Based on looking at the website, Haven-systems.co.uk appears to be a legitimate business specialising in EPOS and payment processing solutions within the UK. The site presents itself as a well-established entity with over 30 years of experience, aiming to help businesses reduce costs, increase profitability, and enhance customer satisfaction through their systems.
Overall Review Summary:
- Company Name: Haven Systems
- Specialisation: Electronic Point of Sale (EPOS), Payment Processing, and Management Information Systems
- Experience: Over 30 years in the industry
- Target Market: Public and private sector clients, from small single-site outlets to multi-site operations across the UK
- Key Services/Products: Secure EPOS, ticketing systems, payment systems, Vine (self-ordering), Order and Pay at the table, Click & Collect.
- Approach: Consultative, not sales-driven, focusing on cost-effective solutions and long-term partnerships.
- Security & Compliance: PCI DSS approved payment solutions, Cyber Essentials certified, uses Microsoft Azure for cloud hosting.
- Support: Emphasises expert training, after-sales support, and real-time assistance.
- Contact Information: Provides an email ([email protected]) and phone number (01646 601992).
- Physical Address: Not explicitly stated on the homepage, which is a minor drawback for complete transparency.
- Pricing: No transparent pricing details are available; a demo request is required.
- Online Transaction Trustworthiness: High, given their focus on PCI DSS and Cyber Essentials.
- User Reviews: Testimonials are present on the homepage, all positive.
The website provides a comprehensive overview of their services, highlighting their expertise in areas like education, hospitality, transport, and tourism. They stress their problem-solving approach, commitment to data security, and seamless hybrid operations (on-premise and on-cloud). The presence of testimonials from various businesses further reinforces their credibility. However, the absence of a physical address on the main page is a slight oversight for a company operating in such a critical sector, and pricing is not readily available, requiring direct engagement.
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IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.
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Best Alternatives for EPOS and Payment Processing Systems:
When it comes to EPOS and payment processing, businesses in the UK have a variety of robust and reliable options. It’s crucial to choose a system that aligns with your specific operational needs, budget, and integrates seamlessly with your existing infrastructure. Here are some of the top ethical alternatives:
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- Key Features: User-friendly interface, integrated payment processing, inventory management, CRM, online store integration, detailed analytics.
- Average Price: Free POS software, hardware costs vary (e.g., Square Reader from £19 + VAT), transaction fees apply (from 1.75% for in-person).
- Pros: Easy setup, highly scalable for small to large businesses, comprehensive feature set, strong reputation.
- Cons: Transaction fees can add up for high-volume businesses, some advanced features require paid add-ons.
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- Key Features: Seamless integration with Shopify online stores, inventory sync, customer profiles, staff management, various hardware options.
- Average Price: Requires a Shopify plan (starting from £25/month), POS hardware sold separately, transaction fees depend on the plan.
- Pros: Ideal for businesses with both online and physical retail, excellent inventory management, strong e-commerce ecosystem.
- Cons: Can be more expensive for small businesses, reliant on the Shopify platform.
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- Key Features: Advanced inventory management, multi-store capabilities, customer loyalty programs, vendor management, robust reporting.
- Average Price: Plans start from around £59/month, hardware costs extra.
- Pros: Powerful features for growing retail businesses, excellent for inventory control, strong analytics.
- Cons: Higher price point, steeper learning curve for new users.
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- Key Features: Industry-specific solutions (retail, hospitality), integrated payments, cloud-based, comprehensive reporting, extensive app store.
- Average Price: Software from £29/month, hardware packages available, bespoke quotes for larger systems.
- Pros: Highly customisable, good for businesses needing specific industry features, strong UK presence.
- Cons: Can be complex to set up initially, some integrations may require additional costs.
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- Key Features: Variety of hardware options (Clover Mini, Station, Flex), customisable apps, robust payment processing, sales reporting.
- Average Price: Hardware from around £100, monthly software fees vary, transaction fees apply.
