News: Sky’s the Limit for Barnsley & Rotherham’s Business of the Year

It proved to be a night to remember for South Yorkshire’s business community which came together to celebrate their achievements and reflect on the success they have enjoyed over the past 12 months at the Barnsley and Rotherham Business Awards.

During a glittering evening at the Magna Science Adventure Centre, the Barnsley and Rotherham Business Awards, sponsored by Barnsley College celebrated the achievements of all elements of South Yorkshire’s business community: from apprentices and new business owners taking the first steps in their chosen vocation, to organisations that have gone above and beyond the call of duty to deliver truly outstanding work in the fields of growth, people development, customer service, sustainability and community impact.

Hosted by TV presenter Amy Garcia, the event saw over 540 guests from across South Yorkshire’s business community come together to celebrate their achievements over the past 12 months. However, the night belonged to Parkgate-based Sky High Tree & Ground Maintenance Services Ltd, which was chosen by judges to be a worthy winner of the highly coveted title of Business of the Year.

Since founding the business with little more than a pair of hedge trimmers and a dream of working outdoors in 2014, founder Luke Hammill has seen his company grow into a successful multi-million-pound venture, which employs 30 full-time members of staff. Today, the company successfully works on behalf of housebuilders, local authorities and some of Britain’s largest construction companies, where the company is responsible for developing community green spaces throughout the UK.

Under Luke’s leadership, Sky High Tree & Ground Maintenance Services Ltd has enjoyed significant year on year growth, with turnover rising from £1 million to £3 million within the past 12 months alone. As a direct result, the company has invested significantly in new plant machinery, staff training as well as investing back into the communities they serve by working closely with armed forces charities to help veterans forge new careers upon returning to civilian life.

Cateegory winners on the saw three other Rotherham-based companies receive accolades, with education recruitment specialists Trust Education being named as Start-Up of the Year, Equans securing the People Development Award and the Manvers-based Mace Group being crowned best large business.

Barnsley-based winners saw Wombwell-based Cranswick Convenience Foods secured the Community Impact Award in recognition of its commitment to supporting a wide range of good causes in Barnsley and across South Yorkshire, whilst Barnsley College’s innovative Carbon Literacy Project, as well as work undertaken to reduce carbon emissions across its sites, was rewarded with the Sustainability Award.

Barnsley FC Community Trust secured the title of Charity of the Year in recognition of its transformative work in the field of education, health, social inclusion and sports participation. The trust, along with highly commended charities Weston Park Cancer Charity and Age UK Rotherham all received cash prizes to support their work in South Yorkshire.

Longstanding businesses Electrical Safety UK, Barnsley Hospice and Brearley & Co Accountants were presented with salutes to business in recognition of their 20, 30, and 40-year service respectively, whilst Barnsley-based JC Snell and White’s Bakery both celebrated their 90th anniversaries in 2024 – a combined total of more than 270 years’ service to South Yorkshire’s business community.

The important contributions made by charitable organisations were also recognised on the night, with Barnsley FC Community Trust securing the title of Charity of the Year, in recognition of its transformative work in the field of education, health, social inclusion and sports participation. The trust, along with highly commended charities Weston Park Cancer Charity and Age UK Rotherham all received cash prizes to support their work.

Individual awards presented saw Leo Lewin (Affinity 2020 CiC) awarded the title of Apprentice of the Year, whilst Alicia Hewitt (Secure Power Limited) was crowned as Businessperson of the Year. A Special President’s Award was also given to Chris MacCormac, Chief Executive of the Morthyng Group, in recognition of their transformative work within the education sector.

In a heartfelt tribute which looked back at his 30 year career, Chris was honoured for his nearly 30 years of leadership and dedication towards education and community support. Chris started his career a youth worker in 1980, before going to transform Morthyng into a leading national training provider, which has helped thousands from disadvantaged backgrounds. He retires after a distinguished career and was celebrated for his lasting impact on the local community.

Advertisement
Luke Hammill, Managing Director, Sky High Ground Maintenance, said: “It has been an incredible year for our business. Winning the title of Business of the Year, securing the Growth Award as well as being highly commended in the Businessperson of the Year category is something that I feel incredibly proud to have achieved.

"When I set up the business ten years ago, never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that the company would grow and scale in the way it has done, and I feel very honoured that our efforts have been recognised in this way by the judges. I left school with no formal qualifications at all, and I hope the success I’ve enjoyed since starting my own business goes to show that with the right work ethic and determination, anything is possible.

