
Every journey is born from the smallest seed that blossoms into a story which lasts a lifetime.
My Journey to Founding Rivertech Digital®
Every entrepreneur has a story, and mine begins in August 2018. At the time, I was in my third year studying at New College Swindon, pursuing a two-year L3 Apprenticeship in Digital Marketing, alongside a BTEC National L3 qualification in Information and Creative Technology. This was a pivotal moment in my life, setting the foundation for the creation of Rivertech Digital®.
The Early Days
During my apprenticeship, I worked tirelessly alongside a small team of Digital Marketers, dedicating five days a week, eight hours a day to a small but dynamic web design agency located in the Groundwell Industrial Estate, Swindon.
This role allowed me to learn from several fascinating businesses, such as:
As one of the primary developers in a small team of four designers, I honed my skills in coding, search engine optimisation, business strategy, and design. By the time I completed my apprenticeship in November 2019, I had not only gained invaluable experience but also graduated with an A* qualification. This marked a significant milestone in my journey towards becoming an entrepreneur.
The Birth of a Vision
With my apprenticeship behind me, I began reflecting on the wealth of knowledge I had accumulated. I realised I wanted to create something meaningful. A venture that could transform my life, and empower new and existing business owners, to thrive in the digital world, for years to come. Then the idea of starting my own business began to take root.
In 2020, I graduated from college with A*s across all my BTEC courses. From Information and Creative Technology (L1, L2 & L3) to Cyber Security (Internet Safety for IT Users), CRM Systems, and Microsoft Office Specialist. Armed with this knowledge, I dedicated an entire year to rigorous research, studying what makes a business not only successful, but also sustainable in the long run. This period of preparation laid the foundations for what would eventually become Rivertech Digital®.
Building the Dream
In October 2022, I embarked on the technical journey of bringing my vision to life. With the knowledge of Visual Studio under my belt, I immersed myself in coding for hours, days, weeks, and months on end. Using technologies like HTML5, CSS3, Bootstrap 4, and Angular. I meticulously built a seven-page website from scratch. It was a labour of love, and determination. Below, is a video I created, so you can see for yourself!
By January 2023, my first website was complete. I called it “Webtech Media.” And I felt an immense sense of accomplishment seeing my efforts materialise into something tangible. However, just as I was about to register the name officially, I discovered it had already been taken. This unexpected twist could have been disheartening, but instead, it became an opportunity for something new.
The Birth of Rivertech Digital®
The search for a new name was a deeply personal journey. I wanted the name of my business to resonate with my identity, life experiences, and aspirations. I began reflecting on the trauma’s, trials, and tribulations, I faced since the day I was born back in 1999. And the inner strength that had guided me through them. As I pondered these questions, I felt an unexplainable urge to step outside. It’s like something was calling me.
So I stepped outside my apartment in Wichelstowe and began to take a walk down the lakeside. As I approached the water, the weather suddenly changed. Gusts of wind, pushed me closer to the lake, and the rain began to pour. Almost as if nature itself was guiding me toward clarity. Standing at the edge of the water, I quieted my mind, and focused on the serene movement of the lake’s surface.
Noticing the stream very closely, I started listening to the rhythmic sound of the water, while observing how the waves calmly crashed into one another. In that moment, a profound realisation struck me. The water, with its ever-changing nature, symbolised resilience, adaptability, and the unstoppable flow of progress; qualities I wanted my business to embody.
Then in a split second, the name “Rivertech Digital®” came to me almost instinctively. It perfectly encapsulated the vision, and values I wanted to infuse into my company. Rivers are powerful yet adaptable, (as I am), carving their paths through challenges. And Technology, like a river, is ever-evolving, constantly shaping the world around us. This name felt deeply personal, meaningful, and aligned with my mission.
Growing Rivertech Digital®
With the name settled, I officially registered Rivertech Digital®, and began building the business. The journey from concept to reality was anything but linear. It involved countless late nights, strategic planning, and a relentless commitment to growth.
At its core, Rivertech Digital® is about empowering business owners to unlock both their full potential, and power they hold within, so that they can shape themselves into the best entrepreneurs they can be. From Web Design, SEO, to Content Creation, Analytics, and way more. My goal is to deliver expert solutions that drive substantial results. Each project my company takes on is an opportunity to make a lasting impact, helping other businesses to navigate the digital landscape with confidence, and dignity.
Lessons I Learned Along the Way
Reflecting on this journey, there are a few key lessons that stand out:
1. Resilience is Everything: Much like the lake that inspired my business name. Resilience is crucial in business. Challenges are inevitable, but it’s how you respond to them, that defines your success, and ultimately who you are.
2. Adaptability is Key: The digital world is constantly evolving, and staying ahead requires a willingness to learn and adapt. Much like the dangers we face in the real world. Harnessing this type of mind-set has been crucial pathway, toward keeping Rivertech Digital® relevant, and innovative.
3. Stay True to Your Vision: Building a business is a deeply personal endeavour. Not everyone will like your idea or agree with what you do. But do you allow that to hold you back? No. Because there will be people in this world, whose faces light up when they see you. People who accept, and love you for who you are. People, who are dedicated to motivating you toward your dreams. Those are your people!
4. The Power of Community: Collaboration, and connection are at the heart of Rivertech Digital®. Sometimes, the things we go through in life, the people who wronged us, and the people who left us in pieces, and made us feel lonely. All taught me that, no one is every truly alone. Life is about ‘painting your canvas’ your way, and bringing new people into your life who add value. These people become your family. It’s the same with business.
Looking Ahead - Our Journey into the Future
As Rivertech Digital® continues to grow, I remain committed to the values that inspired its creation. The journey has just begun, and I am excited to face the opportunities, and challenges that lie ahead. My goal is to not only help businesses succeed, but also to inspire others to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. In many ways, Rivertech Digital® is more than just a business; it’s a reflection of my life so far, my values, and my aspirations. It’s a testament to the power of resilience, adaptability, and the unwavering belief in the potential to create something meaningful.
My Final Thoughts
Starting Rivertech Digital®, has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It’s a journey that has taught me invaluable lessons, pushed me beyond my limits, and allowed me to turn my passion into a purpose. I hope my story inspires others to take the same leap I did, and pursue their dreams, no matter how daunting they may seem. The river flows onward, and so does Rivertech Digital®. We are always evolving, always progressing, and always staying true to our roots.
Get In Touch Today
Thank you for taking the time to engage in our story so far. I truly appreciate your time and the high amount of support you have shown my business. Please comment, like, follow, and share across all our Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube platforms. The more love and engagement we receive, the more we can help other businesses reach their full potential. Get in Touch via the Contact Us form on our website or email: rivertechdigital2023@gmail.com

“The beginning is a state of mind, that gives us the power to redefine ourselves time and time again, before eventually we reach the end.”
— Andrew Bernhardt | Founder & Director