Port Glasgow-based site security firm Safer Scotland has secured its first international partnership deal amid substantial business growth, and rebranded as Safer Group.

Founded in 2016 by Greenock entrepreneur Ryan Clark, the business specialises in protecting construction sites, infrastructure and assets with its high-tech intruder detection system, known as Safer Pod.

Safer Scotland records best year to date

The business has grown strongly since inception – roughly doubling in size every 18 months.  It has recorded its best year to date, which saw annual turnover soar from £5m to £12m and staff headcount exceed 60.

“Our growth over the past year has been largely due to the launch of our Safer Pod S1 intruder detection system,” said CEO Ryan Clark. “We’ve built and deployed 1000 units in the past 12 months. In all my years working in security, I’ve never known a product to be adopted so quickly.  

“This success led us directly to our first international partnership, with VPS Group, which will bring our pods to new markets in France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Ireland and the Netherlands, as well as the rest of the UK.

“In addition, our framework deal with infrastructure group Balfour Beatty, agreed in June 2022, has also contributed to this year’s achievements.”

Firm doubles footprint

The company’s rapid growth trajectory has seen it outgrow its current HQ at Kelburn Business Park, Port Glasgow, and sales and marketing office in Paisley. Clark recently doubled the firm’s footprint by signing a lease on a second 6,000 sq ft unit at the Inverclyde industrial estate.

“This additional property will become a home for our support staff, allowing our current unit to become a dedicated research and testing facility for our new products,” he explained. “As the team grows further, I hope to be able to recruit locally wherever possible to give the Inverclyde jobs market a boost.”

A Greenock resident, Clark is passionate about improving opportunities for local people and sponsors several young sportspeople and clubs, including MMA fighter Reece McEwan, Greenock Boxing Club, Greenock Juniors FC and the local Jiu-Jitzu club.

Clark has further ambitions for the company, which prompted the rebrand to Safer Group. “When we started out seven years ago as a small security equipment hire business, ‘Safer Scotland’ reflected our local emphasis,” he explained. “But as we branch out into new markets across the UK and internationally via our new partnership with VPS Group, it is time to change our focus.

“Our next goal is to partner with more organisations internationally and keep growing – the USA would be the dream market for us to crack next.”

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