About Gary Rayner
I’m the founder of AnyIT, a Suffolk-based provider of managed IT services for small to medium-sized businesses. We specialise in proactive support, cybersecurity and cloud solutions – keeping tech running smoothly and securely.
Whether onsite or remote, we make IT simple, reliable and stress-free.
We asked Gary to look back and reflect on his younger self…
Q&As
How would you describe yourself at 18?
I was a quiet sixth-form student studying Design and Business Studies, more comfortable building cities in ‘SimCity’ than making small talk. I didn’t have mentors – just the pressure of paying a mortgage and supporting my mum. That drive pushed me to sign my first client at just 19.
What inspired you to start your own business?
While working as an IT Technician at Norwich School, our team worked on a principle: if things were quiet, we were doing a good job. That proactive mindset shaped my vision. I wanted to build a business that rewarded doing things right, not just reacting.
At the time, most IT support was still break-fix, but I was thinking like a Managed Service Provider – focused on prevention and long-term value. It was time to step out of my comfort zone.
If you could go back knowing what you know now, what three things would you tell your younger self?
- Focus on new business from the start – the compounding effect of steady growth is huge.
- Get legal advice early – it would’ve saved a lot of time and heartache.
- Learn to say no. Not every client or opportunity is worth the cost if it doesn’t align with your vision.
What are the biggest lessons you have learnt professionally?
If it’s not in writing, it’s not real. Good relationships are essential, but written agreements protect everyone. I’ve also learnt that long-term alignment isn’t always guaranteed, and I plan more strategically now, and value stability more than ever.
My mantra? Like Dory says, just keep swimming.
How did you deal with a big mistake, and what did you learn from the experience?
I once agreed to buy a business on a handshake. It collapsed, spectacularly. The financial hit held me back for a long time, and I had to rebuild slowly and carefully. But the real damage was internal. It shook my confidence and trust. That experience taught me to protect myself, trust my instincts and never rely on unwritten promises.
What are your ambitions for the future?
After 20 years, we’re ready to scale. AnyIT is no longer just a Suffolk-based company – we now support clients nationwide. I want to create something lasting, not just for myself but for my senior team. We’re doubling down on high standards and strong frameworks, building a business that’s as stable as it is forward-thinking.
What does the future have in store for you personally?
These days, I’m less involved in day-to-day support and more focused on strategy and growth. I want to keep steering AnyIT through change, helping clients stay secure and ahead of the curve. Outside of work, I’d love to play more golf – it’s a great game and a great community. But most of all, I want to be present for my family, watch my son grow and live the best moments of life with him and my wife.