- Pros: Sleek hardware, modular system with app marketplace, good for businesses needing flexibility.
- Cons: Can be more expensive overall depending on chosen apps and hardware, tied to specific payment processors.
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- Key Features: Simple and affordable, integrated card readers, basic inventory, sales reports, no monthly fees for basic use.
- Average Price: SumUp Air card reader from £29, transaction fees from 1.69%. POS Lite software is free.
- Pros: Excellent for small businesses and mobile operations, very straightforward, low initial cost.
- Cons: Less feature-rich compared to enterprise solutions, primarily focused on payments with basic POS functionality.
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- Key Features: Specifically designed for restaurants, table management, online ordering, delivery integrations, kitchen display system (KDS), payroll.
- Average Price: Custom quotes, often includes hardware and software bundles, transaction fees apply.
- Pros: Tailored for the hospitality industry, comprehensive feature set for restaurants, strong customer support.
- Cons: Not suitable for non-hospitality businesses, potentially a higher investment due to specialised features.
Haven-systems.co.uk Review & First Look
When you first land on Haven-systems.co.uk, the immediate impression is one of professionalism and experience. The site clearly positions itself as an “EPOS and Payment Processing Specialist,” highlighting its 30-year legacy in the field. This longevity in a rapidly evolving tech landscape is a significant indicator of stability and expertise. The homepage prominently displays their core services: Electronic Point of Sale (EPOS), Payment Processing, and Management Information Systems, designed to streamline operations and boost profitability for businesses.
Website Design and User Experience
The website features a clean, modern design with clear navigation. Key sections like “About,” “Blog,” “Partners,” “Brochure,” and “FAQ’s” are easily accessible from the top menu, which is crucial for user navigation. The use of clear headings and concise paragraphs makes the information digestible. They’ve opted for a consultative approach, inviting users to “Learn more” or “Request a Call” rather than pushing immediate sales. This aligns with their stated aim of building long-term client relationships. The site’s responsiveness across different devices also contributes to a positive user experience, ensuring accessibility whether you’re on a desktop or mobile.
Initial Impressions and Trust Signals
Several trust signals are evident on the homepage. The mention of “over 30 years” of specialisation is a strong point, suggesting a deep understanding of the market and client needs. Customer testimonials are strategically placed, offering social proof of their service quality. For instance, reviews from “Ruskin Leisure” and “The Larder” speak to their excellent support and efficient systems. The inclusion of certifications like “PCI DSS approved” and “Cyber Essentials certified” is paramount, especially for a company dealing with sensitive payment data, indicating a commitment to security standards. However, a minor missing detail is the absence of a clear physical address on the main page, which some users might look for to verify a UK-based business fully.
Haven-systems.co.uk Security and Compliance
In the realm of payment processing and data management, security and compliance are non-negotiable. Haven Systems addresses these critical concerns head-on, prominently featuring their adherence to industry standards.
PCI DSS Approval
Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) approval is mentioned for their payment solutions. This is a globally recognised set of security standards designed to ensure that all companies that process, store, or transmit credit card information maintain a secure environment. For businesses handling customer payments, knowing their chosen EPOS provider is PCI DSS compliant offers a significant layer of confidence against data breaches and fraud. According to the PCI Security Standards Council, nearly 80% of data breaches occur at the point-of-sale, underscoring the critical importance of this certification. Niceday-hosting.co.uk Review
Cyber Essentials Certification
Haven Systems also states they are Cyber Essentials certified. This is a UK government-backed scheme that helps organisations protect themselves against a range of common cyber attacks. Achieving this certification demonstrates a fundamental level of cyber security hygiene and a commitment to protecting customer data from common online threats. As of 2023, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) reported that over 80% of cyber attacks could be prevented by implementing Cyber Essentials controls, making this a vital assurance for potential clients.
