BARNSLEY SOFTWARE COMPANY BOOSTS CHARITY COFFERS.
A Barnsley company is helping charities boost their funds by thousands of pounds with a new piece of software.
Merlin Software has developed a computer programme that helps charity shops claim back tax more easily under Gift Aid. It also complies with new HM Revenue and Customs guidelines that came into force this month.
Gift Aid means that charities can claim a further 25 per cent from HMRC every time a tax payer makes a donation or donates items that are sold in a charity shop. Until now when it was used to claim the extra money for a charity shop donation staff had to fill in paper forms. Now HMRC expects charities to do it online.
The new Gift Aid module is just one new development Merlin Software has created which it's hoped will see turnover double this year.
The Wilthorpe-based company, which is being given advice by business support programme Enterprising Barnsley, provides point-of-sale software to shops, visitor attractions and charities.
Its developers have re-written the platform all its software is sitting on, in much the same way Windows is re-launched in a new format every few years.
The new platform, known as Merlin XEN, means software can have more functionality and support mobile technology, such as Apps and iPads.
Merlin's founder and managing director, Owen Gleadall, said: "This is a very exciting development. It means all our software will become much more powerful and function-rich and also more user-friendly for our clients. We envisage that this will allow us to increase our market share and help us double our turnover to over £1 million this year, and take on more staff.
"The new Gift Aid module is part of Merlin XEN and is incredibly easy to use. We have also created three versions - a simple one for small charities, say an animal welfare centre, through to an all-singing and dancing version that ties in with retailing and marketing functions."
Tina Heaton, of Age UK Barnsley, which has Merlin's Gift Aid software installed at its shop in Market Street, said: "It is so simple to use and yet it is so important to us to reclaim the Gift Aid. In one year alone it is worth about £5,000."
Merlin, which is based in Barnsley Business and Innovation Centre, has taken on two new staff in the last few months, including an apprentice, to bring its staff number to 13.
Its expansion is being supported by Enterprising Barnsley with free advice on business growth strategy and marketing.
Owen said: "The support from Enterprising Barnsley has been fantastic. Without them we couldn't have achieved what we have in so short a space of time."
The company, which was set up in Leeds in 1984, has plans to take on more staff for its software development team and in customer support.
Merlin's clients also include the Tropical Butterfly House, near Sheffield; Bressingham Steam Museum, in Norfolk; South Bucks Hospice shops; Amps Fine Wines in Cambridgeshire; Nike 1948, and independent bookshops in London.
John Heckingbottom, of Enterprising Barnsley, said: "It's great to see a Barnsley company creating software that can help everything from a small charity and a corner shop through to large visitor attractions and retailers across the UK.
"And their continued innovation, backed up with our support, means there really are some exciting times ahead."
The Enterprising Barnsley programme is a partnership between Barnsley Development Agency (BDA) and Barnsley Business and Innovation Centre (BBIC).
The programme is supported financially by the European Union. The project has attracted £2,259,511 investment into Barnsley from the European Regional Development Fund as part of Europe's support for the region’s economic development, through the Yorkshire and Humber ERDF Programme.
NOTE TO EDITORS
Owen Gleadall can be contacted on 07802 457284 or at owen@merlinsoft.co.uk
The Enterprising Barnsley programme is part financed by the Yorkshire and Humber European Regional Development Fund Programme 2007 to 2013. The Department for Communities and Local Government is the managing authority for the European Regional Development Fund Programme, which is one of the funds established by the European Commission to help local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support local businesses and create jobs. For more information visit www.gov.uk/erdf-regional-guidance-yorkshire-and-the-humber
For more information about Enterprising Barnsley go to www.enterprisingbarnsley.co.uk or contact Martin Beasley on 01226 772648 or at martinbeasley@barnsley.gov.uk
Additional media contact: Kate Betts on kate@capitalbmedia.co.uk or 01226 766900/ 077927 64891
Attractions To Become Ticket Experts.
Tourist attractions and leisure venues now have no excuse when it comes to providing their customers with a seamless approach to e-tickets, electronic point of sale and access control. Expert Ticket is a new venture established by three market leading companies providing a one-stop-shop for tourism and leisure businesses.
