EPOS technology company Madic UK has partnered with Allwyn to integrate The National Lottery into its next generation EPOS solution, evoPOS.
The two companies are jointly launching a prototype of the National Lottery-integrated EPOS technology at the National Forecourt Show 2024 and will be displaying it for the first time at stand N20.
The partnership opens up future possibilities to make the National Lottery available at any EPOS or self-checkout integrated with Madic UK’s evoPOS. It will also make National Lottery draw-based games available in forecourt environments through EPOS and forecourt self-checkouts for the first time – with Madic UK being the only EPOS solution provider to offer this.
Madic UK said its technology will complement existing National Lottery terminals by offering more ways to sell National Lottery draw-based games conveniently to customers as part of other in-store and fuel purchases. Increasing sales opportunities for retailers, it works by printing Lotto, Set For Life, EuroMillions, Thunderball or HotPicks tickets on the EPOS till roll rather than via a standalone National Lottery terminal.
The new technology is expected to eventually open up alternative ways to reach new and existing National Lottery players.
“We’re delighted to be partnering with Madic UK as we continue to invest in the retail channel and in in-store technology for the future,” Alex Green, Allwyn’s director of channel operations, said.
“Offering innovative, alternative ways to buy National Lottery draw games makes them available to more players, whether new or existing, and this helps with our primary aim of raising more money for National Lottery-funded projects – with more people playing a little.”
Emma Baillie, solutions management director at Madic UK, said: “An integration with The National Lottery and evoPOS has been on our customers’ wish list since we launched the product. Being able to work with Allwyn to offer this solution to all our customers in the future is a huge milestone in our product's evolution.”
Madic UK , formerly TLM technologies, provides a full suite of applications for fuel and convenience retailers, including EPOS, back-office, head office and forecourt equipment and services.
Edmonton city council is discussing what it would take to ban knives from being sold in convenience stores, state recent reports.
A key issue during the community and public services committee held on Monday (20) was wading through the potential legal ramifications of defining what a knife is and whether some businesses owners may try to find loopholes to be able to sell knives.
The bylaw amendments would not apply to the sale of "basic cutlery."
"I'd be interested in sort of redefining the definition of knife, rather than defining basic cutlery," said Coun. Jo-Anne Wright during Monday's meeting.
Council previously voted to create a new convenience store business licence category, but implementing the changes can only happen when a licence is up for renewal. Full implementation of the bylaw could take years.
Amendments to the bylaw were heard in Monday's meeting.
The bylaw also sets out new $2,000 fines if knives are sold at a convenience store.
The working definition of knife put forward as an amendment is "a tool composed of at least one blade fastened to a handle, where the blade may be fixed to the handle, or may open through a deployment mechanism, including automatically by gravity or centrifugal force or by hand pressure applied to any part of the tool."
"To me, it's very cut and dry when you look at the definition of knife, and so I wonder if we're also overthinking this a little bit," Coun. Erin Rutherford said during the meeting.
"We knew that it was problematic and challenging in and of itself, both coming up with a definition of convenience store and coming up with a definition of knife."
The matter of knives being readily sold in convenience stores was brought into the spotlight last April after community members from the central neighbourhood of Alberta Avenue came forward with their safety concerns about how easy it was to purchase one.
Edmonton police seized 79 prohibited weapons and illicit tobacco from a central Edmonton convenience store in December, according to a news release on Monday.
On Dec. 17, 2024, EPS' Community Safety Teams, previously known as Healthy Streets Operations Centre, executed a search warrant at a convenience store located at 97th Street and 107th Avenue that was known to be selling prohibited knives and contraband cigarettes.
There were 71 prohibited knives seized, which included a variety of butterfly and spring-assisted knives.
In addition, eight prohibited brass knuckles with spring-assisted knives concealed within, known as "trench knives" were found.
With just 70 days left to go until the government’s new Simpler Recycling reforms are implemented, most businesses are not prepared for the changes in the rule, claims a leading business waste management service.
Although the UK's overall recycling rate has seen a significant rise, reaching 44 per cent in 2015 compared to just 17 per cent in 2008, progress has plateaued in recent years, with indications that the rate may now be declining.
Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) new initiative Simpler Recycling reform aims to simplify recycling processes, reduce landfill waste, and tackle illegal waste activities, creating a more sustainable and environmentally conscious society through improved recycling efforts.
According to the Simpler Recycling reform mandate released by DEFRA, by 31 March 2025, businesses and relevant non-domestic premises in England will need to arrange for the collection of the core recyclable waste streams, with the exception of garden waste (glass, metal, plastic, paper and card, and food waste).
The new Simpler Recycling rules affect any business with 10 or more full-time employees. The rules apply to businesses regardless of how many employees are on-site at once.
For example, if you have two locations with five full-time employees at each, you must still comply with the Simpler Recycling regulations, as you’ll have 10 employees in total.
Businesses that fit under this category must arrange separate collections of food waste, paper and cardboard (can be combined), and other dry recycling (glass, plastic, and metals, which can be combined).
It means businesses can no longer throw any of these materials away with general waste.
Micro-firms (businesses with fewer than 10 full-time equivalent employees) will be temporarily exempt from this requirement. They will have until 31 March 2027 to arrange for recycling of core recyclable waste streams.
The new default requirement for most households and workplaces will be four waste containers (including bags, bins or stackable boxes) for:
residual (non-recyclable) waste
food waste (mixed with garden waste if appropriate)
paper and card
all other dry recyclable materials (plastic, metal and glass)
This is the government’s maximum default requirement and is not expected to increase in the future. However, councils and other waste collectors will still have the flexibility to make the best choices to suit local need, DEFRA states.
Using commercial waste collection services and licensed waste carriers should ensure compliance with the new plans.
Businesses can use separate bins for each recycling stream or use dry mixed recycling bins to combine plastic and metals for ease (such as food packaging). Paper and card must be collected separately from other dry recyclables.
What can businesses do to transition and keep costs low?
Business Waste sent out communications to over 15,000 customers to make them aware of Defra's new Simpler Recycling reforms and response data suggests only 1 per cent are aware of the new laws.
Mark Hall, waste management expert at Business Waste, shares his thoughts, “It’s a big win for the environment and it aligns well with the government’s sustainability goals.
"We’re geared up to help businesses comply with these regulations, ensuring a smoother transition to greener waste management practices.
"It’s important to implement any changes your business needs in plenty of time. This way you’ll be able to spot and fix any teething issues as they arise, and before the rules are enforced.
"A great place to start is to conduct a waste audit to understand how much waste your business produces, what types of waste you generate, and what bins and collections you need. Business Waste offers a free waste management audit that can help.
"Following on from this, you can then look to create a waste management plan that will help ensure your business manages its commercial waste safely, appropriately, and efficiently.
"All staff must understand the new laws and what changes are being made in the business to follow these. Educate staff about the waste you generate and its impact on the environment, so they understand the reasons behind the changes.
"Set clear guidance to follow and provide instructions or labelling that helps staff segregate and dispose of waste correctly.
"Reducing waste is cheaper and better for the environment than removing it. Look for ways your business could reduce its waste at the source. Rethink packaging, switch from single-use products to reusable options, or evaluate your inventory management.
"A waste broker can help you understand your waste needs, arrange any collection and disposal services, and work with their suppliers to find you the best price.
"Using a waste broker should ensure you meet all the requirements of Simpler Recycling and removes a lot of the admin and time spent arranging waste collection.
"Business Waste can also help companies with their transition to the new rules by providing millions of free bins to customers. There are no delivery fees or hire charges, you only pay for the collection costs.
"Any business using our services can access a wide range of free bins to separate their waste."
Birmingham entrepreneur and leading wholesale figure Dr Jason Wouhra OBE has been officially installed as Aston University’s new Chancellor.
Dr Wouhra, Aston University’s youngest Chancellor and the first of Asian heritage, was presented with the chancellor’s chain at the beginning of the University’s first winter graduation which was held at Symphony Hall in Birmingham city centre. Spread across three ceremonies, approximately 4,500 graduates and guests attended the event.
