Partner Article

Expansion for Warwick software company

A Warwick software company has opened two new offices following a recent acquisition by two private equity companies.

Rivo Software, which has been based at the University of Warwick Science Park’s Warwick Innovation Centre since 2004, is now backed by Kennet Partners and Fidelity Growth Partners Europe who have made significant capital investment.

The company – which provides health and safety and environmental compliance software – already has an established office in Connecticut, USA, and now has sites in Cluj in Romania and in Singapore.

The 50-strong team in Warwick has also expanded its presence at the Warwick Innovation Centre after taking an additional unit, meaning it now has 4,890 sq ft of offices at the popular site.

Chris Bull, business development manager at Rivo Software, said the partnership with Kennet Partners and Fidelity Growth Partners Europe would take the business to another level on a global scale.

“Our existing locations in Warwick and Connecticut have allowed us to establish a gradually growing global presence but we now have the financial ability to dramatically accelerate that growth,” he said.

“The technical and development centre in Cluj, Romania, gives us access to some of Eastern Europe’s brightest and most skilled technical talent and complements our existing Warwick-based service delivery team perfectly.

“The establishment of our new Asia Pacific and Japan sales operation in Singapore is an important strategic achievement as we recognise that there is a significant opportunity that exists in the region.

“This is the start of a substantial period of growth and we now employ around 90 people but that is set to significantly increase. The addition of a further unit at our Warwick HQ cements our commitment to continue to invest in the talent that exists in the UK and particularly the Midlands.”

Chris believes the company’s business risk and compliance products as well as its health and safety and environmental management quality and security software are meeting an ever-increasing need for their clients in 87 countries.

He added: “We have grasped the opportunity to propel ourselves into a wider risk management area because we recognise that every organisation across the world is managing threats both inside and outside of their businesses to protect people and revenues, but ultimately it is about protecting their reputation.

“Reputation is now more valuable to organisations than it has ever been and in today’s social media driven world, it has never been more threatened. Organisations need to understand the threats to their reputation and manage them like all business risks by having the right processes in place and also the right systems to support the processes.

“The support of everyone at the Warwick Innovation Centre has been a key part of our success and it continues to be a great place to be located.”

Karen Aston, centre manager at the Warwick Innovation Centre in Gallows Hill, said Rivo Software has grown considerably since the business began in 2004.

“Rivo Software is a perfect example of the kind of business we are here to help and support,” she said.

“It is now a truly global business which started in one of our smaller offices and they have kept on adding further space, just like many other businesses here.

“The company is expanding at a rapid rate and the backing of Kennet Partners and Fidelity Growth Partners Europe is certain to lead to their client base rising in all corners of the world.

“It is fantastic to watch their development at close quarters and it is great to be part of their success.”

PICTURE CAPTION: Karen Aston from the Warwick Innovation Centre with Rivo Software’s Chris Bull

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by University of Warwick Science Park .