Attractions can cost effectively offer their customers the opportunity to choose and buy their tickets in advance over the internet. Their customers can either instantly download and print out their tickets in the comfort of their own home or have them sent as a text message to their mobile.
On arrival at the attraction their ticket is scanned and validated automatically through an EPOS system which can be linked to access control barriers allowing fast and secure entry to the venue.
At no extra cost Expert Ticket also provides users with valuable market information on their customers and is Data Protection Act compliant.
Owen Gleadall, of Merlin Software and founder of Expert Ticket says "We are delighted that Tyg Ltd's ticketing software solutions can now not only allow individual businesses to effectively and economically sell their own tickets off their own websites but can also integrate with Merlin Software's superb EPOS systems and Omega Security's excellent access control hardware to provide clients' customers with a fast, efficient and convenient way to visit attractions, events, festivals and similar with no extra costs or charges over and above the advertised ticket price. Expert Ticket is an exciting new product for the market."
Expert Ticket is launching at the Leisure Industry Week Show at the Birmingham NEC on Stand A92 between 21st and 23rd Sept. All orders made at the event will receive a 10% launch discount.
ENDS
Contact
Alison Mosley - alison@merlinsoft.co.uk
Tel: 01226 779956
About Expert Ticket
Expert Ticket is a joint venture between three existing companies - Tyg Ltd, Merlin Software and Omega Security.
Merlin Software Ltd has over 30 years experience in the retail sector and is one of the most cost effective and flexible EPOS solutions available on the market today. Owen Gleadall is the Sales & Marketing Director - contact 01226 321213 email owen@merlinsoft.co.uk
Tyg Ltd, based at Muncaster Castle in the Lake District, is run by Peter & Iona Frost-Pennington who have more than 40 years combined experience of running a major tourist attraction. Contact Peter Frost-Pennington on 01229 712504 email peter@tygit.com
TRAVELLING THE WORLD WITH ANTLER
Singapore
Wednesday 22 September 2010, 0900hrs Singapore Standard Time
Virgin Racing is delighted to announce the agreement of a special one-race partnership with premium luggage brand Antler, for this weekend's Singapore Grand Prix. The Antler brand will appear on Virgin Racing's two cars under the lights of the Singapore night-race street circuit for one of the most anticipated and stylish races of the 2010 Formula 1 season.
Antler will help Virgin Racing's team members get to their global destination with ease and style for next year's 2011 race calendar, by supplying their new lightweight range of products to the team's travelling contingent. The challenges facing Virgin Racing's engineers are often similar to those experienced by Antler's, to design and manufacture the best product possible, by minimising weight without compromising performance.
Antler's new Liquis model is possibly the lightest hard shell suitcase in the world, weighing in at an incredibly low 3.6 kilo's (81cm version), whilst still providing the quality and durability associated with all Antler products. The weight limit for a Formula 1 car is just 620 kilos, meaning Virgin Racing's VR-01 incredibly weighs in at approximately half that of the original MINI.
Graeme Lowdon, CEO of Virgin Racing, commented: "We are delighted to welcome Antler to our partnership portfolio. We continue to develop every aspect of our team - both technically and operationally - and whilst car performance remains our overriding objective, improving all aspects of our operations such as our extensive travel schedule is very important. We look forward to the role Antler will contribute to that element of the team. At Virgin Racing we are constantly pushing the boundaries of performance, without compromising safety or reliability whilst adhering to strict regulations such as those in Formula 1 and in the aviation industry for luggage. We can identify exactly with the challenges our friends at Antler have been facing for over 80 years."
David Benjamin, CEO of Antler, said: "We are delighted to be working in partnership with Virgin Racing in a sport which shares many similarities with our own industry. Gaining product advantage by reducing weight whilst maintaining strength and security is a challenge shared by both companies. We look forward to our new Liquis product helping the Virgin Racing team lighten their load as they travel the Formula 1 circuits in the 2011 season."
