LDC Top 50 2025
Richard Betts
CEO
Vizst Technology
After building and selling several successful tech companies, Richard Betts tried retiring, and quickly realised it wasn’t for him. “It was the worst thing I’ve ever done! I missed the energy, the pressure, the motivation.”
In 2021, he founded Vizst Technology, uniting three acquired businesses into a single, full-service cybersecurity and managed services provider. Based in Poole, Vizst supports clients including Vodafone, the MOD, and Crew Clothing, employs over 45 staff, and has been recognised as one of the UK’s Best Workplaces for two consecutive years. “I enjoy succeeding – and bringing people along on the journey.”
I enjoy succeeding and bringing people along on the journey.”
Q&A
As a leader, how do you bring people with you on your vision?
For me, everything starts with culture. From day one, I wanted everyone in the business to have a voice so we set up a Culture Committee made up of non-management employees from across departments. They defined our values and chose our local charity partner – Naomi’s House and Jack’s Place – leading initiatives like fundraising and gardening days.
We hold monthly company meetings to share wins, discuss challenges and celebrate standouts through our Employee of the Month award. I believe everyone should be able to confidently explain what we do in a three-minute pitch, whether that’s to a client or a friend in the pub. As CEO, I don’t hide myself away; I sit in our open-plan office with everyone else and love chatting to the team. We even operate without an expenses policy. It’s all about trust.
What sets your business apart?
We provide tailored cyber security expertise and work with very select key vendors. Most of our competitors work with around 50 suppliers, whereas we work with just eight. I always describe us as “an inch wide and a mile deep”. We’re hyper focused.
What’s your personal ambition?
To help others grow. I tried retiring once and it didn’t suit me! I come to work because I want to, not because I have to. At Vizst, 20 per cent of our people are shareholders. If we succeed, they succeed.
Which business leader do you admire most?
Arsène Wenger, the former Arsenal manager. He transformed the club by paying attention to every detail on and off the pitch, right down to what the players ate for lunch. He took a good team and made it great.
