sam, who was working as a Regional Operations Manager for Sky. The connection was instant, and the two began building a life together. “We’ve been together 12 years now,” he said. “Getting married, having kids and settling in Sheffield – it all started from that move.”
Andrew reflects on those years with a mix of gratitude and pride. His career at Sky not only advanced his professional skills but also exposed him to the complexities of managing people, operations and marketing strategies on a regional scale.
These experiences gave him the confidence to tackle larger challenges later in his career. “The roles I had at Sky taught me a lot about leadership and how to get results from a team,” he said. “It was an excellent foundation.”
After his time at Sky, Andrew joined Google, where he entered a new realm of marketing. His role as an Agency Manager involved working with over 60 advertising agencies across the UK and Ireland.
It was a demanding but rewarding position, providing him with insights into the intricate workings of digital marketing and the power of paid advertising. “We worked with accounts ranging from one-man bands to giants like Fox Films,” he explained. “It was incredibly diverse and taught me how to get the best out of someone’s media spend.”
Andrew’s time at Google also gave him exposure to platforms like YouTube and Google’s display network, knowledge that would later become the foundation for his own business.
Andrew’s career at Google progressed to an even more significant role, managing the company’s direct clients across the UK and Ireland. His team oversaw accounts that collectively spent nearly half a billion pounds annually on advertising.
Despite the high-pressure environment, Andrew found immense satisfaction in helping businesses maximise their return on investment. “There’s a belief out there that all Google wants is for you to spend money,” he said. “They do, but they also want you to spend it the right way because their business model relies on people continuing to invest. That only happens if businesses see a return on your ad investment, and we would make sure that happened.”
However, when Google announced a global restructuring that required relocating to Barcelona, Andrew faced a difficult decision. With a young family at home, the move wasn’t an option. Instead, he chose a different path – one that gave him more control over his life and work.
Deciding to work for himself was both a bold and strategic move. Andrew wanted to escape the constant travel and long hours that had characterised much of his career. He was also motivated by a desire to spend more time with his family. “I wanted to have a bit more control,” he said. “Working for myself meant I could decide when or if I needed to travel. It was about creating a better balance.”
This decision proved more pivotal than he could have imagined when, in 2019, Andrew faced a major health crisis that would change his life forever.
Andrew underwent spinal fusion surgery to address chronic pain caused by arthritis and a severe rugby injury from his school days. What was supposed to be a solution to years of discomfort turned into a long and harrowing ordeal. “I woke up from surgery with worse pain and pins and needles than before,” he recounted. For three years, he endured numerous MRI scans and consultations, only to discover that a broken titanium screw had caused nerve damage.
By the time the issue was identified, it was too late to take legal action and Andrew determinedly moved on, remaining focused on adapting and moving forward. “You either wallow in self-pity, or you adapt. I’ve chosen to adapt,” he said. His determination is evident in the way he has balanced his health with running his businesses and supporting his family.
Andrew’s primary venture, these days, is M-Tech Digital, a marketing agency specialising in paid advertising on platforms like Google and Facebook. Unlike many agencies that offer a broad range of services, M-Tech focuses exclusively on what it does best. “A lot of people dabble in different areas, but we’ve worked inside the system,” he said. “That’s where we bring real value.” The agency works with clients across industries, from global organisations like the World Gold Council to local SMEs.
Andrew’s approach is grounded in partnering with businesses that share his vision for growth. “I want to work with companies that want to grow,” he explained. “If they’re not interested in listening to professional advice or seeing marketing as an investment, I part ways.”
In addition to MTEC Digital, Andrew has co-founded a damp-proofing e-commerce business with another Sheffield businessman, Brendan McMenamin. The venture caters primarily to trade professionals but also serves DIY enthusiasts. “The majority of our sales are to trade, but we also offer products for people tackling damp issues themselves,” he said. The business is another example of Andrew’s ability to identify niche markets and create solutions that meet real-world needs.
Andrew and Brendan also run the South Yorkshire Business Network (SYBN), a monthly networking event designed to foster connections among local businesses. The group operates on a pay-as-you-go basis, attracting a mix of regular attendees and newcomers. “Our last event had 71 attendees,” Andrew shared. “It’s about building relationships and providing a platform for businesses to grow.”
For Andrew, networking isn’t just about immediate gains; it’s about the long-term value of connections. “When Brendan and I first met, we had no idea we’d end up doing a £5 million property development together. Networking is about opening doors you didn’t even know existed.”
Andrew’s property development venture is another significant part of his portfolio. He and Brendan are currently working on a project to build 12 three-bedroom townhouses in Meersbrook. The development is a testament to their shared vision and ability to bring ambitious projects to life. “We’re building something that will leave a legacy, not just for us but for the community,” he said. For Andrew, property development represents both a business opportunity and a way to contribute to Sheffield’s growth.
Despite the challenges he has faced, Andrew’s outlook remains positive. His experiences have shaped his approach to both life and business, making him more selective about how he spends his time and who he works with. “I want to spend my time with people who value what we bring to the table,” he said.
His journey has also underscored the importance of family and the strength of his partnership with Sam. “What I’ve been through has had as much of an impact on her as it has on me. We’ve had to adapt together, and it’s made us stronger.”
Andrew is also deeply committed to Sheffield’s business community. He believes the city’s culture of collaboration and support is unique. “There’s a strong network here and a real instinct to help each other,” he said. “It’s something I haven’t seen to the same degree in other places.” Whether through his networking events, marketing expertise, or property projects, Andrew is dedicated to contributing to the city’s success.
As Andrew reflects on his journey, he is quick to credit his resilience to his rugby-playing days and his love for family. Each challenge, from career pivots to his health issues, has reinforced his focus on creating opportunities not only for himself but also for others around him.
His optimism remains unwavering, and he continues to push the boundaries of what he can achieve. Andrew said: “I’m not slowing down. My businesses exist to give my family a certain type of life and to show my kids what’s possible.”
