Innovation Award

10 November, 2014

AIM: UNG

Universe Group plc

("Universe" or "the Group")

Recognised as one of the top innovators

in the Central South region of England

Universe (AIM:UNG.L), a leading developer and supplier of point of sale, payment and loyalty systems, is pleased to report that it has been named by BDO LLP, accountants and business advisers, as one of 20 innovative companies in the Central South of England in a study which looked at the breadth of innovation taking place in the region. 

BDO analysed the mid-market (companies with sales of between £10m-£300m) and also those innovative businesses below this threshold, in consultation with other professionals in banking, law and intellectual property. Universe has been identified as one of the companies across the region whose growth has been underpinned by innovation. 

Over the past three years, under a new management team, Universe has undergone significant transformation and rejuvenation, led by a product enhancement programme. This programme together with other initiatives, including acquisitions, is opening up new opportunities for the Group, both with existing and new customers.

Jeremy Lewis, CEO of Universe Group, commented,

"We are delighted to receive this award and we are extremely proud to have been recognised for our work. Product innovation lies at the heart of what we do as we continue to compete successfully in the fast changing international payment and loyalty markets."

James Tetley, Tax Director at BDO in Southampton, said,

 "Innovation can encompass many things, investment in research and development, new product development or process innovation. Universe is a great example of a business whose success is underpinned by a desire to innovate."

For further information:

About Universe Group plc:

Universe provides some of the world's leading retailers, particularly in the petrol forecourt and convenience store markets, with point of sale, payment and loyalty solutions. The Group's solutions are based on its own proprietary software and are offered out of the Cloud on a software as a service model with its data centres processing in excess of 1.5 billion transactions every year. For further information see www.universeplc.com.

About BDO LLP:

BDO brings together talented people to provide audit, tax, advisory and other critical accounting services to ambitious businesses within the UK and worldwide. As the world's fifth largest accounting network, BDO International combines global reach with strong personal relationships. Founded in Europe in 1963, BDO International now incorporates over 56,000 people in over 1,260 offices operating in over 144 countries.