LDC Top 50 2025
Ryan Clark
Founder and Group CEO
Safer Group
Former security guard Ryan Clark founded Safer Group in 2016 after spotting an opportunity to disrupt the CCTV and intruder detection market. He worked tirelessly for eight years until his Port Glasgow-based company, which protects everything from railways to retailers, had the resources to build its own product.
In 2023, Clark launched his solar-powered, fully autonomous system; it was an instant hit. “We did the same turnover in one year as we did in the previous six combined,” he says. His products are now shipped across Europe, and he has embarked on his most ambitious innovation yet: a rapidly deployable drone protection system.
Our solution will take Safer’s revenue into the billions.”
Q&A
Why did you want to start your own business?
I grew up in one of the most challenging areas of Scotland. That was a motivator – I wanted a better life. I’ve loved technology since I was a kid, and studied mechatronic engineering at college. But when I got to university, other people on my course were just more talented and I knew I was never going to be a great engineer. I left after one week. I took a job as a security guard when I was 18 to make some money so I could start my own business but it took a little longer than planned.
What are your ambitions for Safer Group?
Years ago it was just me and a couple of engineers installing some cameras in Glasgow. Now we are selling our products into six countries. We had to rebrand from Safer Scotland to Safer Group because we now service the whole UK. We’re now generating enough profit to do some interesting things. My current focus is on national defence and national infrastructure security; preventing rogue actors from flying drones with malicious intent. We hope to test the first version of the technology this year.
How do you deal with stress?
I train four or five times a week in Brazilian jiu jitsu. It’s the best pressure release valve. If you’re stressed or stuck on a problem, you’ll soon forget it when you’re rolling around on the floor trying to choke someone, or trying to stop them choking you.