About Virgin Racing
Virgin Racing is a new team for a new era of Formula One. It combines the firepower of one of the most recognised, respected and exciting brands in the world with a racing team concept that looks to exploit and capitalise upon F1's new
economic dawn and the challenges of the resource restriction agreement that is redefining the sport. Virgin Racing also heralds a new breed of team ownership. Designer Nick Wirth returns to F1 after a decade, having enjoyed remarkable success in Indy Racing and Le Mans sports car development in the USA with his innovative and low-cost design approach. Nick has joined forces with one of the very best names in national and international motor racing, John Booth, whose Manor
Motorsport operation in the North of England achieved unrivalled Formula 3 success and played a major role in the development of several of today's greatest motor racing talents.
About Antler
Antler has been in the premium luggage business for over 80 years and has maintained its UK leading market position by following strict principles of design, quality and innovation whilst always assuring maximum product functionality. Recent
changes in airline regulations have led to the development of a new generation of super lightweight and cabin friendly products which Antler are now introducing to markets across the World.
Antler Ltd:
Christine Gainsley, Marketing Manager
LDC BACKS ANTLER'S GLOBAL GROWTH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: May 20th 2010
LDC, the leading mid-market private equity firm, has backed the management buyout of one of Merlin Software Ltd's clients, Antler - the UK's number one luggage brand - for an undisclosed sum.
Antler, which is headquartered in Bury and has offices in Chicago, North America and China, designs, sources and supplies a wide range of suitcases, holdalls, rucksacks, suit and laptop carriers and business cases under the iconic Antler brand as well as Revelation, Bramble & Brown and Gracie Mae.
Its products - which have become synonymous with reliability and quality - are sold through its own network of UK stores and concessions as well as major multiple retailers and hundreds of independent stores. It also supplies own label ranges for several leading retailers.
Around one fifth of its £40m sales are from overseas markets, predominantly Australia, North America and northern Europe.
Originally established over 90 years ago, Antler has become one of the most recognised names in luggage accounting for almost a quarter of all UK sales - the largest market share of any luggage brand.
The existing team has also been strengthened with the appointment of Chief Executive Officer, David Benjamin, whose experience includes senior marketing and management roles with premium consumer brands.
Terry Stannard, a non-executive director with extensive experience of private equity-backed companies and a former Chief Executive Officer of several listed businesses, has also been appointed Non-Executive Chairman.
Following the deal, the management team plans to consolidate the brand's leading position in the UK luggage market and accelerate sales in several major international markets. These include Australia and North America - where it has already successfully penetrated the travel goods market - and the Far East and Middle East, where it sees significant opportunity for a brand with Antler's quality and pedigree.
The business also plans to increase the marketing support for its portfolio of brands while continuing its investment in new product development.
David Benjamin, CEO of Antler, said: "With the backing of LDC and Lloyds TSB, a highly capable management team and a sound capital structure, we now have a fantastic opportunity to invest in our brands, continue developing our market-leading luggage range and drive retail distribution in the UK and key international markets.
"The acquisition is an excellent outcome for our dedicated employees, loyal customers and trusted partners, whose continued support we recognise and value greatly."
"This is the start of a new chapter for one of Britain's best loved brands."
Chris Hurley, Investment Director who led the transaction on behalf of LDC, said: "Together, Antler's brand recognition, product quality, multi-channel distribution model and established supply chain in the Far East creates a major opportunity to increase its penetration of the global travel goods market.
"Its resilience - having retained its market share in one of the worst climates for consumer goods in several decades and consistently delivered good underlying profits - is a clear signal of its strengths.
"Now, with the right financial headroom to execute its growth strategy, the company is well placed to take advantage of a recovery in the sector and fulfill its potential at home and overseas."
Jonathan Boyers, head of corporate finance for KPMG in the North - which has managed the sale process - said: "We're delighted to conclude a transaction which both safeguards jobs and ensures the long-term future of the Antler brand. From the outset, there was a high level of interest in the business, which is testament to the strength of the brand and the profile of the business."
Additional funding was provided by Lloyds TSB Corporate Markets acquisition finance.
ENDS XX May 2010
For further information, please contact:
Martin Currie
Citypress
T. 0161 235 0310
M. 07976 291532
Merlin® at the Museum and Heritage show
Merlin at the Museum and Heritage Show
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: May 19th 2010
The Annual Museums & Heritage Show was held at Earls Court on 12th - 13th May and we were there with our EPOS retail management software. We have many clients in this sector who have been using Merlin to reclaim gift aid on admissions as well as running their gift shops and cafes.
