Flushed!: The first 20 years - a view from the b(l)og

by Adrian Ashton

Adrian Ashton never meant to create his own business - but as part of celebrating reaching it's 20th anniversary, he wanted to pause to reflect on how he's approached working with clients, changed the rules, and generally got in (and out) of trouble during these 2 decades.

This curated collection of blog posts he's written during this first 20 years of his business is grouped by different themes, and with new introductory chapters throughout.
Featuring stories about dancing in the House of Lords, walking alongside business owners in their darkest hours, and yellow snow - this book is part business memoir, part guidance to others, and part confession.



"I read his blogs with great enjoyment and some ribald laughter" - Rebecca White, Founder of Your Own Place CIC

"Glad to see on of the OGs is still making sh!t happen" - Todd Hannula, Founder of Shine Workspace

"Clearly not a flash in the pan" - Mike Wild, Chief Executive at Macc

810 pages, Paperback

Published July 28, 2025

Reviews

[Zoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic resource for anyone venturing into welfare employment, life or just curious about twinning toilets. Adrian is a passionate, curious soul who will delight and entertain.

[Lane Melendez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a refreshing and honest look into the realities of building a business over two decades. Adrian Ashton shares stories that are insightful, humorous, and sometimes surprisingly personal. The mix of blog-style reflections and thoughtful commentary makes it easy to read while still offering meaningful lessons. I especially enjoyed how the book balances practical experience with light-hearted moments. It feels genuine rather than overly polished. Anyone interested in entrepreneurship, social enterprise, or the human side of business will find plenty to appreciate in this engaging and memorable collection.

[Roomie Aderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the tone and honesty throughout this book. Adrian Ashton captures what it’s actually like to build a career while navigating unpredictable situations and interesting characters. The blog-style format makes the chapters feel personal and direct, almost like sitting down with the author for a conversation. There are humorous anecdotes, thoughtful reflections, and useful insights for anyone running or thinking about starting a business. It’s engaging, easy to read, and surprisingly inspiring. A great reminder that success often comes from persistence, curiosity, and a willingness to challenge the rules.

[Jacob Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Flushed! offers a fascinating glimpse into twenty years of experiences, lessons, and unexpected moments in business. Adrian Ashton’s writing feels authentic and conversational, making it easy to connect with the stories behind the work. The collection of blog posts works beautifully as a reflection on growth, challenges, and the relationships that shape a career. Some moments are funny, others thoughtful, but all feel real. It’s the kind of book that reminds you that business is not just about strategy, but about people, resilience, and learning along the way.

[Charry Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books that feels both entertaining and insightful at the same time. Adrian Ashton’s reflections from twenty years in business are filled with personality and honesty. The stories are varied sometimes funny, sometimes reflective but always engaging. What stood out most was the authenticity in his voice and the willingness to share both successes and challenges. It’s not a typical business book, which makes it even more enjoyable. Anyone who appreciates real experiences and thoughtful storytelling will likely find this collection both interesting and motivating.

[Kelley McNeill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Flushed! is a unique mix of memoir, business reflection, and storytelling. Adrian Ashton writes with a relaxed style that makes the book easy to read while still delivering meaningful insights. The curated blog posts provide a fascinating window into the ups and downs of building a career over twenty years. I particularly appreciated the balance between humor and thoughtful commentary. Some stories made me laugh, while others made me reflect on leadership and resilience. It’s a refreshing take on entrepreneurship and a book that feels both genuine and memorable.

[Beulah Thomas]

What makes this book stand out is its honesty and personality. Adrian Ashton doesn’t present a polished “perfect success story,” but rather a genuine journey filled with lessons, mistakes, and memorable experiences. The blog-based structure keeps the pace lively and makes it easy to dip into different themes. From humorous moments to deeper reflections on work and relationships, the book feels authentic throughout. It’s inspiring without being preachy and thoughtful without being heavy. Anyone curious about the real side of running a business will enjoy this engaging read.

[Mache John · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book feels like a conversation with someone who has truly experienced the highs and lows of professional life. Adrian Ashton’s reflections are thoughtful, humorous, and sometimes surprisingly candid. The variety of stories from serious moments to unexpected anecdotes keeps the book engaging throughout. It’s refreshing to read something that blends personal storytelling with practical wisdom. The blog format also makes it very accessible. I finished the book feeling entertained and inspired, and I think readers interested in entrepreneurship or personal growth will appreciate it.

[Mike Simon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adrian Ashton brings two decades of experience together in a way that feels both reflective and entertaining. The book captures the unpredictable nature of business while showing the importance of resilience and curiosity. I enjoyed the storytelling style and the way the chapters highlight different themes from his career. Some stories made me smile, others made me think more deeply about leadership and collaboration. It’s a thoughtful and engaging read that offers both insight and personality. A great choice for readers who enjoy real-world experiences and honest reflections.

[Cerqueira Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Flushed! is an enjoyable and thoughtful collection that shows how much can happen over twenty years in business. Adrian Ashton’s voice comes through clearly honest, humorous, and reflective. The stories feel genuine and sometimes surprising, which keeps the book interesting from start to finish. It’s not just about business strategy; it’s about people, experiences, and the unexpected lessons that come along the way. I appreciated the openness and the sense of perspective that comes with long-term experience. A very engaging read with plenty of memorable moments.

[Andrea Sexton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book both entertaining and insightful. Adrian Ashton shares stories from his career with humor, honesty, and a strong sense of reflection. The blog-style chapters make it easy to read while still offering meaningful ideas about leadership, work, and resilience. What I liked most was the authenticity nothing feels forced or overly formal. It’s simply a thoughtful look back at twenty years of experiences, successes, and lessons learned. Anyone interested in the human side of business will likely find this book enjoyable and worthwhile.