"Having the right people to support you is key. I’d like to give a massive thank you to each and every person of my Sky High team, especially my partner Danielle who has been with me on every step of this amazing journey.

"Businesses play a vital role in shaping the local and regional economy. From the outset, I’ve always wanted my business to be a force for good: we undertake a wide range of community projects, from supporting local schools to breaking down barriers towards employment by giving veterans a chance to rebuild their lives after leaving the armed forces.

"Of course, we’ve got no intention of resting on our laurels. One of the reasons we joined Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber was because of the work it undertakes to create opportunities for its members within local supply chains. We’re hoping to work more closely with the Chamber in the years to come to bring these plans to fruition, which in turn will not just create more opportunities for our business but grow the local and regional economy.”

Mattthew Stephens, President, Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber, added: “Over the past 12 months there has been some incredible work delivered by businesses of all sizes across South Yorkshire. I would like to congratulate each and every business who supported this year’s event. The standard of entries was exceptional, and every organisation that was shortlisted, highly commended and winners on the night should feel incredibly proud of their achievements.

"Collectively, members of Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber employ more than 70,000 people across South Yorkshire. The success of events like our business awards helps to showcase and celebrate the achievements of our incredibly diverse business community – from start-ups taking the very first steps on their business journey to longstanding businesses, which have collectively devoted 270 years of service to our local communities, and despite many businesses preparing themselves for challenging times, at least in the short term, the Chamber will continue to offer support, advice and campaign on behalf of South Yorkshire businesses to ensure their voices are heard.”

Full list of winners:

Salute to Business

Electrical Safety UK – 20 years
Barnsley Hospice – 30 years
Brearley & Co Accountants – 40 years
JC Snell Ltd – 90 years
White’s Bakery – 90 years

President’s Award:

Chris MacCormac – Morthyng Vocational College

Most Promising New Business

Winner: Trust Education
Highly commended:
Grassroots Sports Academy Ltd
Morgan Wills & Trusts
Shortlisted:
AHJ Wills and Estates
Empress Building & Ballroom

Apprentice of the Year Award

Winner: Leo Lewin – Affinity 2020 CiC
Highly commended:
Ateeb Mughal – Equans
Joshua Turver – Gala Tent
Shortlisted:
Aiden Ellis – Osborne Technologies Limited
James Stretton – Equans

Business Growth Award

Winner: Sky High Tree & Ground Maintenance Services Limited
Highly commended:
Airmaster
M R Machine Knives
Shortlisted:
Trust Education
Wayv

Business Community Impact Award

Winner: Cranswick Convenience Foods
Highly commended:
Glu Recruit
MAKE YOUR MARK UK
Shortlisted:
Home Instead Sheffield & Barnsley
MWAY Communications Ltd

Commitment to People Development

Winner: Equans
Highly commended:
IT Desk (UK) Ltd
Secure Power Ltd
Shortlisted:
Home Instead Sheffield & Barnsley
SMH Haywood & Co

Excellence in Customer Service

Winner: Glu Recruit
Highly commended
IT Desk (UK) Ltd
MED-EL UK Ltd
Shortlisted:
Rotherham Insurance Brokers
Signum Facilities Management Ltd

Sustainability Award

Winner: Barnsley College
Highly commended:
Equans
instantprint
Shortlisted:
Hydrov Ltd
KCM Waste Management Ltd

Charity of the Year

Winner: Barnsley FC Community Trust
Highly commended:
Age UK Rotherham
Weston Park Cancer Charity
Shortlisted:
Cathedral Archer Project
Rotherham Hospice

Businessperson of the Year

Winner: Alicia Hewitt - Secure Power Ltd
Highly commended:
James Biggin - Steel City Marketing Ltd
Luke Hammill - Sky High Tree & Ground Maintenance Services Limited
Shortlisted:
Mark Smith - MAKE YOUR MARK UK
Rob Shaw - Glu Recruit

Large Business of the Year

Winner: Mace Group
Highly commended:
Equi Trek
instantprint
Shortlisted:
Boohoo Group Plc
Equans

BR Chamber Awards website

Images: BR Chamber / J36 Photography

Read more...

News: World first as Gala Technology extend secure payments to video

Gala Technology, the innovative Rotherham-based company behind the multi-award winning 'Cardholder Not Present' (CNP) payment solution, SOTpay has announced that they have conducted a successful proof of concept for use over video technologies.

