Why you should consider an EPOS system

Electronic Point of Sale (EPoS) is the hardware and accompanying software that allows you to process orders and payments and provides real-time reporting and stock management information. It can be used to process room payments in hotels and also food and beverages or even things like Spa treatments, helping you to keep track of stocks and control and track payments from different revenue centres.

If you run any loyalty schemes or a CRM (Customer Relationship Marketing) programmes and discounts and promotions, it offers you an organised solution to help you manage sales from various areas, from one point of sale.

In this way you can help to avoid double charging, providing greater accuracy for your customers when they settle their bill.

In order to streamline all aspects of your business, be that a hotel, restaurant or pub, you must have a reliable way of accepting and processing payments that will make it easy for your staff and your customers.

Bars and pubs in particular are having to find safer ways to serve customers, like providing table service, taking contactless payments, and using order and pay platforms. The result is that bars are having to run tighter shifts, and technology is being relied upon to run things more efficiently.

Restaurateurs find that using an EPOS linked handheld ordering device offers them a simple way of connecting to their tills. This can be hugely time-saving compared to the traditional pen and paper method of taking orders and can also help to keep track of orders and stock.

Benefits of using POS Systems in the Hospitality sector

With so much to juggle in running a hotel, investing in an EPOS system will offer many key benefits.

• Integrate your ‘at table’, delivery and takeaway services

• Track favourite orders to offer a personalised service to every customer

• Use customisable floor plans to maximise the number of covers and track orders when customers switch tables

• Digitally send orders directly to the kitchen, eliminating confusion and paper tickets

• Integrate your sales data with your accounting software to easily keep track of everything

• Access powerful sales reports on multiple devices so you can see what is and isn’t selling, and plan promotional campaigns accordingly

• Use staff management tools to track employee activity and record hours worked

Think about also investing in an order and pay app. An order and pay app will enable you to set up click and collect, order at table, and delivery services. 

It's essential to compare the market and ensure you choose a system that works out as the best possible value for the needs of your business.

Key considerations when choosing and EPOS system include:

• Fast order entry

• Back-end functionality

• Ease of use- how intuitive is it?

• Till features (is there a training mode? Can you split bills? etc.)

• Business management features (does the platform help with staff management? i.e rotas Does it help with sales forecasting, how does it integrate with delivery apps, and can it be used offline? )

• Stock management features (how well does the brand monitor stock and inform purchase ordering? How easy it is to create product variants, barcodes and printing options?)

• Business development (how well does each platform's feature list support scaleup?)

• Usability (how easily can you set up and master each platform? Does it produce digital receipts, and does it have a one-touch till with instant product search and customer lookups?)

• Pricing (what are the upfront costs and hidden fees? Can you get a free demo?)

• Help and support (what support options are available if an issue arises? via phone, live chat or email? )

• Customer score (how popular is each system with its existing user base?)

Cash registers for speed, efficiency and security

Did you know that the word “till” comes from the Anglo-Norman word “tylle” meaning “compartment” or Middle English “tillen” meaning “draw”. Originally a till was a drawer under the counter which stored cash.

It is important to use a cash register appropriate to your individual operation, allowing you to run efficiently and an EPOS system can help you to improve the service that you offer to your customers and guests. Features such as staff identification will also improve security and reduce the chance of theft occurring.

Keeping your numbers in line

These systems will also ultimately help you when it come to managing your tax returns and in talking to your accountant. The data will be easier to access, streamlining your financials.

Talking of streamlining the financials…if you want further advice and help from an accountancy firm that knows your business, then talk to us here at Carroll Accountants.

Don’t get hacked off by Cyber-crime!

Don’t assume that just because you are a small to medium sized business, that you won’t be targeted by cyber criminals. The hotel, restaurant and hospitality and leisure sectors are possibly more vulnerable because of having small IT teams and a lack of knowledge around protection and best-practice.

Cyber criminals look for the easiest and fastest way to be successful. By attacking at the weakest link, or accessing via your supply chain, cyber criminals use small businesses as an entry point to move higher up the business ‘food-chain’.

More than half (54%) of SMEs in the UK had experienced some form of cyber-attack in 2022. Around 65,000 attempts to hack small- to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) occur in the UK every day, around 4,500 of which are successful.

Hospitality is targeted for two reasons

It has been found that those in the food and hospitality industry are 19% more likely than the average business to offer online payment options, and 11% more likely to use network connected devices. This combination means there are more possible entry points to better quality data sets.

https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/cyber-security-breaches-survey-2022/cyber-security-breaches-survey-2022

It’s understood that 31% of all retail and hospitality businesses have experienced some form of security or data breach. And the majority – 89% – have experienced more than one attack per year. This suggests that those with vulnerable networks or processes are likely to be targeted again.

www.securitymagazine.com/articles/96515

Many leisure sector businesses outsource services such as Payroll, employees benefit packages or ICT or network support. If the level of access a vendor or contractor has to your data or network, is not controlled properly breaches can happen, and do, frequently. You could become a victim of extortion, phishing attacks, social engineering or your website could get hacked.

