Autumn Edition - 2024

Autumn Edition - 2024

As we embrace the autumn season, we’re thrilled to report that it’s been a successful quarter for BB Merchant Services!

From impactful partnerships to insightful events, our team has strengthened connections and driven results that truly benefit our clients.

As Halloween has just passed, we promise there are no “tricks” here – just plenty of “treats” in the form of valuable insights, cost-saving solutions, and exciting updates!


This month’s highlights include:

  1. Industry Partnerships and Insights: Explore our latest partnerships that help businesses reduce payment processing expenses.
  2. Case Studies and Expert Insights: Discover industry-leading examples and articles showing how to cut processing costs and integrate new capabilities – all provided FREE.
  3. LinkedIn Live Series: Join our new series designed to help merchants better understand and reduce their financial and merchant services costs.
  4. BBMS Team Updates: We’re thrilled to welcome three exceptional new members to the BBMS team. Each brings unique expertise and dedication that will further strengthen our services and support for clients.


Looking Back Over the Past Few Months

Over the autumn months, we’ve forged several key partnerships and launched initiatives focused on cost-efficient and secure payment processing solutions.

  • BB Merchant Services Event Highlights
  • Exciting nexeye Testimonial
  • Super Hospitality Case Studies Pack

  • LinkedIn Live: Navigating the 2024 US Election's Impact on FX Markets and Payment Processing
  • BB Merchant Services Partnerships: Ordo and Payment Genes
  • Welcoming New Industry Experts to Team BBMS


BB Merchant Services Event Highlights

This autumn, BBMS has taken part in several impactful events, each a fantastic opportunity to build bonds, engage with industry peers, and give back to the community. These events have been incredibly successful in fostering connections, enhancing our team’s sense of purpose, and supporting causes we’re passionate about.


Team BB Merchant Services Walks for a Cause in the Brecon Beacons

In support of The King’s Trust, the BBMS team recently participated in the “Walk for the Future” initiative organised by our friends at Worldpay. This initiative saw our team tackling the Four Waterfalls hike in the stunning Brecon Beacons National Park – a day filled with fresh air, breathtaking views, and meaningful connection.

The hike offered a refreshing change from the office, allowing team members to bond and reflect on shared goals. Beyond the scenic adventure, it underscored BBMS's commitment to giving back to the community and supporting causes that make a positive impact. The experience reminded us of the importance of teamwork, resilience, and the power of small actions to support bigger missions.

We’re incredibly proud of our team’s enthusiasm and dedication to making a difference, both in business and in the communities we serve.


Merchant Services Sponsors Worldpay’s Championing Young Potential Event

BB Merchant Services was honoured to be the headline sponsor at the recent Championing Young Potential gala dinner hosted by Worldpay at the Birmingham ICC. This inspiring event marked the finale of the national Million Makers fundraising campaign, supporting The King’s Trust and its work to empower disadvantaged youth across the UK.

The evening featured a series of memorable activities:

  • Pre-dinner Reception: The BBMS team enjoyed an engaging reception, connecting with industry colleagues and forming new relationships.
  • Inspiring Guest Speakers: Neil Fillbrook of BBMS delivered a heartfelt speech on our commitment to nurturing young talent, joined by powerful contributions from Bernie Hollywood, OBE JP and Kwame Boateng, who shared his motivational journey with Ingrained Oil.
  • Three-Course Dinner: Attendees enjoyed a delightful meal, fostering conversation and camaraderie.
  • Auction and Raffle: The highlight of the fundraising efforts, featuring prizes that included a £200 voucher from Burger & Lobster, won by BBMS's own James Yerkess, which contributed significantly to the evening’s fundraising success.
  • Live Music: A vibrant performance added to the evening’s energy, creating a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere for everyone.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Worldpay team for organising such a fantastic event and to our BBMS colleagues who attended, making it a memorable evening of solidarity and support for an essential cause.

Special thanks to our BBMS team members, including James Yerkess, Christopher Lawrence, Andrew Greenhalgh, Ashley Bignall, Christian Blount-Powell, Ed Fillbrook, Lauren Hosking, Steve Holman, Daniel Fletcher, Nicholas Canham, and Ben Yerkess, for their contributions to an unforgettable night celebrating the potential of our youth.