Data Security Architecture
The website highlights that their solutions are “built from the ground up with your security at the forefront.” They operate a hybrid system, seamlessly combining on-premise solutions with cloud-based services using Microsoft Azure as their standard platform. Microsoft Azure is known for its robust security infrastructure, offering enterprise-grade protection, compliance certifications, and global data centres. This hybrid approach allows businesses to maintain control over sensitive on-premise data while leveraging the scalability and redundancy of cloud services, providing a balanced and resilient security posture.
Haven-systems.co.uk Features and Solutions
Haven Systems positions itself as a comprehensive solution provider, offering a suite of features designed to enhance efficiency and profitability across various sectors.
Core EPOS and Payment Systems
At its heart, Haven Systems provides Electronic Point of Sale (EPOS) systems that are intuitive and user-friendly. Their FAQ section confirms that new users are typically “up and running and completing transactions in minutes,” which is a significant advantage for businesses looking for quick staff training. The EPOS tills are designed to process transactions efficiently and capture essential sales data. Alongside EPOS, their integrated payment solutions are designed to be flexible, allowing businesses to use existing or preferred UK Merchant Acquirers, which can be a huge benefit for established businesses with existing banking relationships.
Specialised Industry Applications
Haven Systems boasts solutions tailored for specific industries, demonstrating their versatility and understanding of diverse business needs: Ci-lettings.co.uk Review
- Education: Streamlining payments and operations in educational institutions.
- Hospitality: Features like “Order and Pay at the table” and “Vine” (their self-ordering platform) cater directly to restaurants, cafes, and pubs, improving customer experience and operational flow.
- Transport: Efficient ticketing and payment systems for public or private transport operators.
- Tourism: Solutions for attractions, museums, and other tourist venues, likely including admissions and retail.
Innovative Contactless Solutions
In today’s world, contactless solutions are paramount. Haven Systems offers modern features like:
- Vine: Their self-ordering platform, which is compatible with all widely used browsers, enabling customers to place orders easily.
- Order and Pay at the table: Enhances customer convenience and reduces staff workload in hospitality settings.
- Click & Collect: A safe and efficient option for businesses to manage online orders for in-store pickup, a feature that has seen massive adoption, with a 2023 report by Statista showing that over 70% of UK online shoppers have used click-and-collect services.
These solutions aim to provide “safe and efficient contactless ordering and deliveries,” addressing the evolving demands of both businesses and consumers.
Haven-systems.co.uk Pros & Cons
Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of any service provider is key before making a commitment. Based on the information presented on Haven-systems.co.uk, here’s a balanced look at their offerings.
Pros
- Extensive Experience: With “more than 30 years” in EPOS and payment processing, Haven Systems brings a wealth of knowledge and stability to the table. This long-standing presence suggests a proven track record and resilience in the market.
- Strong Security Posture: Their explicit mention of being PCI DSS approved for payment solutions and Cyber Essentials certified provides significant assurance regarding data security and compliance, which is critical for any business handling sensitive financial information.
- Consultative Approach: The website emphasises a “highly consultative rather than sales driven” approach. This indicates a focus on understanding client needs to provide the most cost-effective and suitable solutions, fostering long-term partnerships.
- Comprehensive Support: Haven Systems highlights “expert training,” “reliability, after sales and excellent support,” including the ability for their team to “check and sort online with the EPOS system.” Testimonials consistently praise their responsive and helpful support team, even on bank holidays.
- Industry-Specific Solutions: Their tailored offerings for education, hospitality, transport, and tourism demonstrate an understanding of diverse operational requirements, providing specialised features rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
- Modern Features: The inclusion of solutions like Vine (self-ordering), Order and Pay at the table, and Click & Collect ensures they are keeping pace with contemporary business demands for efficiency and contactless operations.
- Positive Customer Testimonials: The homepage features several glowing reviews from verified clients, attesting to the quality of their service, system usability, and support. This provides strong social proof and builds trust.