 Humans are the weakest link

From a data security perspective, employees are one of the biggest risks to business. Research has shown that more that 90% of security breaches involve some degree of human error. They can pose a risk by:-

• Clicking on bad links in emails

• Visiting websites containing malicious software

• Forgetting to close the access point created for a vendor or contractor

• Using personal devices

So ensure account access is controlled and audited to identify potential issues. Use encryptions for all sensitive or confidential data. It is vital to have the right technologies in place to support them, such as firewalls.

Having up-to-date data backups and a disaster recovery plan will help recover and restore your business information.

• Employees must be trained about cyber security risks. Information Technology team members should be encouraged to get cyber security certificates.

• Hospitality organisations should invest in reliable hosting and CDNs.

• End-to-end encryptions should be used on the PoS system. 

Security is everyone’s responsibility so here are 10 security tips to help you stay vigilant.

1. Phising Emails- Don’t open emails from unknown sources. Think before you click on links or open attachments.

2. Log off- when you’re away from your device and use a security screen to protect confidential information from prying eyes.

3. Strong Passwords;- make them complex using at least 7 uppercase and lower case letters, symbols and numbers. Never write them down or share them. Don’t reuse passwords from other sites.

4. Protect your stuff- keep your equipment locked up or take it with you. Report any loss immediately.

5. Shred it- Don’t write passwords down and shred confidential waste

6. Sharing & Storing- only use approved applications. Hackers use clouds to gain access to information.

7. Back up – save your data and critical files regularly

8. Secure Connection- when accessing work networks, use a secure WiFi not open to the public. The use of VPNs should be encouraged in hotels and hospitality organisations. 

9. Updates- Keep your devices, browsers and apps up to date with the latest software and anti-virus protection

• Report it- If it looks suspicious report it

Reporting breaches

If you suffer from a breach that poses a risk to people’s rights and freedoms, such as damage to reputation or financial loss, then you do need to report it to the Information Commission Office (IOC) within 72 hours of discovering the incident. The ICO has produced a guide which may be found on its website (link) https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/guide-to-the-general-data-protection-regulation-gdpr/personal-data-breaches/

The Government’s Cyber Essentials scheme is a responsible way of demonstrating that you take the protection of any customer or supplier data seriously. Their details can be found at www.cyberessentials.ncsc.gov.uk

Get insurance cover

You can also get special cyber insurance to cover recovery costs in the event of an attack.

The Complete Guide To Replacing Your Roof

A roof repair is the process of fixing damages or leaks on a roof. It might involve repairing or replacing loose or missing shingles or tiles, fixing damaged flashing or vent pipes, repairing holes or cracks in the roof, or resealing joints and seams to prevent water leaks. A roof repair is typically performed by a professional roofer and can vary in cost depending on the extent of the damage and the materials needed to perform the repair.

 

If you have a damaged or leaking roof and need to fix it fast, Broward Roof Repair Services is your best bet. We can help with all of your roof repair concerns in a single visit to your office. 

The following is a general outline of the process of repairing an average roof:

• Inspection: Before any repairs can begin, a thorough inspection of the roof needs to be conducted to assess the damage and determine the extent of repairs needed.
  
• Preparation: Once the damage and repairs required have been established, appropriate preparations such as gathering tools, materials, and coordinating staffing may be made.
  
• Removal of damaged parts: Damaged parts must be removed carefully to prevent further damage. Depending on the extent of the damage, entire roof sections or individual shingles may need to be removed.
• Installation of new materials: New materials are installed on the areas that require repair. These may include shingles, felt, flashing, or other roofing materials.
  
• Sealing and finishing: Once new materials have been installed, they must be sealed and finished to keep water from leaking back into the roof.
  
• Inspection: After the repair work is completed, a final inspection is usually conducted to ensure that everything has been done properly and that the repair work is up to code.
  

When you're faced with making a decision about replacing your roof, there are many things that you'll want to consider. Even if it's just a quick patch for smaller areas, this will still involve removing the old shingles, felt paper and any nail-hole leaks. This will provide a little extra time to think about possible replacements. The first thing that you should be considering is whether the cost (in terms of money and effort) is worth the benefits of having a new roof. Overall, the process of roof repair is complex and may differ based on repairing different types of roofs. It may take from several hours to several days to complete, depending on the level of damage and the complexity of the repairs needed.

We are available anytime, on weekdays, weekends and holidays. We always complete jobs on time and we provide a written warranty on our work. Broward Roof Repair will give you reliable roof repair services if you need your roof to last for years to come.

