EPOS tills from HiStone, running ICRTouch software, were on show as official tech sponsors.
Stuart Packwood, Managing Director at B-Spoke Systems, would like to wish everyone a fantastic time at the annual UK Hospitality Christmas Lunch!
HiStone is proud to have worked in partnership with ICRTouch, the official Event Technology Sponsor, to provide seamless ordering technology for this prestigious event. From 12 x HM628N mobile tablets to 2 x HK568 POS terminals and 3 x HD220E Kitchen Display Systems and 3 x HiStone TP808 thermal printers, we’re thrilled to help enhance the guest experience for over 1,200 industry leaders as they come together to celebrate a year of achievements. Here’s to great food, entertainment, and the incredible spirit of the hospitality sector!
HiStone EPOS tills with ICRTouch
B-Spoke Systems is the UK’s largest independent distributor of HiStone EPOS hardware and also supplies Hisense commercial displays, with trade supply, UK-based support and showroom demonstrations for businesses across the UK and Ireland.
Looking for HiStone EPOS hardware? Browse our HiStone self-checkout kiosks, mobile tablet EPOS systems and all-in-one EPOS terminals, or contact B-Spoke Systems for trade supply across the UK and Ireland.
Behind the Scenes: 20 Devices, One Seamless Service
Serving more than 1,200 guests in a single sitting is a serious test for any ordering system. For this event, the EPOS tills and devices worked together as one connected system: handheld tablets took orders at the tables, POS terminals handled the bars and service points, kitchen display screens organised production and thermal printers produced tickets where paper was still the best option. With everything prepared and tested in advance, the team on the day could focus entirely on the guests.
Events like this show what modern EPOS tills can do when the hardware and software are properly matched. The same principles apply whether the project is one café or a national restaurant group, so we have put together a practical guide to choosing and using EPOS tills in your own business.
What Are EPOS Tills?
EPOS tills are the modern replacement for the traditional cash register. EPOS stands for Electronic Point of Sale, and an EPOS till combines a touchscreen terminal with software that records sales, takes payments, manages stock and produces reports. Unlike an old-style register, EPOS tills connect to the rest of your business, sharing information with kitchen screens, handhelds, online ordering platforms and accounting systems.
A typical set-up includes a terminal, a receipt printer, a cash drawer and an integrated card payment device. In hospitality, EPOS tills often link to kitchen displays and handheld ordering devices. In retail, they usually connect to barcode scanners, scales and customer displays.
Types of EPOS Tills
All-in-One Touchscreen Tills
The most popular style, all-in-one EPOS tills combine the computer and touchscreen in one compact unit. They suit bars, cafés, restaurants and shop counters where space is limited. Browse our all-in-one POS terminals.
Box POS Systems
A box POS system separates the computer from the screen, allowing more flexible layouts and larger or multiple displays. See our box POS systems.
Mobile and Handheld Tills
Handheld devices act as mobile EPOS tills, taking orders and payments wherever the customer is. They’re ideal for table service, beer gardens, events and queue-busting. Explore our mobile POS systems, including the HM628N and HM626R used at this event.
Self-Service Kiosks
Kiosks are self-service EPOS tills operated by customers themselves, used for self-checkout in shops and self-ordering in restaurants. View our self-checkout kiosk systems.
Scale Tills
For delis, butchers, greengrocers and farm shops, scale tills combine weighing and pricing in one device. See our scale POS systems.
Benefits of Modern EPOS Tills
- Faster transactions – responsive touchscreens and integrated payments shorten queues.
- Fewer errors – orders and prices are recorded accurately, with no handwriting or manual keying.
- Real-time stock control – every sale updates stock levels automatically.
- Better reporting – see what sells, when and where, across one or many sites.
- Improved security – staff log-ins, audit trails and cash management reduce losses.
- Connected operations – EPOS tills share data with kitchens, handhelds, kiosks and online channels.
Choosing EPOS Tills for Hospitality
Hospitality venues need EPOS tills that cope with speed, spills and complex orders. Look for sealed, fanless terminals with fast processors, plus integration with kitchen displays and handhelds. Our kitchen display systems, such as the HD220E used at this event, replace paper tickets with clear, real-time screens.
For a full overview, see our hospitality EPOS systems page.
Choosing EPOS Tills for Retail
Retailers need EPOS tills that scan quickly, manage stock accurately and integrate with card payments, scales and label printers. Compact all-in-one terminals suit most counters, while self-checkout kiosks and handhelds help during busy periods. See our retail EPOS systems page for more.