Cons
- Lack of Transparent Pricing: The website does not provide any pricing information. To get a quote, businesses must request a demo or contact their sales team. This lack of transparency can be a barrier for potential clients who prefer to evaluate costs upfront before engaging in a sales process.
- No Physical Address on Homepage: While contact details like email and phone are provided, a physical company address is not prominently displayed on the homepage. While it might be found on other pages (e.g., contact us or terms), its absence on the main landing page can be a minor trust signal omission for some users.
- Limited Hardware Information: Although they mention Aures Technologies as a preferred hardware partner, the website doesn’t offer extensive details on the range of hardware options available or whether clients can easily integrate their own existing hardware without significant hassle, beyond a general statement that “there may be an option to use your own hardware platform.”
- Windows-Specific Software: Their core Point of Sale software and Management Information Systems require a “Windows 10 or Windows Server Operating System.” While their Vine platform is browser-compatible, this OS requirement might be a limitation for businesses primarily operating on macOS or other environments, potentially necessitating additional investment in Windows-based hardware.
How to Engage with Haven-systems.co.uk
For businesses considering Haven Systems, the website clearly outlines the engagement process, focusing on a consultative approach rather than immediate transactions.
Requesting a Demo
The primary method of engagement is through requesting a demo. Haven Systems explicitly states: “We will discuss your EPOS and Payment requirements with you and ensure that we provide a demo tailored to your business needs.” This personalised approach ensures that prospective clients see how the system directly addresses their specific challenges and objectives. Demos can be conducted online, or, depending on the client’s requirements, Haven Systems is “happy to visit you.” This on-site visit option is particularly valuable as it allows their experts to “offer expert advice on system layout and implementation,” providing a more holistic consultation. Turtlemedia.co.uk Review
Contacting Sales and Support
The website provides direct contact points:
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 01646 601992
- “Request a Call” form: A dedicated button on the homepage to initiate contact.
- “Request Support” link: This leads to a separate support portal (support.haven-systems.co.uk), indicating a structured approach to post-sales assistance.
This multi-channel contact strategy ensures that potential and existing clients can reach them through their preferred method, reinforcing their commitment to accessibility and support.
Understanding Their Consultative Approach
Haven Systems highlights that their approach is “highly consultative – it’s about what is the best solution for your business.” This suggests they are not just selling a product but providing a solution. They aim to “take the hard work out of the system pre-configuration and installation process.” This hands-on approach, combined with “expert training” for users, aims to maximise the benefit and return on investment for their clients. This focus on problem-solving and long-term partnership building distinguishes them from providers who might offer a more transactional, off-the-shelf product.
Haven-systems.co.uk Pricing
One of the notable characteristics of Haven-systems.co.uk, common among B2B enterprise solutions, is the absence of publicly listed pricing. This approach often indicates a highly customised solution that varies significantly based on individual business needs, scale, and specific feature requirements.
Why No Public Pricing?
The decision to not display direct pricing is typically driven by several factors: Icontactnumber.co.uk Review
- Customisation: EPOS and payment systems can be incredibly complex. A small single-site cafe will have vastly different needs (and therefore costs) compared to a multi-site transport operator or a large educational institution. Providing a single price point would be misleading.
- Consultative Sales Model: As highlighted on their website, Haven Systems employs a “highly consultative” sales model. This means they prefer to understand a business’s unique requirements (number of tills, integrations needed, industry-specific features, volume of transactions, support levels) before proposing a solution and its associated costs. This ensures the proposed system is truly the “most cost effective” for the client.
- Variable Components: Pricing can depend on software licensing, hardware costs (tills, card readers, printers, etc.), installation services, training, ongoing support contracts, and potential integration fees with existing systems. These components vary per client.
- Competitive Reasons: Many B2B service providers prefer not to disclose pricing publicly to avoid direct comparisons with competitors without the context of their value proposition, service level, and customisation capabilities.
