Business name: Titania
Based: Worcester
Website: www.titania.com
Person nominated: Ian Whiting
Ian Whiting started his career as an ethical hacker. His job involved breaking the security of computer networks and getting paid for it.
Ian loved his work, but realised repetitive checks should be automated with fast and intuitive software. Yet no such product existed. So Nipper Studio was created – to help auditors spend time on things that require human attention, Nipper Studio performs audits and reports vulnerabilities.
Five years later, Titania was named the Small Business of the Year by the British Chamber of Commerce, it exported to 60 countries and was expanding its product portfolio.
While the products were actively used by defence departments and intelligence agencies across the world, Ian has led the way for better trade relationships between US and UK. In recognition, he was recently invited to take part in the delegation that joined Prime Minister David Cameron on his trip to Washington.
In 2014, his achievements were commended by the industry with a Personal Contribution to IT Security award from Computing Security magazine.
Ian Whiting has built a success story in three dimensions that even the most experienced entrepreneurs struggle with: small business, cybersecurity and export.
No leader achieves success on his own, and Ian understood that key to business success is a motivated, inspired team. That is why extensive benefit packages including team-building and health schemes are reflected today in the dedication and retention of his staff.
