Ripley Systems

What Ripley Systems does

Ripley Systems Ltd is a UK-based, founder-owned bespoke database consultancy founded in 1989 by Patrick Ripley and operating out of Ascot, Berkshire. The firm builds customised Claris FileMaker Pro database solutions delivered via desktop, web and iOS, organised around three core product lines: Business Management databases (CRM, stock control, accounts, project management); Examination Management systems (question/item banks, exam build and blueprinting, candidate and examiner management, OSCE delivery, iPad marking, results processing and statistical analysis, with native Surpass API integration for online written exams); and Event Management software (sales leads, multi-version quote builder, budgeting, staff, venue, inventory and financial reporting). The company generates revenue primarily through project-based professional services fees on bespoke builds, supplemented by recurring UK-based secure server hosting (100% uptime, SSL, 3-tier backup, sold to military, NHS and government) and FileMaker training and support services. Go-to-market is direct, consultative and referral-led, particularly via the Royal Medical College network, with channel legitimacy provided by the Claris Partner Programme and partnership support from Surpass and iSOS.

The customer base is anchored by at least 16 UK Royal Medical Colleges and Faculties (including Royal College of Surgeons of England, Royal College of Emergency Medicine, Royal College of Ophthalmologists, Royal College of Physicians London, Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, Royal College of Psychiatrists, Faculty of Public Health, and the College of Optometrists), with secondary clients in hospitality (Soho House, Caprice Holdings, The Ivy/Troia), events (Inca Productions), film SFX (Fizz Bang Wallop, Neil Corbould SFX), and SMB creative and public-sector bodies (NHS Creative). The firm is a private limited company (Companies House number 05680310), employs 1-10 people, has no external funding, no subsidiaries, and no M&A activity. Leadership consists of Patrick Ripley as Managing Director and Developer and Juliet Ripley (MBA) as Project Manager and Developer, joined in 2010.

Name

Ripley Systems

Legal name

Ripley Systems Ltd

Website

https://ripleysystems.co.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

1989

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Ripley Systems is a UK-based, founder-owned bespoke database consultancy building customised Claris FileMaker Pro solutions in examination management for Royal Medical Colleges, plus event and business management for hospitality, film and SMB clients.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Custom Database Development

NAICS

Custom Computer Programming Services (541511)

SIC

Services-Computer Programming, Data Processing, Etc. (7370)

akta.pro primary industry

iBPMS (Intelligent BPM Suites) & Process Automation Suites (HDAEAHAG)

Keywords

• Custom database development
• FileMaker Pro development
• Examination management software
• Event management solutions
• Business database systems

Headquarters

HQ city

Ascot

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Software

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Custom Database Development: Bespoke database solutions developed using Claris FileMaker Pro, tailored to each client's specific requirements across examination management, event management, and business management. Revenue is generated through project-based development fees.
2. Server Hosting and Management: UK-based secure server hosting services for FileMaker databases with 100% uptime guarantee, SSL encryption, and 3-tier backup systems. Provides recurring revenue through hosting fees.
3. Training Services: User and developer training services for FileMaker databases, offered as one-to-one sessions or group training. Both on-site and potentially remote training options available.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels3 records

Core offering

Ripley Systems designs, develops, and supports bespoke Claris FileMaker Pro database solutions tailored to each client's operational requirements. Its three core product lines are Business Management Database Systems (CRM, stock, accounts, project management), Examination Management Systems (question banks, OSCE iPad marking, online written exam delivery, statistical analysis, integrated with Surpass), and Event Management Software (sales leads, quotes, budgeting, staff, venues, financial reporting). The firm additionally provides UK-based secure database server hosting and FileMaker user/developer training.

Product overview

Ripley Systems provides customised database solutions built on Claris FileMaker Pro technology since 1989. The product portfolio consists of three core systems: Business Management Database Systems (covering CRM, stock control, accounts, and project management), Examination Management Systems (for written and OSCE exams with question banks, iPad marking, and statistical analysis), and Event Management Software (for event planning, quotes, budgets, and venue management). These systems are accessible via desktop, web and iOS/iPad platforms. The company also offers database server hosting and training services.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Quantifiable outcome

• Migration to 100% electronic exams enabling exponential growth and increased global reach
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers13 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Three partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Claris (FileMaker Partner Programme)coreTechnology or IntegrationRipley Systems is a member of the Claris Partner programme, using Claris FileMaker Pro as their core development platform. This partnership provides access to technology resources, training, and the FileMaker ecosystem, legitimising their solutions within the platform community.
• SurpasscoreTechnology or IntegrationRipley Systems works closely with Surpass to deliver secure online examinations and assessments. Their systems merge seamlessly with Surpass through API integration, providing a smooth user experience with all data contained within one system. Surpass is used for delivering on-line examinations remotely via an integrated link.
• KStudiosminorOthersKStudios designed the Ripley Systems website and holds the trademark for the RS_Trademark_Blue.svg logo used on the website.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Linear Blue: Claris FileMaker consultancy delivering bespoke database solutions and long-term support — a smaller but directly comparable UK/EMEA-adjacent peer to Ripley.
• DB Services: FileMaker development and consulting firm building custom database solutions for SMB and enterprise clients, with a similar bespoke, relationship-driven delivery model to Ripley.
• Codence: Claris FileMaker consultancy focused on custom application development, integrations, and long-term client engagements — overlapping with Ripley's core bespoke delivery motion.
• Skeleton Key: Claris FileMaker Platinum Partner providing custom database development, integrations, and hosting — comparable to Ripley in platform specialization and bespoke project delivery to enterprise clients.
• Beezwax Datatools: A long-established Claris FileMaker consulting and development firm offering bespoke database solutions and Claris platform expertise — the closest direct peer to Ripley Systems in terms of platform, delivery model, and customer type.
• AppWorks: Claris FileMaker partner providing custom database development and integrations — directly comparable platform specialization and customer engagement profile.
• Kyo Logic: FileMaker development consultancy offering bespoke database solutions across business management, CRM, and operations — closely aligned with Ripley's horizontal business management work.

Emerging players

• Questionmark: SaaS assessment and examination platform used by enterprises and certification bodies — competes indirectly with Ripley's examination management vertical by offering a standardized alternative to bespoke builds.
• BTL Group (Assessment): Provider of assessment platforms including OSCE and digital exam delivery tools — overlaps with Ripley's examination management offering for medical colleges and certification bodies.

Regional players

• iSolutions (Claris Partner): UK-based FileMaker/Claris development partner offering bespoke database builds across business and operational use cases — a regional peer competing in the same UK SMB/mid-market footprint.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ripley-systems

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Ripley Systems