Company Founders

The company that established the TOP-SET methodology of incident investigation was founded by David Ramsay in Scotland in 1986. In the early days, the company focussed on the development of open learning materials for the plastics industry. The company grew to provide bespoke learning solutions for many companies across several different sectors. 

When Lorna Ramsay joined the company in 1994, she brought with her many years of experience in teaching, lecturing and business coaching. Together they forged ahead and established the TOP-SET methodology as one of the world’s leading incident investigation systems. 

David and Lorna have worked worldwide, leading from the front, conducting courses, and leading or facilitating investigations in many industrial sectors, including railways, oil, nuclear, shipping, renewables, and explosives. 

Their vision and determination have seen the methodology used in high-hazard businesses around the globe in over 50 countries. Over the past 30 years, the methodology has been taught to more than 40,000 delegates. The findings from TOP-SET investigations have gone on to prevent many serious incidents and without doubt, many people have gone home safely thanks to the contribution to safety made by both David and Lorna. 

In 2019 they had the vision to research the possibility of establishing an Employee Ownership Trust to ensure the continuity of the methodology and the business. Although delayed by the Coronavirus outbreak, they eventually succeeded and established the Employee Trust. On 4th January 2023, they sold most of the company shares to the Trust on behalf of the current and future employees. 

David and Lorna remain active on the Kelvin TOP-SET board as non-executive directors.