The Manvers firm has processed secure and PCI DSS compliant payments across numerous video meeting technologies, including Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Webex and GoToMeeting in what is believed to be a world's first.

Integrating SOTpay enables merchants to protect themselves from the ever-growing threat of fraud related chargebacks and the associated costs.

The Fintech company, who also picked up the "Best International Card Not Present Solution" at the CNP Awards in San Francisco earlier this week, has worked alongside their sister company, Gala Tent, the largest manufacturer and retailer of commercial quality marquees and gazebos in the UK, in order to trial the pilot, which will enable cardholders to complete transactions, whilst face to face with an employee, albeit via video technology.

Advertisement

Steven Jones, commercial director at Gala Technology, said: "Remote virtual meetings are now commonplace, and usage has increased massively across a range of digital platforms.

"Zoom are boasting that users have soared from ten million daily meeting participants back in December to 300 million in April and rivals like Microsoft Teams and Google Meet are also showing significant traction. Microsoft reported a 70% growth in the last month to 75 million daily users and recorded 200 million meeting participants in a single day in April.

"This evidences that these technologies have become a way of life, albeit somewhat enforced during the COVID-19 pandemic. We believe that they will continue to be used as part of the ‘new normal’ as organisations consider life after lockdown, with continued social distancing and working from home expected.

"It was our thought process that whilst these platforms are used predominantly for either B2B meetings or a way for families and friends to engage with each other remotely, we could encourage business to open up the facility to firstly interact with their customers ‘face to face’ and then to accept secure and compliant B2C payments via this method, by using our SOTpay technology which already supports merchants across telephony, web chat, SMS and social media channels."

Gala Technology website

Images: Gala Technology

Read more...

News: Gala Tent has it covered

Rotherham-based Gala Tent is becoming more creative and has a number of solutions for those affected by COVID – 19.

Founded in 1999, Gala Tent is one of the UK's leading producers of marquees, tents and gazebos. The group has seen a 5% growth at the end of the first quarter of 2020 and is still confident of further growth, despite the threat of the coronavirus and its impact on businesses.

Based at Fairfield Park in Manvers, Gala Tent has grown to sell over 15,000 tents and marquees each year, supplying organisations including the military, NHS, the South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue and South Yorkshire Police.

Jason Mace, managing director at Gala Tent, said: "I believe the country has a rough ride ahead over the next quarter, but we remain optimistic as in these types of situations is where Gala Tent becomes more creative.

"We are already seeing signs of where we can provide a vital service. The emergency services are some of our biggest market bases right now, where our Patent covers and easy to deploy pop up frameworks provide instant cover for Crime Scene Investigations, and we are also seeing an uptake in orders for tents for storage for hospitals. We are also ready to deploy portable hygiene testing tents when we get the go ahead."

Mace has already pledged that his staff will be paid in full until this pandemic is over.

Advertisement

Gala are also seeing an increase in enquiries for home workers looking to bring the outside in, where individuals trapped at home can still work, play and rest under a Gala Tent cover.

Darren Perry, sales manager at Gala Tent, said: "We have even had orders where individuals who would normally take their mother for Sunday Lunch have chosen to order a Gala Tent instead. Mums love the garden so why not? And especially if they are to isolate for up to three months, it seems to be the most logical gift."

Gala's sister company Gala Technology is also enjoying an uptake in business, with its homeworking payment solution SOTpay.

Gala Tent website



Images: Gala Tent

Read more...

News: Rotherham tech firm in jobs drive

On the back of another record-breaking year, Rotherham-based Gala Technology, the innovative development team behind the card data protection solutions system, SOTpay, has announced exciting expansion plans as they look to expand their team with nationwide opportunities.

Having won a multitude of industry awards, the Manvers firm has enhanced their glowing reputation, as they look to provide businesses of all shapes and sizes, with cost effective, secure card payment technologies.

Cloud based, secure and PCI DSS compliant, SOTpay is a unique payment transfer system which uses a series of rigorous card and customer checks to prevent fraudulent transactions from taking place.

SOTpay is designed to secure mobile payments by directly sending a link to the cardholder via email or text. The software enables merchants to check the payment process step-by-step in real-time.

Advertisement

Fraud related chargeback is a big issue for online retailers. Losses to payment card fraud have risen to £671m in the UK.