The Museums and Heritage show is billed as the "UK's leading trade exhibition for the world of museums, galleries and cultural and heritage visitor attractions." and a "must do" for anyone working in that sector. Despite the show being quieter than last year we received some very exciting leads including a major visitor attraction and a possible partnership with a company that specialise in e-ticketing.
Merlin makes it easy to reclaim gift aid on admissions and add 28% to your bottom line, and this is one of the reasons we are recommended time and time again. After only a week of using their new Merlin EPOS system, Stephen Walker from Embsay & Bolton Abbey Railway said "at the current rate of progress it will have paid for itself in gift aid alone after only 40 trading days - well ahead of expectations".
Merlin software will be exhibiting again at the AIM conference on the 4th of June at the Heritage Motor Center in Gaydon.
# # #
About Merlin Software
Merlin were pleased to announce the latest version of their 'Retail Manager' software at a recent show. This new version has been specifically created for the new Windows 7 Operating System and in addition to total compatibility with this latest operating system it also has a completely new 'look and feel'. Merlin is one of the first fully integrated retail management systems to fully embrace Windows 7 and already it is attracting much attention. Several existing customers have already upgraded and their comments are very favorable, complimenting us on its new style and performance. The Merlin Pos-in-a-Box solution is also Windows 7 compatible so anyone can buy in confidence knowing that the system is already 'future proof'. Having been supplying retail management systems now for well over 25 years we have extensive experience and expertise in this market sector with specialist modules for all aspects of retailing. The Merlin product is now in its eleventh year and incorporates a fantastic range of features and facilities. Being a fully integrated system there is no requirement for additional software and Merlin will manage all aspects of your retail operation from warehouse to web, including all accounting functions, created specifically to meet the individual requirements of retailers.
Merlin Se7en
ONE SMALL STEP FOR MERLIN, ONE GIANT LEAP FOR MERLIN 7
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: April 22nd 2010
Merlin Software Ltd are one of the first companies in the EPOS sector to convert their software to be compatible with Windows 7.
Merlin 7, a fully Windows 7 compatible version of their award winning retail management software, was launched on 19th April.
Merlin has been modernized, from the old square Windows look, to the fresher Windows 7 feel. New features include a completely new 'look and feel', a fully integrated E-commerce link, enhancements to the 'News' module, simplified installation and enhanced stock management features.
Merlin 7 has been written and created by a dedicated team of software engineers with extensive experience of the retail industry, in partnership with key customers following requests for enhancements and user feedback.
First to install the new software was The Royal West of England Academy in Bristol. Nick Dixon from RWA completed his own upgrade and on commenting on the new version Nick said "It really does look a lot fresher! Well done!".
To make sure all of the customers old and new, are treated equally Merlin 7 is still compatible with older systems such as Windows XP Pro, the only difference being that the operating systems do not have the same features, such as Windows 7's new "snap" feature.
Merlin is suitable for all types of retail and wholesale business and has the functionality and flexibility to suit any size of business.
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To see what magic Merlin can work on your business, the benefits of Merlin 7 or any additional information contact Alison@merlinsoft.co.uk or owen@merlinsoft.co.uk or call 01226 321 213 .
Merlin turns 10
MESMERISING THE INDUSTRY FOR 10 YEARS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: October 31st 2009
Award winning retail software company Merlin Software Ltd, are celebrating the tenth birthday of their software package Merlin. Inspired by the mystery of Halloween in October 1999, the product was ready for launch and Merlin set out to create magic for independent retailers.
Unlike Halloween, this was no trick and Merlin became the first company to provide a fully integrated, Windows based retail management system for the independent sector. Their aims have always been innovative, and ten years on with nearly 1,000 systems installed nationwide, Merlin hasn't lost its magic touch.
Merlin is transferable to a variety of sectors in the market place and this flexibility has led to its longevity and success. With over 300 customers' nationwide covering fashion to footwear, from cash and carries to convenience stores and museums and more, it is a product that continues to grow and provide the management information that the modern retailer demands.