Software for EPOS Tills
The software you run determines much of what your EPOS tills can do. ICRTouch, the developer of TouchPoint, is one of the leading UK platforms for hospitality and retail, and it powered the ordering at this event. HiStone hardware runs Windows, Linux or Android, so it works with a wide range of software. You can find out more about the software on the ICRTouch website.
How Many EPOS Tills Do You Need?
The right number depends on your busiest periods. Count how many transactions you handle per hour at peak times and how long each one takes. As a rule of thumb, add tills or handhelds until queues stay manageable on your busiest day of the week. For events and seasonal peaks, temporary handhelds or kiosks can add capacity without permanent counter space.
Peripherals That Complete Your EPOS Tills
- Thermal receipt printers – fast and ink-free, like the TP808 printers used at this event.
- Cash drawers – robust and printer-driven, opening automatically for cash sales.
- Barcode scanners – handheld or presentation scanners for fast item entry.
- Customer displays – show items and totals to the customer as they’re entered.
- Kitchen printers and screens – route orders to the right preparation area.
- Card payment integration – send the amount automatically to the card terminal.
Preparing EPOS Tills for Large Events
Large events need careful preparation. Devices must be configured with the correct menus, price levels and printer routing, tested together as a complete system and labelled so staff know which device belongs where. Batteries need charging, spare units should be available and the wireless network must be checked across the whole venue. Our workshop handles imaging, configuration, testing and asset tagging so that EPOS tills arrive ready to use, whether for a one-day event or a permanent installation.
Looking After Your EPOS Tills
Good care keeps EPOS tills running reliably for years:
- Clean screens regularly with suitable, non-abrasive products.
- Keep software and firmware updated to improve security and stability.
- Protect power and network cables from damage and accidental disconnection.
- Stock spare consumables such as receipt rolls.
- Report faults early so small issues don’t become big ones.
Trends Shaping Point-of-Sale Technology
The hospitality and retail sectors have changed rapidly over the last few years, and the technology behind the counter has changed with them. Several trends are shaping the way businesses choose and use point-of-sale equipment today.
Order-at-Table and Pay-at-Table
Guests increasingly expect to order and pay without waiting. Handheld devices and table-side card terminals shorten the guest journey, improve table turns and reduce pressure on bar staff. For large venues, they can transform the speed of service during peak periods.
Self-Service
Self-order kiosks and self-checkout lanes have become familiar sights in quick-service restaurants, cafés, supermarkets and convenience stores. They help businesses serve more customers with the same number of staff and often increase average spend thanks to consistent upselling prompts.
Kitchen Automation
Kitchen display screens, order routing and preparation timers bring structure to busy kitchens. Chefs see exactly what to cook and when, and managers gain insight into ticket times and bottlenecks.
Cloud Reporting
Cloud-based back offices give managers real-time visibility of sales, stock and staff performance from anywhere. Multi-site operators can compare locations, push menu changes centrally and react quickly to trends.
Integrated Payments
Linking card terminals to the point of sale removes manual keying, reduces errors and speeds up every transaction. It also helps businesses keep card data secure in line with the PCI Data Security Standard.
Planning a Hardware Rollout
Whether you’re equipping a single new site or replacing hardware across a group, a structured plan reduces risk and disruption.
- Audit what you have – list existing devices, their age, condition and software versions.
- Agree a standard specification – choose a small number of models for each role to simplify support.
- Check the network – confirm wired and wireless coverage, especially for handhelds and kiosks.
- Schedule installations – avoid peak trading periods and allow time for staff training.
- Prepare devices in advance – imaging, configuration and testing before delivery save hours on site.
- Plan for support – agree warranty, repair and spare-unit arrangements before go-live.
Our team regularly helps resellers and operators plan rollouts of every size, from a single café to multi-site groups and large one-off events.
Data, Reporting and Better Decisions
Every transaction recorded at the point of sale creates useful information. Sales reports show which products and dishes perform best, which times of day are busiest and how promotions affect spend. Labour reports help managers plan rotas around demand, while stock reports reveal wastage and shrinkage.
For hospitality operators, menu engineering becomes far easier when you can see both popularity and profitability for each dish. For retailers, accurate stock data means fewer empty shelves and less money tied up in slow-moving lines. The key is reliable hardware that captures every transaction correctly, every time.
Accessibility and Inclusive Design
Technology should work for every customer and every member of staff. When choosing terminals and kiosks, consider screen height, contrast, font size and touch sensitivity. Many software platforms offer accessibility modes, larger text and multiple languages. Countertop and wall-mounted kiosks can be positioned at a suitable height for wheelchair users, and audio prompts can help customers with visual impairments. Thinking about accessibility at the planning stage avoids costly changes later.