Jason Mace, chairman of Gala Technolog, said: "Gala Technology demonstrated exceptional growth in 2019, as more and more organisations look to protect their customers sensitive card information, whilst protecting themselves from the ever-growing threat of fraud related chargebacks and reducing cost and risk.

"Working in conjunction with industry partners, we are now looking to expand our team and services to include other merchant services across a whole host of channels and create 50 jobs with exciting nationwide opportunities offering uncapped commissions and flexible working options."

Gala Technology website

Images: Gala Technology

Read more...

News: Gala boss aims for further growth

Rotherham-based Gala Tent has shown double digit growth for January 2019, despite the continued uncertainty around Brexit.

Founded in 1999, Gala Tent is one of the UK's leading producers of marquees, tents and gazebos. It has grown to sell over 15,000 tents and marquees each year, along with around 100,000 event accessories and furniture products. It grew from a table top operation in Grimethorpe to a company with a turnover of £10m having moved into new 53,000 sq ft headquarters at Fairfield Park in Manvers in 2011.

Jason Mace, founder of Gala Tent (pictured second left receiving the latest award), said: "We believe our recent growth is mainly down to trust amongst our many clients, that we are a strong brand producing quality products for the event industry."

Gala Tent has successfully maintained its relationship with several international distributors for its products in Ireland, Belgium, Slovenia, Spain, Malta, Iceland and Holland. With more ambition of becoming an international player in the Marquee business, Jason is hoping to expand on this and gain further distributors around Europe and eventually the rest of the world.

Jason added: "Expansion is the key to Gala Tent's success, tapping into countries we hadn't previously sold in provides us with a wider market to supply to. We hope to become a serious European player in the marquee business over the next few years, with a showroom in every country on the continent."

Advertisement

On Brexit, Jason said. "I don't see a problem with Brexit. For me, in business there is always a positive in any situation. If you're looking for the negatives, then of course you will find them. I believe there will be a lot of commercial opportunity after we leave the EU, even if there is no deal reached, and I fully intend to grab those opportunities for my business."

The past 12 months have also been fruitful for Mace's other business interests which include the Gala Performance brand, which supplies the Motorsport sector, recording an impressive 95% year on year growth, and holds high hopes of similar growth in the new year. Gala Graphics, which produce wide format print and promotional work, are also expanding in to the branded clothing market this year.

Gala Technology has also seen major traction with SOTpay, a unique payment transfer system which uses a series of rigorous card and customer checks to prevent fraudulent transactions from taking place. The award-winning technology has recently been paired with Cardstream, the UK's largest independent provider of white label payment software and services.

Mace also found time to save the iconic Empress Building in Mexborough.

Gala Tent website

Images: Gala Tent

Read more...

News: Gala Technology partner with Cardstream

Cardstream, the UK's largest independent provider of white label payment software and services, has collaborated with Rotherham-based Gala Technology, a card data protection solutions provider, on preventing chargeback fraud.

Manvers-based Gala Technology has invested in the development of SOTpay, a unique payment transfer system which uses a series of rigorous card and customer checks to prevent fraudulent transactions from taking place.

Cardstream will integrate Gala's SOTpay technology into its Merchant Management System used by reseller partners and merchants.

SOTpay is designed to secure mobile payments by directly sending a link to the cardholder via email or text. The software enables merchants to check the payment process step-by-step in real-time.

Advertisement

Adam Sharpe, CEO of Cardstream, said: "SOTpay ensures that our partners' merchants have full visibility of every MOTO transaction and an audit trail live on their screens that will further protect them against the growing threat of what has come to be known unacceptably as "friendly fraud.""

Jason Mace, chairman of Gala Technology, added: "SOTpay is a smart, secure and innovative payment platform that enhances the security of telephone payments. Placing SOTpay's niche technology in front of Cardstream's global network of merchants is set to bring them major relief from exploitation of the chargeback system."

As part of the partnership, Gala developers will have access to Cardstream's one-click API that enables optimised online payment for its merchants and consumers.

Sharpe added: "As is often the way in the Cardstream ecosystem, SOTpay originally became a partner to use our white label payment gateway solution. Now we've added the option of their service for all our partners' merchants."

SOTpay website
Cardstream website

Images: SOTpay

Read more...

News: Gala Technology appoints CEO

Gala Technology, the Rotherham based company specialising in developing secure digital payment solutions for the card not present (CNO) mail order/telephone order (MOTO) channels, has appointed Mike Cheshire as CEO.

