Named for what it promised: systems that grow with the client

In January 1996, Richard Lambert and John Wust sold their houses to finance a new security company. Thirty years on, it is run by the people who work in it.

Mark Corrigan and Jake Rackham, Joint Group Managing Directors

How Evolution got here

  1. 1996

    Two engineers back themselves

    Richard and John each had over 15 years’ experience in electronic security and had worked together since 1990. They wanted to build a business able to provide security systems to multi-site, national and international clients.

  2. 3:10am

    The name arrives at 3:10am

    With quotes for several water treatment sites due within days, Richard woke at exactly 3:10am on Wednesday 10th January 1996 and reached for the Oxford English Dictionary. The ideal was clear: systems that grow and adapt to changing needs, are easily upgradable and do not box clients into obsolete technology.

  3. 2022

    The company moves into employee ownership

    In April 2022, Evolution transitioned to an Employee Owned Trust. The Evolution Trust owns 77% of the company and every member shares in the profits for as long as they are part of the business.

  4. 2025

    A new generation takes the lead

    In June 2025, Jake Rackham and Mark Corrigan were appointed Joint Group Managing Directors. Evolution now has offices across the UK, Ireland, Norway, the Netherlands and, most recently, the USA.

“Our goal was to provide security systems that would evolve with our clients as their threats and needs changed and in doing so be able to demonstrate a quicker return on their investment through lower running costs.”
Richard Lambert, co-founder

What the company has grown into

Since its formation over 30 years ago, Evolution has worked across Europe and beyond, developing new areas of business and expertise in risk and design, fire and life safety, and professional services.

“Evolution has always been about adapting and growing,” says Jake Rackham, Managing Director. Mark Corrigan adds that everyone is invested in the company’s success under the employee ownership structure.

How employee ownership works at Evolution

Leadership

  • Jake RackhamJoint Group Managing Director
  • Mark CorriganJoint Group Managing Director
  • Keir JonesGroup Operations Director
  • Derrel BeasleyGroup Technical Director
  • Brendan McGarrityGroup Risk & Design Director and Director, Evolution Europe EOT Ltd
  • Richard BaterGroup Director of Finance
  • Jason BroughtonOperations Manager, Evolution (Electronic Security Systems) Ltd
  • Shannon RitchieCountry Manager, USA

Founders

  • Richard LambertFounder. In the industry since 1982; a historic racer of a 1973 Lancia Fulvia.
  • John WustFounder. Trained as an electrician and entered the security industry in 1980; has played in bands since he was 14.
  • Neil HarrisFounder. Joined in 1998 as Operations Manager; a paraglider away from work.

Talk to the people who will own your project

Email the team