Exciting nexye Testimonial

BB Merchant Services is proud to announce a successful partnership with nexeye , a prominent optical retailer operating over 700 stores across Benelux, Germany, Austria, and Sweden. By leveraging BBMS's expertise in payment processing optimisation, nexeye achieved over 30% in cost savings. This significant reduction was made possible by consolidating transaction volumes with a single payment service provider, ensuring streamlined, efficient processing across their extensive network.

BBMS’s dedicated team, including David Wakelin and Philip Hall , conducted a comprehensive review of nexeye's payment services, focusing on outdated PSP contracts in Germany. Through rigorous renegotiations, BBMS secured optimal terms for Visa, Mastercard, and Girocard transactions, alongside improved terminal contracts, ultimately enabling nexeye to reduce operational costs and enhance financial performance.

The nexeye team commended BBMS for their strategic insights, seamless data analysis, and results-driven approach, underscoring BBMS’s role as a trusted partner in driving cost efficiencies and sustainable growth. This partnership showcases BBMS’s commitment to helping retailers optimise their payment solutions while achieving measurable savings and operational benefits.

Read the full testimonial here


Learn How 10 Well-Known Hospitality Brands Cut Payment Processing Costs

BB Merchant Services has a proven track record of helping hospitality brands significantly reduce payment processing costs while enhancing their financial performance. Our tailored strategies are designed to meet the unique needs of the hospitality industry, providing practical solutions that optimise payment flows, reduce fees, and streamline operations.

In our latest hospitality video, BBMS's Neil Fillbrook delves into how we support hospitality brands in creating efficient, customer-friendly payment experiences. Neil shares insights on BBMS’s commitment to helping businesses in the sector overcome payment challenges, maximise value, and focus more on delivering outstanding service to their guests.

Watch the video here:

Our case studies showcase real-world examples from well-known brands. These partnerships highlight how we work closely with hospitality businesses to understand their specific challenges, deliver meaningful cost savings, and improve customer experience, with brands such as:

  • Celtic Manor
  • Firmdale Hotels
  • Flat Iron Steak
  • Go Ape
  • Guinness Storehouse
  • Institute of Hospitality
  • Limewood Hotel
  • Odeon
  • SA Brain
  • Wadworth

Through tailored strategies and expert advisory, BB Merchant Services has delivered substantial savings and enhanced financial performance for these businesses, proving the value of optimized payment processing in the hospitality sector.

Is your brand ready to achieve similar results? Our team is dedicated to driving cost efficiencies and delivering value. Click below to read detailed case studies and see how we can help you do the same:

Read the full case study here


LinkedIn Live: Navigating the 2024 US Election's Impact on FX Markets and Payment Processing

As the US Presidential Election approaches, businesses must prepare for potential currency volatility. In a recent LinkedIn Live session, BB Merchant Services's James Yerkess and Monex Europe's Javier Llamas shared insights to help businesses navigate these uncertain times:

  • FX Market Impact: Election-related policy shifts and market sentiment can significantly influence cross-border transactions.
  • Securing Competitive FX Rates: Monex Europe’s global reach and BBMS’s transparent pricing help businesses secure favourable rates.
  • Risk Management Tools for Stability: Implementing forward contracts and real-time FX management solutions supports resilience against potential market shifts.

The LinkedIn Live session was a fantastic success for both BBMS and Monex Europe, offering valuable guidance to businesses preparing for the potential impacts of the election.


BB Merchant Services Partnerships: Ordo and Payment Genes


BB Merchant Services and Ordo Team Up to Unlock Open Banking Advantages

BBMS has joined forces with Ordo to harness the transformative potential of Open Banking, offering a cutting-edge alternative to traditional payment methods. This partnership empowers businesses to cut up to 80% in transaction fees by shifting from card payments to real-time bank transfers, creating a streamlined, efficient, and secure payment process.

With Ordo’s Open Banking technology, businesses gain greater control over their payments. By bypassing traditional intermediaries, they can significantly reduce costs while improving cash flow and enhancing the overall customer experience. Faster, real-time transfers also mean businesses can access funds sooner, enabling smoother operations and improved financial management.

Key Benefits of This Collaboration:

  • Reduced Transaction Fees: Bypassing intermediaries and card networks allows businesses to enjoy substantial cost savings.
  • Streamlined Financial Processes: Real-time bank transfers and simplified authorisations make payment management faster and easier.
  • Enhanced Customer Satisfaction: The convenience of secure, instant payments adds value for customers, strengthening loyalty.

