There are very few industries in today’s current climate that have reason to feel secure, let alone optimistic, and hospitality is undoubtedly one that is down on its laurels. However, there are several tech companies that are fast-forwarding their trajectories precisely because of the global pandemic and the havoc its wreaking on our everyday life.
Trailblazer, Zapaygo, has indeed found its moment to shine. As pubs, restaurants and hotels across the UK opened on the 4th July they are stricken with issues of spacing, sectioning and sanitisation, this timely app has taken away a large headache around the issues of payments and so much more.
Founded in 2013, Zapaygo (an application that facilitates a pre-order/pre-pay service for hospitality and retail) was just a tad too early for the mass market. Although there was plenty of hypothesising around the notions of a cashless society, consumers were less than convinced and companies were cautious and so team Zapaygo bided its time by raising funds, securing impressive partnerships and honing the apps many facets.
Initially Zapaygo’s focus, particularly for the consumer, was the convenience and time-saving aspects of the app. No need to waste valuable social time standing at a bar, just order and pay from your app as you go, without the risk of losing your seat or that valuable business/romantic frisson. However, since Covid 19 – an app that removes the need to handle money, touch card machines or visit ATMs and, further still, removes the need to queue three-deep in heaving bars – their focus has changed, understandably, to its merits of safety.
Zapaygo’s CEO, Mike Fisher, former head of innovation Matthew Clark, said:
“As hospitality businesses, both large and small, prepare to re-open the adoption of new technologies will play a vital role in new operating procedures. Zapaygo, which is already integrated into the EPOS of Verteda, which currently serves around 70% of the UK sports and concert arenas, is perfectly positioned to help independent and enterprise operators with a safe ‘pre-order and pre-pay’ solution. It also offers a marketing platform providing businesses with consumer insights and data that will improve customer service and revenue opportunities, from brand partnership to consumer rewards, without any heavy investment.
“We know the hospitality sector has suffered huge financial losses during lockdown which is why we are delighted to be able to offer a fee-free period, early adopter rates and an innovative business model, that will help them get back on their feet as quickly as possible.
The brainchild behind the app, Elliot Hall, has never wavered in his belief that Zapaygo will become a household name in the UK and across the globe. He explains:
“I wouldn’t wish Covid-19 on anyone, we’ve all faced dark times since lockdown and we’re still seeing too many casualties every day, but this pandemic has forced us all to look at the way we live our lives and to see where we can make changes for the better. Unbeknown to us, we have been getting Zapaygo ready for this very occasion for the best part of seven years. Mitigating the risk of spreading
HAI’s (health associated infections) is just one of the many facets of the app, but it certainly wasn’t at the top of our USP list when we first went out to market.
There are many people who have great ideas ahead of the times, but they give up too soon due to lack of funds, time or energy. Sure, there have been moments where my faith has been tested, but instead of giving up it’s made me focus harder, really sharpen my pencil and look at where we can make improvements to the app and the team.
“I’m so fortunate to have brilliant people by my side who are equally passionate, ambitious and devoted. We’ve watched companies come and go, but we’ve laid solid foundations and secured second-to-non partnerships and look forward to being part of bringing hospitality up to speed with the many facets of Zapaygo and the technologies that will transform their businesses for the better.”
