We have partnered with EchoPay to develop the first fully integrated open banking and card payment solution for the sector.
Our partnership means that cash & carry, foodservice and delivered wholesale operators using STL’s tilling software will be able to process open banking payments at the point of purchase. Using a Clover terminal, checkout staff will be able to generate a QR code to take payments from a customer’s mobile phone with a touch of a button.

Open banking is a faster, more convenient, and more secure payment method than traditional credit and debit payments. The main benefit for wholesalers is that payment charges are significantly reduced using open banking. Bank charges typically cost 1-2% of the total payment (£18 on the average transaction in wholesale). Using open banking reduces this cost from pounds to pence.
Our MD, Ivan Durkin, said:
“Until now, electronic payments could only be processed through costly traditional debit and credit card providers.
‘However, a new generation of independent, agile suppliers have emerged to offer reliable, secure, and cheaper solutions using “open banking” processes and we’re delighted to be partnering with Unitas-approved EchoPay on this integrated solution. While the technology is complex, its application is simple and the rewards immediate and enormous.’
The partnership is rolling out in two phases. The first phase will see our existing tilling software embed EchoPay technology into it. In the second phase, our next-generation ePoS – STL Evo Till, due 2024 – will offer seamless integration with EchoPay via a new API (Application Programming Interface).
EchoPay is headed by James Ward who held senior positions at wholesalers including AC Ward & Son and Forward Wholesale. ‘Our strategic partnership with STL is a crucial step in enabling us to help wholesalers across the country save thousands of pounds a year in banking charges,’ he said.
‘Through seamless data sharing across the POS, merchandise management and accounting systems, STL’s Evo platform makes accepting and processing payments using EchoPay open banking simple and efficient. We look forward to seeing the reaction from customers as they reap the benefits of cheaper open banking payments.’
Find out more about EchoPay: echopay.co.uk
Founded in 2021, EchoPay is a market leader in open banking payments for wholesalers and builders merchants. The company is helping major wholesalers such as United Wholesale Scotland, Small Beer Wholesale, R D Johns Foodservice and Venus Wine and Spirits Merchants reduce their banking charges from pounds to pence. The company has a partnership with Unitas Wholesale, which is on track to save members more than £5m in 2023.