Sustainability and Responsible Technology
Modern point-of-sale hardware is far more energy-efficient than older equipment, and features such as scheduled shutdown and power-saving modes reduce consumption further. Digital receipts cut paper use, and kitchen screens remove the need for printed tickets. When equipment eventually reaches the end of its life, responsible recycling in line with UK regulations ensures materials are recovered properly. Choosing durable, commercial-grade devices also reduces waste, because they stay in service for longer.
Training Staff for Busy Service
Even the most reliable hardware depends on confident users. Before a busy service or a large event, short hands-on training sessions make a big difference. Staff should know how to log in, take and amend orders, split bills, process refunds and handle common issues such as a printer running out of paper. Quick-reference cards beside each device and a nominated super-user on every shift help teams resolve small problems without stopping service.
Modern touchscreen systems are intuitive, and most new staff pick up the basics within minutes. That’s particularly valuable in hospitality, where seasonal and temporary staff are common and time for training is limited.
Security Best Practice
Point-of-sale devices handle money and customer data, so security matters. Simple steps go a long way:
- Use individual log-ins so every action is linked to a member of staff.
- Restrict permissions for refunds, discounts and voids to authorised users.
- Keep devices updated with the latest software and security patches.
- Separate networks so payment devices and back-office systems are protected from guest Wi-Fi.
- Lock devices automatically when not in use.
- Record serial numbers so every device can be tracked and supported.
Choosing the Right Hardware Partner
The supplier behind your hardware matters as much as the hardware itself. Look for a partner with UK stock, in-house technicians, spare parts and experience of your sector. Ask how devices are prepared before delivery, how quickly faults are resolved and whether replacement units are available. A good partner will also be honest about what you need, recommending the simplest solution that works rather than the most expensive one.
Supporting the Hospitality Industry
Events like the UK Hospitality Christmas Lunch bring together the people who make the sector what it’s: operators, suppliers, chefs, front-of-house teams and industry bodies. We’re proud to support the industry through our partnership with ICRTouch and our work with resellers and operators across the country. If you’re planning an event, opening a new venue or upgrading an existing estate, we would be delighted to help.
Hospitality has faced plenty of challenges in recent years, from rising costs to staff shortages. Technology can’t solve every problem, but the right equipment can make teams more productive, reduce waste and help venues deliver the kind of service that keeps guests coming back.
Why Choose B-Spoke Systems for EPOS Tills?
B-Spoke Systems has supplied EPOS tills and point-of-sale hardware since 2003. We’re the UK distributor for HiStone, a long-standing ICRTouch partner and ISO9001 certified for over 20 years. Our Leicester facility holds UK stock and our technicians configure and test hardware before dispatch. Learn more about B-Spoke Systems or browse our EPOS hardware products.
EPOS Tills Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between EPOS tills and a cash register?
A cash register records sales and stores cash. EPOS tills do much more, managing stock, connecting to kitchens and online channels, integrating card payments and producing detailed reports.
Can EPOS tills work offline?
Many EPOS systems can continue trading during a temporary internet outage and synchronise when the connection returns. Check how your chosen software handles offline operation.
Are handheld EPOS tills reliable enough for busy venues?
Yes, provided you choose commercial-grade devices and a reliable wireless network. Handhelds handled table ordering for more than 1,200 guests at this event.
Can I see EPOS tills before buying?
Yes. Visit our Leicester showroom to see terminals, handhelds, kiosks and kitchen displays in action.
What devices were used at the event?
The set-up included 12 HM628N mobile tablets for table ordering, 2 HK568 POS terminals, 3 HD220E kitchen display systems and 3 HiStone TP808 thermal printers, all running ICRTouch software.
Can you supply hardware for one-off events?
Yes. We regularly prepare hardware for events, pop-ups and seasonal trading. Talk to us early so we can plan configuration, testing and delivery in good time.
Do you work with resellers?
Yes. Much of our business is with EPOS resellers and software houses. See our trade EPOS hardware page to find out how we support partners.
Do you offer repairs and spare parts?
Yes. Our in-house technicians repair the hardware we supply and hold spare parts in Leicester to keep downtime to a minimum.
How do I get a quote for EPOS tills?
Call 0116 260 3100, email sales@b-spokesystems.com or contact us online.
Thank you to everyone who made the day such a success, and we look forward to supporting many more events across the UK hospitality sector in the years ahead.
About B-Spoke Systems: B-Spoke Systems is a UK EPOS hardware distributor with more than twenty years of experience in EPOS distribution. We supply, configure and support HiStone EPOS hardware for businesses, resellers and software houses. Find out how our EPOS distribution service can support your next rollout.