Mike has extensive experience gained over 25 years in the data security and telecommunications industry. He first became aware of Gala Technology whilst running his own company BBF Data Security Limited, where he recognised the benefits of its SOTpay product.

Jason Mace, director of Gala Technology, said: "Mike joins us at a very exciting time for our business, with our Secure Order Transfer (SOTpay) payment protection technology ready to go to market and a number of major retailers interested in using the technology.

"Mike's experience in data security will be invaluable as we enter an era when many businesses are concerned with compliance to GDPR regulations introduced this May and meeting PCI DSS requirements. He will also play a key role in developing new business opportunities for SOTpay through innovative new platforms."

SOTpay (Secure Order Transfer) has been developed to prevent fraudulent telephone transactions and ensure businesses can deliver to third party billing addresses with confidence. The technology ensures a retailer or seller remains compliant, whilst making payment services more efficient and cost effective.

Advertisement

The unique system was developed after the parent business fell victim to fraudsters in 2014. Chargeback or "friendly" fraud sees the merchants rather than the banks left accountable when fraudsters request a chargeback from the banks having received goods ordered online.

Recommended reading: Should Small Businesses Be Looking at AI and Blockchain for Personalisation and Security?

Mike Cheshire, CEO at Gala Technology, said: "I spotted straightaway that SOTpay was an excellent product and that my experience in security compliance and GDPR could help to move this technology forward. I will be working closely with the payment service providers (PSPs) and Payment Card Industry (PCI) to ensure that SOTpay becomes widely recognised as the leading mail order/telephone order security system for businesses.

"SOTpay is essential for any business that carries out mail order or telephone order transactions. We will be demonstrating to businesses, large or small, how they can protect themselves and their customers from fraud – and do this affordably. This technology will potentially save businesses across the UK millions of pounds by preventing fraudulent transactions."

SOTpay was winner of the Security Innovation Of The Year​ at the National UK IT awards.

The technology is quick and cost effective to deploy and is set to revolutionise the way businesses handle telephone transactions globally. With card fraud at £618m in 2016 in the UK alone, SOTpay helps businesses to meet PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) and GDPR requirements that organisations of any size must comply with or face hefty chargebacks, penalties and reputational damage.

SOTPay website

Images: Gala Technology

Read more...

News: AMRC hosts Pitch@Palace

The Sheffield city region hosted a round of Pitch@Palace this week - an initiative that offers the chance for business ideas to be seen by a global audience of influencers who can catapult them to the next level.

Established by The Duke of York, in less than three years Pitch@Palace has helped over 205 businesses grow, with some now enjoying huge global success. This year's event focuses on technology and HRH hosted the touring event at the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre with Boeing's (AMRC's) Factory 2050 building on the Sheffield Business Park.

Pitch@Palace was set up by The Duke of York's Charitable Trust to support start-up businesses and entrepreneurs in the UK. It gives potential entrepreneurs the chance to explain their hi-tech business ideas to Prince Andrew and a panel of experts, in front of an audience of investors, business leaders and mentors, in a bid to secure the backing they need to take them to the next level.

Advertisement

42 entrepreneurs will be selected to attend a boot camp and 15 will go forward to pitch at St. James's Palace in November.

The first of a number of regional events, Factory 2050 saw around 25 hi-tech businesses pitch their innovative ideas to the Prince, local dignitaries and leading business people and a judging panel including AMRC co-founder Prof Keith Ridgway, CBE.

Recommended reading: Payment Trends Every Business Should Watch in 2025

Amongst the pitches were Rotherham-based SOTpay - a unique payment transfer system which uses a series of rigorous card and customer checks to prevent fraudulent transactions from taking place. The system was developed in-house by Manvers company Gala Tent, the UK's leading distributor of marquees and gazebos, and has eliminated fraudulent telephone transactions.

Also pitching was Cumulus Energy Storage (CES), a high-tech start-up based on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham. Cumulus is developing prototype battery technology which can be developed commercially to cope with the rigours and requirements of the renewable industry.

Advertisement

The event was won by three companies; Doncaster-based Drenched Ltd and its product for taps that transforms the flow of water, reducing the volume of water used by 90%; Offer Moments, a Manchester start-up creating digital advertising screens to personally engage visitors and shoppers; and Sheffield's Mobile Power Ltd that has designed a way to deliver renewable energy at a price-point affordable to the emerging market.