How to Obtain a Quote
To get an accurate pricing estimate from Haven Systems, businesses must engage directly with their sales team. The website encourages this through:
- “Request a demo” buttons: This is the primary call to action, leading to a tailored discussion about requirements.
- “Contact Us” forms: For general inquiries and detailed discussions.
- Direct phone calls and emails: To their sales team (01646 601992, [email protected]).
During this consultation, Haven Systems will assess the specific needs, advise on the best system layout, integration options, and then provide a bespoke quotation. This process, while requiring an initial commitment of time, aims to ensure that clients receive a solution and pricing that precisely matches their operational scope and budget.
Haven-systems.co.uk vs. Competitors
When evaluating Haven Systems, it’s useful to compare their offering against other prominent players in the UK EPOS and payment processing market. While direct feature-by-feature or price-by-price comparisons are challenging due to Haven Systems’ consultative model and lack of public pricing, we can draw distinctions based on their stated approach and market positioning.
Haven Systems’ Differentiators
- Long-Standing UK Specialisation: With over 30 years of operation, Haven Systems offers deep-rooted expertise specifically within the UK market. This contrasts with global players who might have a broader but less localised understanding. Their focus on being a “privately owned, independent UK business” appeals to those who value supporting local enterprises.
- Consultative and Bespoke Solutions: Unlike many off-the-shelf or SaaS-based POS providers (like Square or SumUp) that offer standardised packages, Haven Systems emphasises a highly consultative approach to deliver tailored solutions. This makes them potentially more suitable for complex, multi-site operations or niche industries that require significant customisation and integration.
- Emphasis on On-Premise and Hybrid Deployments: While they utilise Microsoft Azure for cloud hosting, their mention of seamless “on-premise and on-cloud” operations, combined with the requirement for Windows 10/Server OS for their core software, suggests a strong capability for businesses preferring a degree of local control over their systems, which might be critical for large enterprises or those with specific data sovereignty concerns. Many newer competitors are purely cloud-based.
- Dedicated After-Sales Support: Their strong focus on “expert training,” “after sales and excellent support,” and testimonials praising their responsiveness, even on bank holidays, suggest a higher level of dedicated service compared to some larger providers where support might be more tiered or self-service oriented.
Comparison with Major UK Competitors
- Vs. Square POS & SumUp: These are primarily known for their ease of use, affordability, and accessibility for small to medium-sized businesses, particularly those needing quick setup and mobile payment solutions. They offer transparent transaction fees and often simpler POS software. Haven Systems, by contrast, appears geared towards larger, more complex operations with a need for deeper integration and a more hands-on, enterprise-level implementation and support.
- Vs. Epos Now: Epos Now also offers industry-specific solutions and operates with a UK focus. While they are cloud-based and highly customisable, Haven Systems’ 30-year legacy and emphasis on bespoke, potentially hybrid solutions might give them an edge for very large or unique requirements where a deeper consultative engagement is preferred over a subscription-based, app-store driven customisation model.
- Vs. Lightspeed Retail/Hospitality: Lightspeed provides robust, feature-rich solutions for specific verticals. They are strong contenders for businesses with extensive inventory management or complex restaurant operations. Haven Systems would compete here by offering an equally deep feature set but potentially with a more personalised implementation and support model, especially for multi-site clients needing specific integrations.
- Vs. Shopify POS: Primarily designed for businesses with an existing Shopify e-commerce presence, Shopify POS excels in seamless online-to-offline retail integration. Haven Systems, while offering Click & Collect, focuses more broadly on EPOS and payment processing systems for diverse sectors, not solely tied to an e-commerce platform.
In essence, Haven Systems seems to cater to businesses looking for a highly reliable, deeply integrated, and custom-built solution from a seasoned UK specialist, willing to invest in a comprehensive system rather than an off-the-shelf product. Their consultative approach and strong security certifications position them well for medium to large enterprises or public sector clients.
FAQ
What is Haven-systems.co.uk?
