Vindico is one of just 15 businesses chosen by the UK Sports Economy Trade Mission to attend the global event in a bid to enhance their export potential.  

Yes, really. Vindico will be part of the global event – which takes place in Riyadh from 1 – 4 December 2024 – following the success of our latest venue technology, SWAPP 3.0.

We’ll be joining 14 other UK businesses who’ve been selected to promote and sell their British-made exports to the global football market as part of the 4-day event, which attracts world-renowned organisations from the sector.

But let’s rewind and talk about our SWAPP 3.0 technology for a second.

Officially unveiled in Summer 2024, SWAPP 3.0 builds on the success of Vindico’s original SWAPP platform, which has already been adopted by venues including Principality Stadium, The Arms Park, Sophia Gardens, Vindico Arena, and Parc Y Scarlets, and teams including Welsh Rugby Union, Cardiff Rugby, Glamorgan Cricket, and Gloucester Rugby.
Click here to see how SWAPP 3.0 gives teams, venues, and events an edge.

12-months in the making, the new technology – which was developed wholly by our remarkable in-house development teams based in Cardiff and Llanelli – focuses on enhanced safety, automation, and knowledge transfer for stadiums, venues, and sports teams, in line with new and upcoming government guidelines.

Following the success of its launch in the UK, we’ve now set our sights overseas – and we’re on a mission to partner with even more global names at the World Football Summit Asia 2024.

We’ll be heading there as part of the UK Sports Economy Trade Mission. It’s an initiative of the UK Government’s Department for Business and Trade, and its aim is to encourage UK businesses to unlock their exporting potential and sell to the world.

“When we launched SWAPP 3.0, we knew our ‘simpler, better’ approach was going to solve the major pain points that management teams of venues and stadiums experience day in, day out,” said Vindico’s Chief Revenue Officer, Rhys Perkins, who will be representing us in Saudi Arabia.

“The response to our venue technology to date by private sector organisations domestically has been overwhelming. To now have our innovative technology’s potential recognised by the UK Government – and to be selected to sell our Welsh technology to the world is a major step forward for us as a business.”

Our participation in the World Football Summit Asia 2024 marks a significant milestone in our bid to digitise and revolutionise venue management technology on a global scale. With the support of the UK Sports Economy Trade Mission, we’re not only cementing the Vindico brand as a leader in venue technology but are also flying the flag for Welsh innovation and British-made excellence.

Vindico CEO Jo Polson has been named Technology Entrepreneur of the Year at the 2024 Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards

Dubbed the Grammys of Entrepreneurship, the Great British Entrepreneur Awards has been celebrating the stories of exceptional entrepreneurs for over a decade.

And this year, Jo’s Vindico story is one of them.

It's easy to say that someone lives and breathes what they do, but this is literally the case for Jo.

Whether he’s driving the development team to innovate and iterate new tech, or versions of that tech, or on the hunt for new talent to give Vindico’s ideas an edge – Jo is switched on to tech 24/7.

And it’s helping us bring bright young talent along on the journey with us, while we continue to apply this approach to our own company culture – which is inclusive, immersive, innovative, and encourages autonomous thinking. It’s also a culture that people want to be a part of – whether that’s employees, partners, or clients – and that’s something we don’t take lightly.

We may have “grown up” in business a lot since we launched 10 years ago, but we remain committed to our original mission – to Think Purple.

It means always asking better questions to deliver simpler, better outcomes ­ and it’s what our clients know, love, and trust.

No business is immune to challenges, but our Think Purple mission has helped us grow to the team we are today, and our tech is helping our clients do the same.

So, this accolade – sponsored by de Novo Solutions – recognises Jo’s outstanding entrepreneurial achievements, resilience, and the impact they have made in the tech industry and community. It also gives massive recognition to the hard work of our remarkable team and celebrates the headway we’re making on this incredible journey we’re on.

Or, as Jo puts it:

“I’ve got the best job in the world. I just get to come up with these crazy ideas, but I’ve got an incredible team behind me who can deliver them – and so this recognition is for them.”  

Francesca James, founder of the Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards adds:

"Every year, I’m in awe of the entrepreneurs who come through our programme, and this year is no different. The Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards continues to receive thousands of applications annually, reflecting the incredible strength of entrepreneurship across the UK. This year’s winners collectively generate over £3 billion in turnover and employ over 20,000 people. These extraordinary individuals are not only transforming industries but also uplifting communities and inspiring the next generation of business leaders."