Our partnership with Ordo illustrates BBMS's commitment to providing innovative, cost-effective solutions that evolve with our clients' needs.


The Ultimate Guide to Transforming Payment Processing with Payment Genes

BB Merchant Services and @PaymentGenes have collaborated to deliver a practical guide on transforming payment strategies, designed to help businesses leverage payments as a strategic advantage. This comprehensive resource outlines actionable steps for optimising payment operations, enhancing customer satisfaction, and cutting costs.

The guide emphasises the benefits of viewing payments as a core capability, not just a cost centre. With expert insights and real-world examples, it provides guidance on enhancing transaction flows, adopting innovations like Open Banking, and future-proofing payment systems.

Key Benefits of Strategic Payment Processing:

  • Improved Customer Experience: Seamless, secure payments strengthen loyalty and satisfaction.
  • Operational Efficiency: Streamlined processes reduce costs and improve resource allocation.
  • Competitive Edge: Unique payment solutions can set businesses apart.

This guide underscores BBMS’s and PaymentGenes’s commitment to empowering businesses with the tools they need to thrive in an increasingly digital and customer-centric world. For businesses aiming to streamline payment operations and maximise value, this guide is a must-read.

Read the full guide here: The Ultimate Guide to Transforming Payment Processing

For more details, reach out to Kirsten Hoornstra or Rutger van Overbeek.


Welcoming New Industry Experts to BB Merchant Services

We’re thrilled to welcome three exceptional new members to the BBMS team. Each brings unique expertise and dedication that will further strengthen our services and support for clients.


Steve Holman

We are excited to announce that Steve Holman has joined BB Merchant Services as our new Corporate Sales Director.

Steve’s banking career began in 1990 at Midland Bank in Enfield Town, where he gained valuable experience across multiple retail branches. Fifteen years later, he returned to Enfield in a managerial role, which marked the start of his leadership journey.

With a strong background in card payments and extensive experience in the Travel & Entertainment (T&E) sector and B2B payments, Steve has a proven record of implementing innovative solutions that drive growth and operational efficiency. He brings this expertise to BB Merchant Services, where he’s eager to build on the company’s ongoing success.

Beyond work, Steve is passionate about sports, including football, tennis, running, and horse racing. He has completed three London Marathons and is a devoted Tottenham Hotspur season ticket holder. Steve and his partner, Lucy, have five boys and enjoy a vibrant family life.


Steve Wilks

We are thrilled to welcome Steve Wilks - FCMI to BB Merchant Services. With over 20 years of experience in payments, data-driven insights, and social impact, Steve brings a wealth of expertise to help businesses and charities streamline payment processing and drive meaningful cost savings.

Steve’s impressive career includes leadership roles at Visa and Experian, and his passion for social impact is evident through his involvement with Mental Health Mates and community projects like The Hare at Loddington. We are excited to see the positive impact Steve will bring to our clients and our mission.


Sameer Nandwani

We’re pleased to introduce Sameer Nandwani, our newest team member based in India. With extensive experience in cross-border transactions, M&A, business strategy, and financial advisory, Sameer brings valuable insights, especially in the gaming and sports entertainment sectors.

Sameer’s international experience, having worked in both the UK and India, makes him well-equipped to navigate the complexities of the Indian business environment and assist international companies in establishing operations there. He will be working closely with our operational team to enhance our service offerings and deliver increased value to our clients, with a special focus on improved services and cost efficiencies.


Bringing It All Together

As we wrap up an exciting and impactful quarter, we’re proud to highlight the strides BB Merchant Services has made in delivering cost-saving solutions, building strong industry partnerships, and supporting meaningful causes. From our collaboration with Ordo on Open Banking to our comprehensive hospitality solutions, our commitment to providing innovative, efficient payment processing is stronger than ever.

Looking ahead, we’re focused on expanding our offerings and supporting our clients through a season filled with new opportunities. Stay tuned for upcoming LinkedIn Live events, insightful resources like our guide with PaymentGenes, and continued case studies showcasing real-world results.

Thank you for being a part of our journey. Here’s to a successful season of growth and collaboration for us all!

Warm regards, The BB Merchant Services Team

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