Paula Bedborough is the Founder and Director of Secure Socialising, which leads in innovative technology to support great nights, and days, out.
She is the winner of the Tech Entrepreneur Award at this year’s Midlands Women in Tech, where she was also a finalist in the Innovation category. She is passionate about creating safe environments so people can have a great time without becoming victim of crime.
- Tell us a little bit about your business…
Secure Socialising has developed and continues to innovate in the field of technology to help keep people safe. We have developed a system of keyless, smart lockers with phone charging, so people have somewhere safe to store their handbags, ID, laptops and coats. Sense Lockers are biometrically activated so you don’t have to remember keys, codes, or even which locker is yours, as the system does that for you. We are also in the process of developing an app, Going Out Out™️, that will also help to support safe nights out.
- How did you get into the industry?
I have been interested in helping people to have a great time in safe environments and creating change since my earliest professional years. I started working as a door supervisor at a time when I was told “it’s against the law for women to do these type of jobs”. I then set up the first female-founded security firm supplying door staff in the Midlands and London.
At that time, there was no regulation or training of security staff. I created a training programme for my team, which was then adopted by local authorities and police forces across the UK, and I founded The Licensed Trade Training Company.
I then supported and advised national government, the Home Office and Security Industry Authority (SIA), and was a key speaker representing the industry at the launch of the SIA.
The training company I founded had a significant impact on improving public safety and we trained over 15,000 door staff in how to keep people safe.
After having had my belongings stolen in a bar, I turned my attention to how we could solve this ever increasing problem. We all carry items of value with us, the loss of which can cost us a lot of time, money and stress, and even lead to the loss of jobs or further crimes. After carrying out significant research, I identified the solution that the trade wanted but it didn’t exist. So I went on a journey of discovery and built a team of innovative engineers, software developers, IT specialists and designer. Together, we have developed a smart, keyless locker system that is built to withstand the rigours and issues that licensed premises, and other businesses such as Student Unions, face.
- What are the biggest opportunities and challenges in your industry?
Our biggest opportunities lie around the fact that we have a unique, patent-pending product that combines innovative engineering and software development with expert security knowledge, and is designed around customer needs. Our challenges are the same that all manufacturers are experiencing with currently volatile markets.
- How would you describe your leadership style?
I am a collaborative leader and I hope I create positive environments and teams that people enjoy being part of.
- How do you get the most out of the people who work for you?
I bribe them with chocolate. And if that doesn’t work, I find that creating clear targets with realistic timeframes, getting involved whenever necessary to help, and giving positive support and encouragement helps get the most out of people. I think showing your appreciation and thanks goes a long way.
- What are the most crucial elements to your business running smoothly and being successful?
Our partnerships with manufacturers, software developers and IT providers are key to our success, along with creating simple, supported, relevant user experiences. The ability to listen, respond and further develop our products based on customer feedback are also crucial.
- How has the past 12 months been for you?
The past twelve months have been absolutely amazing. We successfully trialed our technology at Nottingham Trent University Student Union, where we had hundreds of users of the smart lockers and fantastic feedback.
I was also lucky enough to join Betaden in February. Betaden is a unique tech accelerator programme, supported by the European Regional Development Fund through and the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership. It really is amazing and has provided me with a panel of very knowledgeable advisors from legal, accounting, tech, marketing and route to market specialists, along with a grant that is helping to support the next stage of product development.
I was recently shortlisted for Tech Women 100, as well as the innovation and tech entrepreneur categories at the Midlands Women in Tech Awards and was delighted to win the Tech Entrepreneur Award. Not bad for an ex-bouncer!
- What will the next 12 months look like for your business?
Very busy. We are soon to moving our product into the area with the highest levels of theft from bars, which is London. We are working with a national chain of bars who are prioritising their customer safety and leading the way in creating safe environments for their customers. We have a number of other interested partners, so it’s going to be an exciting year. I’ll also be looking for investment to help us expand, so please get in touch if this is of interest.
- What are the highlights of your career so far?
Seeing my product coming to life, being installed, and being used. I know this is going to make a huge difference to people’s safety, particularly women, and that is a subject that is very close to my heart.
Having the opportunity to spend time with some amazing people that I would never have met if I hadn’t gone on this journey have also been real highlight, along with our recent awards wins and shortlisting.
- What’s the biggest business mistake that you’ve learnt from?
Underestimating the difficulty, complexity, and cost of the challenge.
- What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve been given?
Keep it simple.