Huge thanks to our clients, collaborators, friends, supporters, and wider tech community who’ve been part of this ride so far. Here’s to even greater things in 2025.

How one handy app can transform your entire workforce and visitor management

Managing large teams, venues, and work sites can be challenging – especially when today’s diverse workforce includes everything from full-time employees to gig workers and contractors.

We’ve spoken with large clients across sectors ranging from sport and stadia to construction, civil, and transport, and the pain points that crop up are always the same.

It’s time-consuming, it’s labour intensive, rules and regulations are always changing, it’s tricky to keep information up-to-date, it’s even more challenging to get users to actually communicate, and it’s overall a bit of a hassle.

Sound familiar?

We thought so.

So, we set out to solve the problem. And by “we”, we mean our award-winning development team, based here in Wales.

 We took the feedback from our client and field research and created one handy app that solves all these problems. And we made sure the app is simple to use and encourages better business, too.

Click here to see how.

Our SWAPP 3.0 app is designed to simplify and revolutionise the management of people in your organisation by offering an all-in-one solution that enhances safety, streamlines processes, and optimises productivity.

From pre-event registrations to real-time tracking, SWAPP 3.0 is set to be a game-changer for organisations looking to save time, cut costs, and elevate their operations.

Here's what you need to know.

Streamlining Hiring and Access Control

SWAPP 3.0 was built to address several core areas of workforce management, each one critical for reducing administrative burdens and improving efficiency.

·      Accreditation
Organisations can manage accreditations easily, making sure only properly credentialed individuals have access to their sites. This helps you maintain security and compliance without the hassle of manual tracking.

·      Work Permits
SWAPP 3.0 centralises and streamlines the work permit process, ensuring that each worker has the appropriate documentation to perform their duties legally and safely.

·      Eligibility to Work
With SWAPP 3.0, verifying eligibility is seamless. Managers can quickly review documentation, confirm that workers meet regulatory requirements, and have more confidence in their workforce.

·      Advanced Opt In/Out of Work
The app allows for a simple opt-in or opt-out process, making it easy for employees and contractors to indicate their availability. This feature reduces back-and-forth communications and helps ensure teams are staffed according to your needs. This advanced scheduling and booking capability lets management teams pre-book workers for future projects to simplify staffing and allow for a more organised, transparent workforce structure. You can set schedules well in advance and minimise last-minute changes – and the added stress that comes with it.

·      Easy QR Code Sign In/Out
With a handy QR code that anyone can use, you can easily keep track of who’s clocked in, and for how long, without the need for lengthy or complex processes that make it hard for workers to communicate with you offering precise records that aid in time management and accountability.

Find out more about how this directly relates to stewarding for events here.

Enhanced Coordination and Reduced Costs

We know that last-minute staffing changes or absent workers can lead to operational headaches and increased costs. So, with SWAPP 3.0, we set out to reduce these complications dramatically for you. The platform facilitates team coordination by providing clear visibility over staff schedules, availability, and on-site presence. By enabling a more transparent approach to staffing, the system can also help you cut unnecessary costs associated with overtime, extra hires, or operational delays.

Optimised Compliance and Legal Management

In addition to core workforce and safety management, SWAPP 3.0 offers key features for legal compliance. The app’s streamlined approach to handling eligibility, work permits, and other regulatory aspects ensures that you and your organisation maintains compliance without dedicating excessive time or resources.

An Essential for Today’s Workforce Management

By bringing together accreditation, scheduling, real-time location tracking, and eligibility verification in one handy app, SWAPP 3.0 provides you with the power to manage your workforce like never before. For teams working in dynamic, fast-paced environments, this platform offers a level of coordination and clarity that was once unimaginable. Not only does SWAPP 3.0 reduce administrative burdens, but it also promotes safety, improves compliance, and keeps your operation running smoothly.

SWAPP 3.0 is more than just a tool – it’s fast becoming a vital asset for any organisation that wants to work simpler, smarter, and safer, while saving time and money in the process. You can find out more about how it can help your own organisation and workforce by getting in touch with us here.  

For many of us, the path to a fulfilling career isn’t always straightforward. In fact, it’s often the twists, turns, and unexpected changes that lead to the best opportunities. Meg Rolley, now a software engineer at Vindico, knows this first-hand. Her journey from studying geography at Cardiff University to landing her dream role in tech is a story of passion, persistence, and courage — and a testament that it’s okay to change direction when something doesn’t feel quite right.

