A Manchester-based financial technology firm has spoken to Insider about the role innovation plays in business, job creation and the plans for further expansion.
Based in Manchester, Total Processing is a payment processing fintech founded in 2015 by former merchants who grew their own customer-focused payments company out of their own experiences as merchants.
The team of experienced professionals aims to help others avoid the complex and unnecessary problems of payment processing.
Cameron Lee, head of strategy at Total Processing, said Insider: “Innovation is at the heart of everything we do at Total Processing, from our technology to our processes and ways of working. Given the pace of change in the sector we operate in and how quickly the payments market is evolving, it’s a non-negotiable. We think about it always.
“Our technology is designed to be completely scalable, yet able to be tailored to each client – regardless of need. It’s part of our commitment to be the most customer-focused payments company in the world. We want to make the process of takes payments easily, seamlessly and securely.
“Our commitment to innovation extends beyond our service. It is embedded in our culture. Everyone in the company is encouraged to provide feedback on how we do things, from technical aspects of our service, to how we interact on a daily basis, with our customers, partners and with each other.”
Lee outlined the company’s flagship Total Control platform.
“It’s a one-stop platform for smarter, faster payment solutions,” he said. “Merchants can use it to process all types of payments, from online purchases to payment via links, POS terminals, payment requests and e-terminal payments. It also allows them to manage and visualize all their customer and payment data in one place, providing a full overview about what is happening through their business.
“For example, we recently started working with Manchester-headquartered LWC, the UK’s largest independent wholesaler of beer, wine and soft drinks, to streamline their payment processes. Since implementation, LWC has been able to centralize payment data through the platform and we have good feedback so far.
“That’s one of the best parts of being part of this business – we make a real difference to our customers’ processes, helping them focus on delivering their own product or service.”
Lee said the success of Total Processing’s platform supported expansion and job creation.
“Beyond what we have achieved for each of our clients, the main benefit of our success is the job opportunities we have been able to create both locally in the North West and further afield,” he said. “Many people in our network will have heard that we are now one of the UK’s fastest growing companies – as recognized in Sunday Times 100 and Northern Tech Awards’ latest lists.
“So far we’ve gone from a team of 35 to 70 in just two years. We moved to a new, larger office at 111 Piccadilly close to the train station just over a year ago and almost at the same time opened a second office in Dubai in early 2021, where 17 of our employees are now based.
“We’re also bringing in people with a range of experience and ages. From more experienced team leaders to the next generation of tech talent – for example, the set of candidates we hired earlier this year to join our various departments. We’re really ingrained in the Manchester Tech ecosystem as well, it’s something we’re proud to be a part of.”
Lee also discussed the company’s plans for further expansion.
“As for what’s next, we’re focused on improving our products and services, scaling our overseas customer base and just generally maturing as an organization,” he said. “It’s about balance – making sure we scale sensibly while making sure we don’t stifle the innovative and entrepreneurial side of the business that has gotten us this far.
“We continue to complement and build out key areas of our business, ensuring we build a full risk and compliance function, expand our operational and financial capabilities and other key areas of the business.
“These good practices give us a blueprint for opening in other territories and we have started a regulatory process in Ireland, which will allow us to submit through to the EU. We are also starting to think about whether the time is right to take on itself a form of investment.”
