RAVEN Controls is an events security software firm run by Ian Kerr, who spotted a gap in the market during the 10 years he spent working for the police. The technology has been used at the Ryder Cup and 2018 European Championships. Last week it won £65,000 at the Scottish Edge awards. With the funding, Raven plans to grow and develop its team by hiring a further two software developers to work on its security software, as well as boost the headcount in its sales and marketing teams.

Name: Ian Kerr

Age: 38

Position: Founder

WHAT’S YOUR BUSINESS CALLED?

Raven Controls

WHERE IS IT BASED?

Glasgow

WHY DID YOU SET UP THE BUSINESS?

I HAD a business specialising in contingency plans which involved working with the events sector and I saw a gap for security software. I was in the police for 10 years. After the Westminster and Manchester terror attacks there is such importance placed on accountability. Event owners and organisers are so accountable for their actions and decisions now.

People were still using pen and paper and Microsoft word to track their events.

They were missing out on integrated communication.

It is also important to take into account that there are a number of people involved in the delivery of the event and that the event can be run across a site or venue that is geographically spread.

The information is not getting back quickly enough if a child goes missing, for example.

If they use this system they are fully informed.

HOW IS IT DIFFERENT FROM COMPETING BUSINESSES?

THE main difference is that we have an in-depth knowledge of integrated management technology. We can bring this to the system.

We want to make our product world-leading in terms of software. Gavin Dutch, the CEO, was behind the mobile app for Skyscanner and he sees the benefit of what we are doing.

Our technology was used at the European Championships in Glasgow this year and even recorded issues like uniform.

The feedback was fantastic, people said the technology was lightyears ahead of everyone else. It was important to me that the technology was easy to use because people were still using pen and paper to record event incidents.

We also have multi-agency partners like police and local authorities who say it is joint information sharing.

It is a time-saver in many ways because you can update logs remotely on a phone and iPad as well.

It saves time for controllers chasing results.

WHAT IS YOUR TARGET MARKET?

WE work with a lot of sport and football clubs. We identified needs through those channels. We have to focus on the event industry but the technology can be used for any mass gathering of people like in airports.

We are keen to develop internationally. I have been out to the US and Qatar wants the technology for the World Cup. We want to scale-up globally. We are seeking more investment to grow the company quickly. We did the Ryder Cup this year so we have got the traction.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT RUNNING THE BUSINESS?

EVERY day is different and it is a constant challenge.

Every venue of any size should have the level of protection Raven offers. I am also excited to grow the team – we are at a great stage right now. It is a great time to be involved in the sector – there is lots of interest and demand.

WHERE DO YOU HOPE THE BUSINESS WILL BE IN 10 YEARS’ TIME?

OUR ultimate ambition is for it to be a global leader in event control.

We were listening to an interview with Gavin on a podcast recently and he said the internet makes nationalisation so much easier than ever before.

Recent terror attacks made people in the industry think about what they need to put in place.

There are strong industry bodies that help and the ECS summit brings industry leaders together.

We are passionate about technology in internal teams so we can improve the response and embed processes so people know the action taken is right.