'We are very proud that Merlin is now ten and has been able to thrive in what can be a fluctuating industry, dedication and teamwork has allowed us to put the spark back into software,' explains Sales Director and retail expert, Owen Gleadall.
Merlin software was designed to operate on all systems running Windows from desktop PCs and laptops to specialist point of sale hardware or even touch screen units, and is configurable for any size of retail organisation.
Popular tourist destination, The Lake District National Park in Cumbria, is just one of Merlin's success stories. With four busy information and visitor centres, Merlin has been installed in every location to help with stock control. The Lake District National Park Authority's team leader, Nicky Wood, spoke with praise for the software and the benefits it has had, 'The EPOS system has been invaluable, the software has helped us to be better informed about the products available in our stores, what our best sellers are and the value of products we sell and is ultimately saving us money'.
In a decade Merlin has adapted to the constant changes of technology and the economy and has remained a key contributor to the retail industry.
'We make great efforts to understand our clients and provide retail systems specifically to meet their needs,' explains Owen. 'Communication with retailers has been a crucial part of Merlins ten year success.'
The tenth anniversary comes at a pivotal time for Merlin software Ltd as it has now begun to pioneer retail systems for charity shops. In the last two years they have received awards for Innovation and have been highly commended for their revolutionary Gift Aid Software.
After listening to retailer demand, the Gift Aid package was initially created to benefit tourist attractions nationwide and it has now been extended to include charity shops as well. Its purpose was to not only control all retail operations but also allow the charity to reclaim 28 percent gift aid tax relief on the value of admissions. This now includes gift aid on goods sold or donated to charity shops by any UK taxpayer.
The extra money from Gift Aid is vitally important to ensure that charities can continue to function. In the case of South Buckinghamshire Hospice, where Gift Aid was first installed earlier this year, Merlin has successfully helped them to claim back £1,000's in gift aid tax relief and ensure that they can still provide outstanding care to patients.
'In ten years, our objective has stayed the same for which I am very proud,' says Owen. 'Ensuring retailers keep more of the money they take, and we will continue to ensure that they do for the next ten too.'
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Merlin wins innovation award
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: October 30th 2009
Merlin Software Ltd was awarded the prestigious Innovation in Business title, at the annual Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber of Commerce Business Awards, Friday 24th October 2009.
Based in Barnsley, Merlin Software Ltd, were celebrated for their 'Gift Aid' software package and how it has enhanced the Charity sector. Owen Gleadall, Sales Director at Merlin Software Ltd, accepted the award, which took place in front of over 500 guests at a packed Magna Centre, Rotherham, where compere Harry Gration, of 'Look North' fame, revealed the successful businesses.
Merlin Gift Aid package was created not only to control retail operations within charitable organisations but also to benefit the sector by enabling them to reclaim 28 percent gift aid tax relief on the value of any goods donated or sold to them by UK taxpayers. The software also addresses the issue of volunteers in charity shops who are predominantly elderly with no previous computer experience. Simplicity designed it ensures sales staff can be trained to use it in a matter of minutes.
Amongst the judges was Sheila Quairney, from the Business and Enterprise Centre for Sheffield Hallam University, who said, 'We unanimously recognised their product in its innovative use of technology and in meeting the needs of businesses within the charity sector'.
Owen Gleadall, Sales Director, Merlin Software Ltd said, 'The fact that this product was the first of its kind in the charity sector and that it has been considered worthy of an award for innovation is a great tribute to Merlin. We constantly try to produce innovative products and to receive this award in recognition of that is just fantastic!'
Merlin Gift Aid has proven to be commercially effective, and many more organisations have praised Merlin for its product as well as its ease of use for staff within the sector.
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For additional information on the benefits of Merlin Gift Aid software or any other enquiries, please contact:
lauren@merlinsoft.co.uk or call 01226 321 213 .
Antler upgrades EPOS system
Date: March 18, 2009
LONDON - Leading luggage specialist Antler has rolled out the Merlin Retail Management System from Merlin Software and NCR RealPOS 21 point of sale terminals to its UK and Northern Ireland outlets as part of a complete retail IT systems upgrade.