Starting Out on a Different Path

When Meg began her university journey in 2018, she was enrolled in geography at Cardiff University. At first, it seemed like the right fit. But as she got deeper into the coursework, something didn’t quite click. Many of us have experienced that gut feeling when something feels off, and for Meg, this realisation came with a sense of urgency to pursue a path that would truly engage her.

Rather than sticking it out and ignoring her doubts, Meg made a bold move: she decided to switch to Applied Software Engineering after her first year.

“It felt like a huge decision at the time,” she recalls, “but it turned out to be a game-changer. suddenly I was working on real projects with actual clients, solving genuine problems rather than just hitting the books.”

These hands-on experiences would solidify Meg’s love for software development.

Diving Deeper into Software Engineering

As Meg settled into her new course, she seized every opportunity to gain practical experience. In her second year, she joined a research project at Cardiff University focused on developing software to detect “phubbing” (that all-too-common habit of ignoring others in favour of a smartphone).

“We’ve all been guilty of it!” admits Meg.

“That project gave me the opportunity create and test the software myself, which was a brilliant experience.”

At the time, she was set on pursuing a PhD, envisioning a future of research, writing, and presenting papers at conferences. 

“Funny how plans change, right?” says Meg.

As she explored new facets of software engineering, she found that her interests were steering her in new directions.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Coders

Meg’s journey wasn’t only about her personal growth; she was also giving back along the way. During her studies, she became a STEM ambassador, visiting primary schools to teach children about computing using fun tools like Game Maker Studio and Scratch. She even ran online code clubs, helping young students stay engaged and curious about tech during the pandemic.

Later, Meg took her teaching skills a step further, teaching Java basics to postgraduate students.

“Being on the other side of the classroom and sharing what I'd learned along the way really helped cement my own understanding of these concepts,” says Meg.

Gaining Real-World Experience

As her final year approached, Meg managed to balance her studies with a part-time role at a South Wales startup. Working in the fast-paced startup environment gave her invaluable insights, forcing her to think on her feet and adapt to new challenges.

“Not going to lie - balancing my final year studies with work was challenging, but it was worth every minute,” adds Meg.

By the time she graduated with a First Class Honours in June 2022, Meg had already gained a level of experience and confidence that would shape her career.

Click here to see how other members of the Vindico team have taken alternative career paths into software development and coding.

Joining Vindico and Embracing New Opportunities

Meg joined Vindico’s award-winning development team in October 2023, where the diverse projects and collaborative team culture immediately appealed to her.

“What really drew me to Vindico? They’re doing all sorts of different projects, and their team is full of different perspectives and skills.

“I love how they're always ready to tackle new tech and try different tools as new projects come in. It's not just about building my skills - it's about doing it in a way that's actually exciting and keeps me on my toes in this constantly changing tech world. Every day brings something different, and that's exactly what I was looking for in my career.”

The Big Takeaway: Embrace the Journey

Meg’s path from geography student to software engineer wasn’t always smooth, but every twist and turn taught her something valuable.

“Looking back, my path's been pretty winding - from geography to coding, from teaching kids to building software, from startup life to where I am now. But that's what makes it interesting, right?” says Meg.

Her story is a reminder that it’s okay to pivot when something doesn’t feel right. The most fulfilling careers aren’t always straightforward; they’re built on curiosity, courage, and a willingness to pursue what excites you.

Or, as Meg puts it:
 
“Sometimes you need to push yourself out of your comfort zone and go after what really gets you excited. Do what feels right for you, and chase after whatever lights that fire in your belly. After all, if you’re going to spend most of your life working, it might as well be doing something that gets you jumping out of bed in the morning.

“That journey from uncertain first-year to where I am now wasn't always smooth sailing, but each twist and turn taught me something valuable. And honestly? I wouldn't change it for the world.”

For anyone questioning their career path or feeling uncertain about the future, Meg’s journey shows that it’s never too late to pivot and pursue what truly fulfils you. Her advice? Embrace the journey, take risks, and don’t be afraid to follow your passion — even if it means stepping into the unknown.

You can also find out about the latest tech career opportunities with Vindico by clicking here.

The tech industry is booming, and with ever-expanding opportunities, people from all walks of life are finding their way into the field. 

And it’s this kind of diversity that we actively encourage at Vindico. Whether you’re fresh out of school, seeking a career change, or somewhere in between, there are plenty of ways to pursue the tech career you’ve always wanted. Here are a few different routes into the tech field – with some useful hints and stories from our own development team thrown in, too. 