The decision to hold a ceremony in the city centre coincides with the University marking 130 years since the foundation of Birmingham Municipal Technical School, the educational establishment which in 1966 evolved into Aston University when it gained its Royal Charter.
Dr Wouhra is Aston’s fifth Chancellor, and as ceremonial head of the University his high-profile role includes presiding over events and conferring degrees upon hundreds of graduating students each year.
A trailblazing business leader and entrepreneur, Dr Wouhra was previously awarded an honorary doctorate by Aston for his contribution to entrepreneurship and business development in 2014.
A former director of East End Foods, Dr Wouhra is the founder and chief executive of Lioncroft Wholesale - a leading UK independent business - as well as the current chairman of Unitas, the UK’s largest independent wholesale buying group.
Outside of the food and drink industry, Dr Wouhra was awarded an OBE by Her Majesty the Queen in 2017 for services to business and international trade, and in 2013 became the youngest and first chair of Asian heritage of the Institute of Directors in the West Midlands - a position which saw him take on a business advisory role for the then-Prime Minister David Cameron.
He was appointed to Aston University’s governing body, the University Council, in June 2020, and last year launched the Lioncroft Foundation to support charitable initiatives across the globe.
His installation ceremony as part of winter graduation was presided over by Aston University’s Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive, Professor Aleks Subic, who said:
“Graduation is a significant milestone for our students, and I’m delighted that this year’s winter ceremonies also marked the installation of our new Chancellor, Dr Wouhra.
"He brings an impressive track record as an entrepreneur and business leader, with a profound belief in education’s power to transform lives—qualities that will both inspire and nurture our next generation of leaders.
"With the appointment of our first Chancellor of Asian heritage at Aston University, we are demonstrating our commitment to creating an inclusive, entrepreneurial and transformational university deeply engaged with businesses and community in Birmingham and the broader West Midlands region.”
Dr Wouhra added,“It is a huge honour and a privilege to be officially installed as Chancellor of Aston University, and it is of course deeply humbling to be the youngest ever Chancellor and first of Asian - and in particular Sikh - heritage in Europe.
“But today’s ceremony was rightly about our graduates, who I know with the lessons of our university under their belt can go on to achieve extraordinary things.
"The city of Birmingham - with Aston University at its core - has a history of incredible entrepreneurship, and I hope those who graduated today take with them the essence of that entrepreneurial spirit.
"It’s the ethos that I have built my career on, and I look forward to working with the university team to further instill that mindset into our students to continue to help set them apart and leave a lasting legacy for the UK and beyond for generations to come."
Dr Wouhra replaces Sir John Sunderland who served in office for the past 13 years.
In addition to announcing six brand new members within the first week of January, the new buying group The Wholesale Group last week hosted two briefing events for senior suppliers where it shared details of its plans and future vision.
The senior supplier briefing event, held at Soho Hotel, London last week, saw more than 50 channel directors in attendance plus 150 representatives from leading FMCG suppliers, across all product categories.
Joint managing directors Jess Douglas and Tom Gittins introduced the new group, outlining the rationale for its creation and the group’s USP:
“We all know the wholesale landscape is changing and we recognise the need to change with it to ensure we provide the best support and value for both independent wholesalers and our supplier partners,” said Douglas.
“As a result, The Wholesale Group has been created to provide the home for independent wholesalers, of all sizes, with extensive retail and foodservice expertise and support. This also provides our supplier partners with a highly-effective, cost-efficient route to market for independent caterers and retailers.
“And of course, our major USP is that there is no charge to join the group as a member, and all members receive a share of the profits.”
Gittins outlined the group’s strategic pillars, including central distribution and its central payment solution, described as a ‘win win’ for both wholesalers and suppliers.
“While The Wholesale Group can support every retail and foodservice business in every postcode, we provide one Group invoice and one Group payment, which will save considerable time and money for suppliers and members alike. It’s the ultimate win win.”
He also outlined some of The Wholesale Group’s innovative tech initiatives, including how both members and suppliers can utilise data and insight.
