Where did your experience in climbing start?18th January 1997. My local climbing wall offered a free taster session on its opening day, and I was there. That single session changed my life forever.

What first-hand experience do you have in the climbing gym world? I’ve worked in the climbing industry in one form or another since I was 16. It was my first job while I was still at school, and over the years I’ve done just about everything: front desk, instructor, coach, route setter, centre manager, gym owner, and now software founder.

Outside of the gym, I’ve climbed all over the world on real rock and competed internationally as a member of Team GB for eight years. Climbing has been a lifelong passion and has shaped both my career and my approach to business.

What’s been your proudest moment working in the climbing industry so far? Building and owning Hang in London. Taking it from an idea on a piece of paper through fundraising, design, construction, launch, growth, and ultimately a successful exit to a larger operator was an incredibly rewarding journey and one I’m very proud of.

What’s one strong opinion you have about what makes a great climbing gym experience? And how does that belief show up in the way you approach your work at Clava? The little things make the biggest difference.
At Hang, that meant obsessing over processes, customer experience, facility design, and route setting. At Clava, the same philosophy applies. Often it’s the smallest improvements, a few clicks saved, a smoother workflow, or a clearer process, that create the biggest impact for operators and their customers.

What’s a behind-the-scenes detail most climbers never notice – but operators obsess over?Contrary to the climbing side of things… it’s reducing friction.
Whether it’s helping someone get through the door for the first time, complete a waiver, book a session, or manage their membership, every unnecessary step creates a barrier. Operators understand that moving people seamlessly from interest to participation is critical, and that’s exactly where Clava helps make a difference.

Why should a gym trust you (and Clava) with an important part of their operation?
 Because we’ve been in your shoes.
We’ve run climbing gyms, managed teams, dealt with busy weekends, wrestled with inefficient processes, and experienced first-hand the challenges operators face every day. Our goal is simple: build the most reliable, easy-to-use platform possible, one that saves time, reduces administration and risk, and allows operators to focus on what really matters: growing their business and building thriving climbing communities.

What’s one lesson you’ve learned during your career in climbing? Always challenge the status quo.
Change can feel daunting, especially when it involves systems and processes that have become familiar. But I’ve learned that sticking with inefficient tools can be far more costly than making a change. I spent years working around software and processes that held my business back. That’s one of the reasons Clava exists today, to prove that upgrading your technology doesn’t have to be painful, and that the right tools can unlock significant growth.