The Traditional Route: University Degrees in Tech

For many, the traditional entry into tech starts with a university degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a similar field of study. It’s a path that’s typically appealed to younger people looking to break into the tech field, and a 2021 survey by Stack Overflow reported that nearly 50% of developers under the age of 30 entered the industry this way.

Vindico’s own Rory Durrant is a great example of someone who opted for this route. Rory joined Vindico as a placement student while completing his university studies.

“I was looking for a Year in Industry placement, and Vindico came up on LinkedIn. Vindico was one of the only local tech companies offering a placement. After popping a message to CEO Jo Polson, the rest is history,” Rory explains.

Fast-forward to today and Rory is now a permanent member of the Vindico team. He now handles the backend development of applications, working on critical infrastructure to make our applications run smoothly and securely. He’s currently working on a top-secret project for a global sports brand, but we can’t say any more about this. 

“The ever-changing environment keeps the job fresh and exciting,” adds Rory.

If you’re already following this route – or considering it – a degree in a relevant field offers a strong foundation and a structured learning environment. But, as Rory’s story shows, real-world experience through internships or placements can also be valuable when it comes to paving the way for a career in tech. 

Click here to read more about Rory’s story – and what it’s really like to do a tech placement.

Coding Bootcamps: The Fast-Track to a Tech Career

If you’re looking for a faster way into the industry, coding bootcamps have become an increasingly popular option. They’re short, intensive programs that focus on practical skills and real-world application, and typically last anywhere from 12 weeks to six months. Bootcamps are a popular choice for anyone looking to change career and people who don’t want to commit to a full degree. 

Alice Martin is a software developer and part of the award-nominated development team at Vindico. She decided to switch careers and opted to take the bootcamp route after taking a few coding courses for fun. 

“I just fell in love with coding,” says Alice. 

“While working full-time, I enrolled in a part-time Computing and IT course and completed the Code First Girls degree program.”

Alice is proof that you can switch to a tech career at any stage. After joining Vindico two years ago, Alice is now a key member of our development team, where she works on several projects for our clients in the care sector. 

“I love that tech is such a fast-paced industry that’s always changing. There are always new things to learn and discover. I also love being able to work on projects from start to finish. At Vindico we’re involved in projects throughout the whole development process and get to see how it evolves,” adds Alice. 

Self-Learning: Independent Study That Lets You Learn at Your Own Pace 

Many tech professionals, particularly those from non-traditional backgrounds, break into the industry through self-learning. Today, there are plenty of online platforms offering accessible and affordable resources that allow aspiring developers to learn at their own pace.

And it’s a popular choice. 

A recent Stack Overflow developer survey found that around 27% of developers consider themselves self-taught, while 33% say they learned through a combination of formal education and independent study.

Alice’s journey into tech included plenty of independent learning. Despite juggling a full-time job, Alice found time to upskill through various online coding courses. And it’s a similar story for many of our team. Fellow Vindico developer Emilie studied online to enhance her IT and software credentials, Rory pursues his own coding projects outside of Vindico, and Kieran Williams, who also works on our dev team, contributes to the wider global blockchain community through hackathons.

You can read all about Kieran’s experience with blockchain hackathons here. 

Apprenticeships and Internships: Learning on the Job

If you prefer hands-on learning, an apprenticeship or internship could be a valuable pathway into tech. These programmes blend practical work experience with structured education to give you the chance to learn while you’re earning.

In Rory’s case, his placement with Vindico was part of his university studies, but it gave him a head start in the industry. Internships like this offer a chance to get your foot in the door, network, and gain the real-world skills that are in demand.

“Immediately after starting and meeting the team, I knew that Vindico was a good place to be. The welcoming atmosphere and exciting projects sealed the deal for me,” says Rory.

Tech: An Inclusive Industry for Everyone 

The beauty of the tech industry is its inclusivity, and the fact that it welcomes people from all backgrounds. 

“Vindico actively supports this through their inclusive environment, their appreciation for new ideas, and the work environment being a friendly, motivational, and empowering place to be in,” says software developer Meg Rolley. 

So, whether you follow the traditional route of a university degree, attend a coding bootcamp, learn independently, or decide to switch careers, tech offers plenty of opportunities for everyone.

As Rory highlights;

“The tech industry is constantly evolving, and there's always something new to learn about.” 

Want to see what tech careers and opportunities are available at Vindico? Click here to see our careers page. We update it often and are always on the lookout for outstanding tech talent so be sure to keep checking back or drop us a line.

Rugby season has kicked off, match days are in full swing, and for stadiums and teams, managing the logistics and operations of each event can be a challenging task. 