Prince Andrew said that the standard and passion of businesses was outstanding and praised the AMRC. He said: "I have watched this incredible institution grow over the years and to be able to see this wonderful new building being filled with some really clever advanced manufacturing is fantastic."

Prof. Ridgway said: "It is a great honour to have one of the AMRC’s facilities selected to host this prestigious event.

"We created Factory 2050 to be the home of cutting edge research and innovation involving technologies that will underpin the future success of UK manufacturing and to inspire the next generation of engineering leaders.

"That made it an ideal location for a new generation of entrepreneurs to explain and seek backing for their ground-breaking ideas and, hopefully, seeing what is already being achieved at Factory 2050 will inspire them to achieve yet greater things."

AMRC website
Pitch@Palace website

Images: Pitch@Palace / twitter

Read more...

News: Gala Tent eliminates fraud with SOTpay

Rotherham-based Gala Tent, the UK's leading distributor of marquees and gazebos, has eliminated fraudulent telephone transactions using SOTpay - a system developed in-house.

Founded in 1999, Gala Tent has grown to sell over 15,000 tents and marquees each year, along with around 100,000 event accessories and furniture products. It grew from a table top operation in Grimethorpe to a company with a turnover of £10m having moved into new 53,000 sq ft headquarters at Fairfield Park in Manvers in 2011.

Entrepreneurial founder and managing director of Gala Tent, Jason Mace, has spent nearly two years carefully developing and refining a unique Secure Order Transfer payment system, after his own business fell victim to fraudsters in 2014. Chargeback or "friendly" fraud sees merchants rather than the banks left accountable when fraudsters request a chargeback from the banks having received goods ordered online. After spending time looking for existing systems to help reduce his company risk to telephone fraud, jason realised there wasn't a suitable system available, so he invested in developing one.

During the past two years, Gala Technology has invested in the development of SOTpay, a unique payment transfer system which uses a series of rigorous card and customer checks to prevent fraudulent transactions from taking place.

The Manvers-based team developed the system in-house which allows orders to be taken over the phone confidently and safely, meaning that consumers are at a lower risk of their cards being used fraudulently. It works by allowing the customer to complete payment processes online, using a unique reference number and URL provided by the telephone sales representative. Confirmation that the payment has passed security checks is then sent back to the secure server, where it is stored anonymously along with the reference number and the telephone sales representative is then able to confirm that payment has been authorised.

Advertisement

The technology has been meticulously trialled and tested and uses 128bit encryption to produce a safe, secure environment which is fully compliant with the PCI Security Standards Council, offering a similar level of security found amongst banks.

Since launching the system it has eliminated 100% of Gala Tent's own fraudulent telephone transactions, and following a successful trial period, the technology is now being rolled out to help other businesses combat telephone fraud.

Jason Mace, founder of Gala Tent, said: "Telephone fraud is one of the single largest threats to almost every business and can not only result in lost sales and revenue, but can also result in substantial fines if customer details are not protected securely.

"SOTpay elminates this problem by creating a secure environment which allows a telephone transaction to be undertaken safely. Fraud is one of the single largest threats to almost every business and telephone fraud accounts for nearly one in seven of fraudulent transactions in the UK. At Gala Tent 70% of our business is conducted over the telephone, which placed a considerable and unnecessary risk on the company.

"One of the main advantages offered by SOTpay is its flexibility. The technology provides protection to almost every type of business from a sole trader to a call centre environment, whilst crucially helping businesses to remain fully PCI DSS Compliant. We believe the technology could help to eliminate telephone telephone fraud and has the capability of not only benefitting businesses in the UK, but globally."

SOTpay has already gained national acclaim, winning the prestigious UKIT - Security Innovation of the Year award, beating competition from high profile IT companies including: BT, Firehost and Random Storm.

Richard Jownally, fraud investigator at HSBC, said: "Fraud is an issue which can strike any business at any time but SOTpay is a fiendishly simple and effective way of helping businesses to reduce their risk. The technology works by using a secure 3D payment gateway which not only helps to deter fraudsters, but also protects the merchant.

"The technology makes it difficult for commonly used types of fraud to take place, helping to deter fraudsters whilst providing businesses with an added layer of security. I wish it was my idea!"

SOTPay website
Gala Tent website

Images: SOTpay

Read more...