Love, Pain and Money: The Making of a Billionaire

Seven decades captured in one book, John Caudwell, British entrepreneur, philanthropist, and billionaire who founded mobile phone retailer Phones 4u, releases his long-awaited autobiography on 7th October 2022.

The hardback, must-read book of 2022, takes the reader on an emotional rollercoaster of John’s road to riches as a businessman.


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 topflight 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.  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. 

Available from www.amazon.com priced at £18.99 – John will be donating his proceeds from the book to Caudwell Children.

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