TWC’s Tanya Pepin shared updates on Insight, while Cerve’s David Walker and Nestle Professional’s Martin Robinson discussed how the Accelerate platform benefitted suppliers.
Illan Hepworth from ShopAI provided an introduction to The Wholesale Group’s brand new AI tool, which will launch later this year. This will provide members, suppliers and The Wholesale Group team with the opportunity to utilise AI in order to simplify how data and insight is accessed and understood, resulting in real-time accuracy of data and significant time savings.
Attendees also heard from co-chairs Coral Rose and Martin Williams, as well as an overview from Lumina Intelligence MD Jill Livesey.
“It was a fantastic day and we’re absolutely delighted with how our plans were received,” said Gittins. “Feedback from suppliers has been overwhelmingly positive and there is a real buzz around our plans for the future.
"As well as existing suppliers, we also saw a number of brands we haven’t previously engaged with which has prompted countless new conversations. It’s a really exciting time.”
Promoting safer alternatives to cigarettes could save 19 million years of life by 2030 and reduce smoking-related costs to taxpayers by up to £12.6 billion annually, a new report from the Adam Smith Institute (ASI) has revealed.
The think tank argues that the UK government's current approach to achieving a Smoke Free 2030 - defined as reducing smoking rates to 5 per cent or lower - is both illiberal and unworkable and will significantly set back progress against smoking related harm. The ASI warns that policies such as a generational tobacco ban, a new tax on vapes, and restrictions on heated tobacco products and flavours will hinder harm reduction efforts.
According to the report, outright bans in other countries have failed, and a generational tobacco ban in the UK could lead to unintended consequences, including fuelling black markets, as seen in Australia and South Africa. The proposed vape tax and the ban on disposable vapes are expected to deter smokers from switching to safer alternatives, with research suggesting that 29 per cent of disposable e-cigarette users might return to smoking if the ban is implemented.
“The evidence is overwhelming - tobacco harm reduction (THR) products reduce smoking-rates and save lives. Alongside scrapping the generational ban, the government must urgently reconsider its punitive restrictions on harm reduction products,” Maxwell Marlow, director of research at the ASI and report co-author, said.
The ASI advocates for policies that embrace market-driven harm reduction strategies, drawing inspiration from Sweden's success in becoming smoke-free through the widespread availability of reduced-risk products like snus. The think tank's key recommendations include:
Scrapping the Generational Smoking ban or at the very least carve out Type 1 heated tobacco products;
Reversing the ban on disposable e-cigarettes to prevent current users reverting to smoking;
Scrapping the vape tax, as this is likely to deter the uptake of refillable e-cigarettes as a long-term quitting aid;
Expanding access to THR products via pharmacies, hospitals and hospitality venue;
Legalising Swedish snus to provide consumers with a greater choice of reduced risk products;
Removing punitive restrictions on the marketing of reduced risk products and, instead, ensuring that advertising standards are properly enforced so as to not attract under-aged users;
Undertaking a wider public health campaign to counter disinformation surrounding reduced risk products, encouraging more smokers to make the switch.
If Smoke Free 2030 was achieved, we could save 19 million years of life in the UK. The figure reflects the cumulative increase in life expectancy for all smokers, adding up to 19 million years across the entire population. Research by Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) showed that smoking costs the UK taxpayer £21.8 billion annually. Based on ASH’s methodology, implementing the strategy outlined in the report could reduce this cost by between £9.2 billion and £12.6 billion, ASI added.
Several MPs have weighed in on the ASI's findings. Rupert Lowe, Reform UK MP for Great Yarmouth, warned against government overreach, stating, “This is a step towards government control over personal freedoms. It may start with smoking but it certainly will not stop there.”
Conservative MP Greg Smith echoed concerns about the feasibility of the generational ban, arguing that “the illiberalism of the generational smoking ban aside, there is no evidence to suggest it would even work.”
Labour MP Mary Glindon, who chairs the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Responsible Vaping, however, supported the harm reduction strategy, saying, “The government is right to strengthen its commitment to a Smoke-Free 2030. By adopting a harm reduction strategy, we could save 19 million years of life while reducing the burden smoking-related harms place on the NHS.”