Haven-systems.co.uk is the official website for Haven Systems, an established UK-based software development house specialising in Electronic Point of Sale (EPOS), Payment Processing, and Management Information Systems for various sectors like education, hospitality, transport, and tourism. Manchesteriphonerepair.co.uk Review
How long has Haven Systems been in business?
Haven Systems states on their homepage that they have been specialising in EPOS and payment processing for more than 30 years, indicating a long-standing presence and extensive experience in the industry.
What types of businesses does Haven Systems serve?
Haven Systems serves a diverse range of public and private sector clients, from small, single-site outlets to large, multi-site operations throughout the UK, specifically highlighting solutions for education, hospitality, transport, and tourism.
Is Haven Systems PCI DSS approved?
Yes, Haven Systems states that their payment solutions are PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) approved, ensuring secure handling of credit card information.
Is Haven Systems Cyber Essentials certified?
Yes, Haven Systems is Cyber Essentials certified, which is a UK government-backed scheme demonstrating their commitment to protecting against common cyber threats.
Does Haven Systems offer cloud-based solutions?
Yes, Haven Systems offers a hybrid solution, combining on-premise and on-cloud operations, using Microsoft Azure as their standard platform for hosting data where applicable. Thelivebits.co.uk Review
What is Vine from Haven Systems?
Vine is Haven Systems’ self-ordering platform, designed for safe and efficient contactless ordering and deliveries, often used in hospitality settings for “Order and Pay at the table” and “Click & Collect” functionalities.
Is the Haven System EPOS till easy to use?
Yes, according to their FAQ, the EPOS system is intuitive and very simple to use, with new users typically able to complete transactions in minutes.
Can I use my own payment provider with Haven Systems?
Yes, Haven Systems states that they have EPOS integrations with multiple strategic partners and can handle the payment process if you have an existing or preferred UK Merchant Acquirer.
What operating systems are compatible with Haven Systems’ software?
Their core Point of Sale software and Management Information Systems require a Windows 10 or Windows Server Operating System. However, their Vine platform is compatible with all widely used browsers.
Does Haven Systems provide hardware?
Yes, while it depends on specific requirements, their preferred hardware partner is Aures Technologies, and they offer a range of options, sometimes allowing clients to use their own hardware platform. Thebusinessretreat.co.uk Review
How do I get pricing information from Haven Systems?
Pricing information is not publicly available on their website. To get a tailored quote, you need to contact their sales team directly or request a demo through their website.
Does Haven Systems offer training and support?
Yes, they emphasise providing expert training and excellent after-sales support. Their testimonials highlight their responsive technical support, even available on bank holidays.
What kind of customer support can I expect from Haven Systems?
Based on testimonials, customers report first-class service from installation to technical support, with the team often going “above & beyond to deliver” and being “always on hand with support.”
What is the primary approach of Haven Systems towards clients?
Their approach is described as “highly consultative rather than sales driven,” focusing on providing the most cost-effective systems, services, and support tailored to a business’s needs for the long term.
Can Haven Systems visit my business premises for a demo?
Yes, depending on your requirements, Haven Systems is happy to visit your business premises for a demo, allowing them to offer expert advice on system layout and implementation. Kmiecikphotography.co.uk Review
Do they offer solutions for online ordering and delivery?
Yes, they offer solutions like Vine (self-ordering), Order and Pay at the table, and Click & Collect, which facilitate safe and efficient contactless ordering and deliveries.
Where can I find testimonials for Haven Systems?
Customer testimonials are prominently featured on the homepage of Haven-systems.co.uk, showcasing positive feedback from various businesses.
How does Haven Systems ensure data security?
They state that their solutions are built with security at the forefront, operating hybrid seamlessly on-premise and on-cloud using Microsoft Azure, and are PCI DSS approved and Cyber Essentials certified.
Does Haven Systems offer a free trial?
The website does not explicitly mention a free trial for their services. The primary method for prospective clients to evaluate their system is by requesting a tailored demo.
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