The NCR RealPOS 21 is designed for small and mid-sized retailers who want a reliable till with the flexibility to accommodate more memory intensive software now and in the future. Driven by powerful Intel technology, it features a bright 15-inch, high definition liquid crystal display (LCD) touch screen and a powerful 1.3GHz Intel Celeron M processor, the NCR RealPOS 21 has standard memory of 256MB, expanding to up to 2GB.
The Merlin retail software enables Antler to track each individual product from the warehouse to the store or on-line point of purchase using unique barcodes. Antler's range of 800 suitcases, bags and handbags are sold via 39 concessions in department stores and garden centres, 39 factory outlet shopping centres and malls and 3 airports.
Gary Capell, Antler's retail director comments, "With our previous DOS-based tills we were limited as to the degree of insight we got from sales trends. Merlin Software has provided us with a solution which enables us to capture higher volumes of accurate and up-to-date management information which can be used by a range of business functions to support our growth strategy."
The Merlin retail software is linked up to Antler's central server enabling store and regional managers to access up-to-date sales and stock reports via a secure Virtual Private Network. It enables business analysts at head office to drill down into the data to help them make astute buying, merchandising and promotional decisions.
Capell continued, "Using Merlin, our staff can email orders directly to our suppliers. This will significantly improve on-shelf availability of our expanding product range."
Antler has recently begun selling accessories such as flight socks, wallets and passport holders and wished to retain its existing large merchandising space at the point of sale to encourage impulse purchasing. The new NCR tills are highly compact and have been secured to Antler's new service counters using the in-built VESA (Video Electronics Standards Association) mounting option. This is particularly important in order to ensure total security of the equipment and also provide increased service area in the space-constrained concessions within larger stores.
Luggage is increasingly being seen as a fashion accessory and sales of smaller suitcases in particular are rising in line with the trend for more frequent, short breaks. Antler expects eight more UK sites to open this year, including Liverpool John Lennon Airport and an outlet mall in Northern Ireland, as it looks to take sales beyond £40m.
About Antler
Antler (www.antler.co.uk), the leading luggage company, is majority-owned by venture capital outfit Barclays Private Equity, which took a stake of 80 per cent in 2004 following a £44m secondary buyout. It was founded in 1866 as a Birmingham-based manufacturer of leather bicycle saddles. Today, Antler luggage is sold in the UK, Australia, South Africa and Hong Kong, amongst many other countries around the world.
About Merlin Software
Merlin Software (www.merlinsoft.co.uk) is the trading name of Merlin Software Ltd and is a privately owned and operated company offering a definitive range of industry leading software products to the retail sector, marketed under the Merlin brand. These solutions can be used to manage a wide range of sales functions for cash and credit, stock control and replenishment, plus detailed analysis and reporting. Merlin Software also offers a full range of installation, commissioning and maintenance; consumables and training services.
About NCR Corporation
NCR Corporation (NYSE: NCR) is a global technology company leading how the world connects, interacts and transacts with business. NCR's assisted- and self-service solutions and comprehensive support services address the needs of retail, financial, travel, healthcare, hospitality, entertainment, gaming and public sector organisations in more than 100 countries. NCR (www.ncr.com) is headquartered in Dayton, Ohio.
# # #
Merlin gets charitable
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: September 2008
Bressingham Steam Museum in Norfolk have been using the Merlin Software EPOS and admissions system since 2006 in their gift shop and at points of admission. The system captures the gift aid donor details to allow Bressingham to easily submit gift aid claims to HMRC. Since the system has been installed, Bressingham have had two HMRC audits of their systems and have audited the Merlin System as part of these audits. On each occasion they were asked to reprint 100 random receipts to prove to HMRC that the claims were genuine. Thanks to the simplicity of the Merlin system, this could be easily done and allowed Bressingham to pass their audit with flying colours.
Before installing the Merlin system, Bressingham Steam Museum were running a very labour intensive paper based system which would have not been able to cope with the demands of the current gift aid regulations. Thanks to the Merlin system, Bressingham have implemented the 10% gift aid admission scheme with no problems at all, something they would not have been able to manage with a manual system.
