Funding push with Gift Aid software

New POS (Point-of-Sale) solutions are helping Mountbatten shops cash in on extra funds.

WRS has installed new systems across all Mountbatten shops on the Isle of Wight, as well as its sister hospice in Hampshire, covering over 20 outlets in total.

The till systems have been equipped with bespoke ‘Gift Aid’ software, created and implemented by WRS, simplifying the process for charity shop staff and volunteers to claim an extra 25p for every £1 spent.

“When people choose to Gift Aid their items, ultimately, we receive more money for them, and particularly in times of challenging funding pressures, that’s incredibly helpful to us,” said Nigel Hartley, Mountbatten CEO.

“Gift Aid is a key income generator for us but historically, it has been problematic to administer, with customers having to fill out forms that take time to process. 

“This new system from WRS has helped us simplify everything, enabling us to take it to another level.

“And being able to do that through our tills is already having a big impact on us as a charity, and the experiences of our customers, staff and volunteers.”

WRS worked with Mountbatten’s retail team to create a specification program so the charity could record and track Gift Aid donations through its tills.

Inputting the necessary information is easier and saves time, while the system can create reports for HMRC to calculate accurate Gift Aid values, which get passed on to Mountbatten once processed.

The installation of new shop tills followed a donation of two POS devices from WRS for use in Mountbatten’s hospice cafes on the Island and in Hampshire.

“Mountbatten is such an important charity, both on the Isle of Wight and in Hampshire, and we were really keen to give something back,” said David Jackson, WRS CEO.

“We all have a connection with Mountbatten in some way, and we recognise the importance of their work across the Isle of Wight and Hampshire communities.

“It’s great to see the Gift Aid development becoming a successful tool for charities to bring in extra funds, as we know how important it is to them.”