Universe installs next-generation POS at 70th Rontec forecourt

Point-of-sale, payment and online loyalty systems developer and supplier Universe Group has installed its next-generation point-of-sale, back office and head office solution in its 70th site for petrol forecourt operator Rontec, it announced on Monday.

The AIM-traded firm described Rontec as a “major player” in the UK fuel retail industry, operating more than 240 forecourts across England and Wales.

It operated forecourts for brands such as Esso, BP, Texaco and Shell as well as retail space for Spar, Morrisons, and Shop N' Drive.

Site acquisitions had driven strong growth at Rontec in recent years, with the company reportedly looking to improve its retail management systems in both the forecourt and the stores.

Universe subsidiary HTEC, which was already the supplier of payment systems to Rontec, was selected to work with Rontec to deliver the latest EPOS technology.

Deployment began in 2017, and was continuing.

“We are delighted to reach this milestone with such a leading retailer as Rontec,” said Universe CEO Jeremy Lewis.

“Our close working relationship with them has ensured that this next generation EPOS solution brings much mission-critical, extra control and functionality to allow retailers to tightly manage their business in real-time and so maximize returns.”

Tom Cookson, director of fuels and IT at Rontec, added that the company was already a customer of HTEC's ‘Gempay 3’ payment solution, which it rolled out last year.

“When looking for a next generation EPOS solution we found what we needed at HTEC,” Cookson explained.

“Their understanding of retail, technological expertise and partnership approach have been very important to the success of the project.”