Alastair Baker, Commercial Manager for Bressingham is very pleased with the system "It is a low cost system that is constantly evolving to meet our needs," he said. "There is no form filling necessary to capture the donor details, you simply enter the postcode, house number and first initial of the donor and the system automatically finds their information and stores it to process the HMRC claim."
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For more information please contact:
Alison Mosley: alison@merlinsoft.co.uk
Or call 01226 202011
How secure is your data?
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 27th February 2008
Computers now control most of the major functions in any company and rely heavily on the data that is stored in them. We only have to look at recent events where disks have gone missing containing valuable and sensitive information to realise the extent of the problem.
In order to help address this problem, Merlin Software has now created an on-line back-up facility that allows companies, and even personal computer users, to store their valuable and sensitive information off-site in secure data banks.
The Merlin system runs automatically at predetermined time schedules and transfers copies of all relevant data onto secure servers in various locations around UK. This data is then held in case of any problems with loss of information on any computer.
In addition to ensuring total confidentiality, by use of special encryption routines, the system also ensures that whatever circumstances may befall your computer the data is automatically available at a minute's notice.
Another benefit is the cost of the service as it is available at a monthly cost of only £10 per backup. This is far, far cheaper than on-site systems when taking into account the cost of disks, tapes and time involved. Taking all this into account, the estimated savings from a typical configuration is in the order of £1,000 per annum.
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For more information please contact:
Lucy Morgan, Marketing and PR Executive
lucy@merlinsoft.co.uk
Or call 01226 202011
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Merlin Software passes Gift Aid audit
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 27th February 2008
Recent changes in the tax regulations now allow charity shops to reclaim Gift Aid on the actual value of donated goods, if these goods can be clearly identified as being donated by a UK taxpayer.
Current legislation means that an additional 28% is available by way of tax relief to all charities who take advantage of this opportunity.
Merlin Software already has many years experience of providing systems for the reclaim of tax relief on admission charges at many of England's major attractions. By using this previous experience and a detailed evaluation of the current tax regulations Merlin software can now provide a computerised bar-code labelling system which can be used in any charity shop.
Merlin software is in discussions with many of the country's major charities in addition to lots of smaller, fundraising bodies such as children's homes, hospices and other local charities, with a view to implementing the system in all their shops. Considering that there are 266 charities who are members of the Charitable Shops Association who between them have in excess of 6,800 charity shops throughout UK, it obviously has huge market potential.
In the case of one major charity, it has been estimated that gift aid on donated goods could be worth in excess of £6M per annum to them. Since this extra money will be used for research and development into some of the most debilitating illnesses, and also the provision of additional nursing and care facilities, it will obviously mean a major improvement for all patients and sufferers.
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For more information please contact:
Lucy Morgan, Marketing and PR Executive
lucy@merlinsoft.co.uk
Or call 01226 202011
Merlin Protects
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 27th February 2008
Computers now control most of the major functions in any company and we rely heavily on them being available whenever required. This is particularly important in businesses where computers control all major business functions.
Working in the retail sector, Merlin Software has to ensure cover for its clients as without their point of sale terminals they can lose sales. This cover is required from early in the morning to last thing at night, and for seven days every week. Traditionally this has meant having qualified engineers based at various locations throughout the country who can respond to a fault call at very short notice. Clearly this has significant cost for any organisation and therefore alternative options have been tried by using 3rd party maintenance companies. The issue then is that the engineers who arrive may be late, may not be adequately trained, may not be carrying the correct spare parts or even have the right attitude towards customer care.
In order to address this very real problem the team at Merlin Software have now created their own nationwide network of computer support associates called Merlin Protect. These associates are independent companies who have their own specific areas of operation and provide a Service Level Agreement of a maximum 4-hour response to any fault reported between the hours of 6.00 a.m. and 10.00 p.m., Monday to Sunday.
The staff of these organisations are fully trained by Merlin Software at their training school in Barnsley, South Yorkshire and equipped with all relevant technical information and spare parts. They even wear Merlin Protect corporate identification and work to agreed practices, procedures and quality standards.
With 35 of these associates Merlin Protect is now able to provide this service to any organisation based anywhere in the UK or Eire who needs guaranteed support for their computer systems. This service has already been accredited by one of the larger computer manufacturers and more are in the pipeline.
