Entrepreneur, Operations Director & Actor
Success isn’t about following the crowd — it’s about thinking differently, finding the back door when the front is locked, and never waiting for permission to achieve your dreams. I’m honoured to work with the University of Portsmouth’s Entrepreneurs in Residence Programme to help the next generation break barriers and create their own opportunities.
Andrew (Andy) Gatenby is an entrepreneur, business director and professional actor whose career has been shaped by resilience, adaptability and unconventional thinking. He brings a practical, real‑world perspective to entrepreneurship, career change and personal development.
Andy began his career as a professional boxer, retiring undefeated before an eye injury in 2014 forced an unexpected change of direction. He retrained as an actor in London and has since worked consistently across film and television, including Renegades, Knightfall and Sunray: Fallen Soldier.
Alongside acting, Andy founded Actor Publicist, supporting actors—particularly from working‑class backgrounds—to build visibility and confidence through personal branding. He is also Operations Director at CGE Southern, a growing domestic and commercial gas, plumbing, heating and air‑conditioning business, where he leads on systems, scaling and operational delivery.
Andy’s combination of creative, commercial and operational experience allows him to support students and founders navigating uncertainty, growth and change.
Andy can offer particular expertise in:
- Scaling and structuring small businesses
- Systems and operational set‑up
- Building a business with a view to sale
- Personal development and mindset
- Unconventional problem‑solving
- Motivational speaking and storytelling
Next steps
Submit an engagement request
If you're a member of staff, student, alumni or Innovation Connect member, you're entitled to work with our Entrepreneurs in Residence. Submit our short form at the link below and we'll work with you to help you get the best EiR support.
