It’s not every day you win the LDC Top 50 Most Ambitious Business Leaders award. We are proud to share that our co-founders, Philip Ross and Martin Izod, have been honored with this recognition. When it comes to business awards, where recognition can sometimes feel distant and impersonal, let’s ask what truly defines ambition and success.
Our founders’ story is one that embodies a deep commitment to purpose-led design for the greater good. Let's dive into the remarkable journey and understand why this award truly symbolises a collective accomplishment rather than the success of two individuals.
Design for Good Through Purpose-Led Innovation
When Philip and Martin met at Glasgow Art School, they shared a common aspiration – to design products that enhance the quality of people's lives. This shared vision laid the foundation for Safehinge Primera. Their very first creation, a 'no-gap' door hinge designed to prevent children from trapping their fingers, set the stage for what would become a journey of innovation and purpose.
Five years down the road, they made a pivotal move into the mental health sector, focusing on designing specialist anti-ligature products, doors and alarms. Their creations quickly gained recognition and are now utilised by over 80% of NHS care providers in the UK, in addition to reaching customers in the United States and Australia.
A Personal Mission to Protect the Underdogs
At the heart of our business’s mission lies a deeply personal commitment to safeguarding those often overlooked and vulnerable. As Martin Izod explains, "Our purpose is to develop best-in-class products that help protect people through vulnerable times in life." This mission was sparked during a visit to a friend who had been sectioned, a poignant moment that opened their eyes to the need for transformative design solutions in Mental Health environments.
Their dedication to this purpose goes beyond typical business motives. Both founders have experienced vulnerability in their own lives. Martin's parents divorced when he was young, and his mother moved to Germany. Philip, on the other hand, faced bullying at school and had the challenging experience of coming out to his friends and family. This personal resonance with their mission reinforces their commitment to "protecting the underdogs" and makes it more than just a job—it's a deeply personal project.
Follow Phil & Martin on Linkedin to keep up to date with new developments.
LDC Top 50 Most Ambitious Business Leaders: A Team-Wide Achievement
The recent recognition of our business within the 'Purpose Led' category of the LDC Top 50 Most Ambitious Business Leaders for 2023 is a testament to Phil and Martin’s wholehearted commitment to their purpose-led approach. It's important to them that this award is not the sole achievement of two people as individuals. Instead, it is a team-wide celebration for us.
In Philip’s own words, "And to be clear, this award is in recognition of everyone involved; we never create anything in isolation." Our success is the product of collective effort. It includes individuals with lived experiences sharing their insights, clinicians on the frontline of care, architects and estate managers who design, create, and maintain these essential spaces, as well as the passionate team members and partners who have turned ideas into a reality.
Looking Ahead: A Journey Fueled by Purpose
The achievement of the LDC Top 50 Most Ambitious Business Leaders award is not the culmination of their ambitions. Rather, it serves as a launchpad for even more significant endeavors. As Philip Ross suggests, "That ambition isn’t slowing at all, we’ve got some really big announcements ahead…so watch this space!"
We remain steadfast in our commitment to enhancing the lives of those who live and work in challenging environments. We are committed to tirelessly applying our collective design skills to make these spaces better for recovery and as workplaces.
Being recognised in the LDC Top 50 Most Ambitious Business Leaders is not just about business success; it's an invitation to reflect on the power of collaboration, shared purpose, and our commitment to making a positive impact. Phil and Martin's story challenges to redefine ambition, to measure it not just by individual accomplishments but by the collective dedication to helping protect people through vulnerable times, enhancing lives, and putting people first. A reminder that in the pursuit of a greater good, the possibilities for positive change are boundless.
Learn more about Phil and Martin’s journey here.