Behind the scenes, and away from the pitch, management teams are tasked with everything from ensuring staff coordination to handling incidents in real time. And that’s where SWAPP 3.0 comes in. 

Designed to solve common operational problems, SWAPP 3.0 is transforming the rugby match day experience – making it smoother, safer, and more efficient for everyone involved. And it does all this while keeping it simple, too. This simple, tech-driven solution helps teams stay one step ahead on match days.

Here’s how this simple, tech-driven solution helps rugby and stadium teams stay one step ahead on match days.

Easy Access to Critical Information

When it comes to managing a live event, easy access to key data and information is crucial. And SWAPP 3.0 presents all the key info you need in ways that are simple to see, understand, and act on. With a user-friendly interface, teams can quickly navigate through real-time data to stay ahead of any issues, ensuring they can identify and solve problems faster than ever before.

From event managers to stewards, the platform’s simplicity empowers users to focus on their roles without the added stress of managing complex systems. 

The result? 

Smoother operations and quicker decision-making.

Click here to find out more about SWAPP 3.0's easy-to-use features.

Integrated Document Finder

One of the biggest challenges for management teams is tracking down important documents and files, which often lost in the clutter of emails or messaging apps. SWAPP 3.0 solves this problem with its integrated document finder. All essential files—from safety protocols to event schedules to staffing documents—are housed in one central location, readily available at your fingertips.

Cutting out the need to search through disorganised folders or scattered communications, SWAPP 3.0 facilitates smoother management and reduces operational delays, helping teams stay focused on the game.

Enhanced Safety Features

Safety is always a top priority on rugby match days, and SWAPP 3.0 offers enhanced features that make it easier to maintain security and compliance. From fire roll calls to incident reporting, the tech platform has been designed to streamline traditionally long-winded processes. 

Its intuitive interface also allows teams to complete safety checks and log incidents quickly, making for a safer environment for everyone attending.  

The platform’s real-time capabilities prove particularly valuable when tracking event progress and responding to incidents, too. Teams can instantly log reports and access up-to-the-minute data, which leads to faster decision-making and more responsive operations.

Real-Time Data for Faster Decisions

Speed and accuracy are critical in live events, and this is where SWAPP 3.0's real-time capabilities give teams an edge. Whether it’s reporting incidents or tracking event progress, the platform provides instant updates that allow teams to act fast. This higher level of visibility means match day managers can make better-informed decisions that keep operations running smoothly.

The ability to provide quick, easy updates also means less room for error compared to manual, time-consuming processes. The truth is, long-winded processes can often lead to human error, and SWAPP 3.0’s easy format makes for greater efficiency and accuracy throughout the event.

Simplified Staff and Steward Management

Managing staff and stewards is often one of the most complicated parts of rugby match day. But with SWAPP 3.0, pre-event registration, checking work availability, and managing accreditations are all simplified. Managers can book and organise workers ahead of time, making sure the event is adequately staffed. This results in a safer, smoother, and more reliable match day experience for everyone involved.

By making staffing simpler and more transparent, SWAPP 3.0 also reduces last-minute complications and enhances team coordination, ultimately boosting the overall event performance.

Find out more about how SWAPP is simplifying stewarding for venues and events here.

Praise from the Field

The impact of SWAPP 3.0 is already being felt across the rugby community. Jamie Muir, Stadium Manager at Cardiff Rugby, shares his experience with the platform:

"Using Vindico's SWAPP 3.0 at Cardiff Rugby and Cardiff Arms Park has revolutionised our in-house stewarding administration. It has streamlined the management of steward availability, deployment, and incident reporting, saving us significant time and resources. The app's user-friendly interface, both for administrators and users, combined with real-time data access, has greatly enhanced our matchday safety management. Our operations are now more robust and efficient thanks to SWAPP."  

The Future of Match Day Management

As rugby teams continue to face increasing operational demands, tools like SWAPP 3.0 are essential for making sure rugby match days run smoothly. From simplifying stewarding processes to improving safety protocols and providing real-time data access, the platform is a game-changer for venue management.

For rugby clubs, stadiums, and event organisers, tools like SWAPP 3.0 are paving the way for a smarter, more efficient future—one where teams can focus on delivering a seamless experience both on and off the field.

To find out how SWAPP 3.0 can revolutionise your match day operations and help your team or venue gain an edge, click here to get in touch today, or send a direct email to Vindico CRO Rhys Perkins at rhys@vindico.net