Love, Pain & Money

JOHN CAUDWELL is one of Britain’s wealthiest, most successful – and most colourful – businessmen.

Born in a terraced house in Stoke-on-Trent, Caudwell went from bullied child to self-made billionaire, befriending Sir Elton John, Eva Longoria, Hugh Grant and Robbie Williams, who have all taken part in his charity balls to raise money for Caudwell Children.

It was at a car auction in 1987, the height of Mrs Thatcher’s booming Britain,that he spotted the future. A mobile phone that came in an unwieldy suitcase. Within two decades Caudwell sold his Phones 4u business for £1.46 billion.

His life story retraces the inspirational journey, from the very shaky beginnings of his phone empire to owning yachts, private planes, a fleet of top flight cars, a Jacobean mansion in the Midlands and London’s most expensive home (featured in a Channel 4 documentary). It’s a fascinating insight into the drive, ambition, focus and vision required to become a billionaire.

But this is more than merely a rags to riches story. Caudwell had to battle endless career misfortunes and overcome a series of personal tragedies to rise to the top. 

Love, Pain & Money – The Making of a Billionaire is a tale of our times, full of humour, grit, lessons in business and an understanding of what it takes to succeed against all odds.