If you want peace of mind in the knowledge that your investment in computers is covered for on-site support seven days every week, then Merlin Protect is for you.
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For more information please contact:
Lucy Morgan, Marketing and PR Executive
lucy@merlinsoft.co.uk
Or call 01226 202011
Revolutionary new EPOS system
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 22nd November 2007
Merlin Software, based in Barnsley, have developed a revolutionary ready to use, all in one Epos system. The system is the first of its kind and is expected to cause quite a stir within the retail sector.
Merlin POS-in-a-Box consists of a market leading NCR RealPOS21 touch screen retail terminal including cash drawer, customer display, receipt printer and omni-directional bar-code scanner PLUS a full copy of the Merlin Retail Manager software system. This package provides full retail management functionality including everything from Stock Control and re-ordering through to EPOS and Customer Accounts. Also pre-loaded with the system is a full copy of the Booker product file in use and 'Booker Link', which allows the retailer to place and receive orders directly on-line. This enables the user to receive product updates, delivery notes, promotions, price changes and much more, making retailing a lot easier with the ability to do everything through the EPOS system.
The product can literally be picked off the shelf, plugged in and be fully operational within a matter of minutes, thus saving considerable costs and time on the installation of hardware and software.
Merlin POS-in-a-Box was recently launched at The Scottish Grocer Show in Edinburgh in September creating a lot of interest amongst delegates. "We are very excited about POS-in-a-Box" says Sales Director Owen Gleadall, "we are really proud to have worked with Booker Ltd in creating this product and look forward to it becoming the 'product of choice' for all Booker retailers".
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For more information please contact:
Lucy Morgan, Marketing and PR Executive
lucy@merlinsoft.co.uk
Or call 01226 202011
Matt of the Mountains
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 22nd November 2007.
Matthew Hunt, from Misterton near Doncaster, has recently broken the British Heart Foundation (BHF) record for the fastest time over Britain's three biggest mountains. Roofing contractor Matt, aged 31, completed the race over the weekend of 23rd/24th of June. He managed to run up and down Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon in a confirmed record of 4 hours 49 minutes and 33 seconds, beating the previous record by more than five minutes.
Merlin Software of Barnsley, South Yorkshire provide computerised timing for this event, ensuring that each competitor is checked in and out accurately. The timings are recorded by using bar-code scanning technology to 'read' each competitor's badge, ensuring total accuracy and saving crucial time at check in points. Sales Director, Owen Gleadall said, "we have provided the timing for this event since 1993 and are pleased to be associated with BHF. I know that Matt has been trying for some years to beat the record and it was good to be there when he achieved it."
Matt managed to raise over £300 for the British Heart Foundation. This included £100 he was given by his mini bus driver who agreed that if Matt managed to do the race in under 4 hours 50 minutes he could keep the £100 minibus deposit fee! Matt has raised considerable funds for the British Heart Foundation throughout the nine years he has taken part in the race but wants to raise even more money next year, "As well as the personal achievement, it's great to raise money for such a worthwhile charity. I'd like to think I've made a useful contribution over the years and I'm aiming to raise even more money next year", Matt commented. He has recently read a book by Richard Askwith called 'Feet in the Clouds', which is all about Fell Running and this gave him some great encouragement and also some useful training tips.
Matt has lived in Misterton all of his life but admits it's hard to get the intense training he needs. "There are no mountains or even hills round here for me to train on, it's as flat as a pancake!" he said. In order to get some 'hill work' Matt and his friend Paul (also a competitor in the same event) travel to Derbyshire at 6.00 every Sunday morning to find suitable training sites. He has also tried a 'proper' fell race this year and came 23rd out of over 100 competitors. As part of his general conditioning he also manages to fit in at least 40 miles of running a week and has even had a weekend in Wales running up and down Snowdon, all this and NO alcohol, as he abstains completely when he is in training for the event.
The principles of Merlin Software have been supplying retail systems now for over 25 years and some of their major clients include Antler luggage, Canterbury Cathedral, Chatsworth House and Black Country Living Museum.
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For more information please contact:
Lucy Morgan, Marketing and PR Executive
lucy@merlinsoft.co.uk
Or call 01226 202011