Pub Owners Beware: Understanding Rent Reviews and the Pub Code

As a public house (pub) owner, grappling with the intricacies of rent reviews and understanding the pub code can be a daunting task. The legal process of rent reviews is commonly used in the pub industry to adjust the rent for commercial properties.

However, it is important to have a good understanding of this process to ensure that you are not overpaying. This article aims to provide a comprehensive explanation of rent reviews and the pub code, along with a plethora of tips to help you navigate these processes effectively.

 

Rent Reviews

Rent reviews entail the legal process of adjusting the rent for commercial properties such as pubs, based on the current market value of the property. Typically, the reviews occur every five years, and the new rent is established by taking into account the prevailing market conditions. The exercise often results in substantial rent increase, which may pose a challenge for pub owners, particularly if their business is not thriving.

The Pub Code

The pub code, established in 2016, was designed to regulate the relationship between pub tenants and their landlords. The code's objective is to ensure that tenants receive fair treatment and are not subjected to unreasonable practices by their landlords. The pub code provides specific guidelines for rent reviews, including the requirement for landlords to provide a detailed rent assessment and the right for tenants to have their rent assessed by an independent expert.

Tips for Navigating Rent Reviews and the Pub Code

1. Start Your Preparations Early

In preparation for rent reviews, it is vital to commence early planning. Gathering all relevant information, such as your lease agreement and previous rent assessments, ensures that you have a clear understanding of your current rent and any potential rent increments.

2. Seek Expert Assistance

Navigating rent reviews and the pub code can be a daunting task, which necessitates expert assistance from accounting professionals with specialised knowledge of the pub industry. These professionals can assist you in evaluating your current rent, negotiating with your landlord, and navigating the rent review process.

3. Understand Your Rights

It is critical to have a comprehensive understanding of your rights under the pub code. It is incumbent upon pub owners to ensure that landlords adhere to the guidelines set out in the code. If you believe that your rights are being infringed, seek legal advice immediately.

4. Negotiate Effectively

Negotiating with your landlord can be a challenging process, but with the right approach, you can achieve a favourable outcome. Ensure you have all your facts on hand to support your case. Be prepared to make a strong and well backed case as to why your rent should remain the same or be reduced and negotiate from a position of strength.

How Carroll Accountants Can Help

Carroll Accountants are well-equipped to provide professional advice and assistance to pub owners, helping you to successfully navigate rent reviews and the pub code. Our team of experienced accountants can provide expert advice on rent assessments, negotiations, and the pub code. We can also support you with bookkeeping, payroll, and tax preparation, ensuring that your financial operations run efficiently and smoothly. Please contact us today to learn more about how we can help you with your pub accounting requirements.

How to Increase SEO Rankings Practically by Using Topic Clusters?

Topic linking is known as internal linking in wider term and in SEO internal links go to web pages located in the same domain. Compared to external links, internal links are measured as lesser values. Topic clusters however can be used tactically used to improve a site’s performance significantly and subsequently increase rankings of the website.

 
What is internal linking?

Google algorithms use internal links to identify website content. The search engine bots importantly crawl over these links to find new content. This would also mean that your website content will not be noticed or ranked if the web pages are not internally linked.

How topic clusters work?

Topic linking is narrower while internal linking is broad. Topic links usually link posts with related content or themes in a website and to one another. Let us make it simple, Wikipedia for example has many links in an article which obviously point towards many other topics that are related. This is the reason why Wiki is ranked among the top every time you search a subject.

As per Google, the number of internal links present in the page is the pointer for search engines to know about the relative significance of that page. This is the reason why home page of sites is always high ranked than the subsequent pages as they have more backlinks. The strategy is to post as many links as possible to related topics on home page and consequently increase value and rankings.

Topic Clusters and Siloing

What is topic clusters? Topic clusters are set of articles that connect to a pillar page. It will have decisive linking structure and content format. Pillar pages can be of two types, namely resource page and a pillar page with 10x content, containing a collection of internal and external liking in that order. Here we will explain this with an example of a travel website:

If you manage a travel website you will have several pages giving information about different countries. In the site you will also have several pages talking about different cities. Siloing comes to effect where the country page contains links that point towards the pages that contain cities of the country. You can go further by placing links in the city pages such as “places to visit”. This goes on and on and that is how siloing works. Basically it is the organizing of your environment.

How the links for siloing improves your sites performance?

• Site navigation for users is simplified
• Google bot crawling is made easier
• Value is distributed strategically

With sloing navigation around your website pages is made easier for visitors. They don’t have to search for items as the backlinks will point that out to them. This way the user will spend more time than usual and importantly increase the chance of a business on the ripe. It should be recalled that home pages have the most backlinks hence are higher ranked on SERPs than subsequent pages. The value pertaining to the home page is further distributed down the line to each linked page.

If you have any questions on how to set up your website or are looking for a SEO company in India, feel free to contact us or mail sales@webzonetechnologies.com.