OREANDA-NEWS. Universe (AIM:UNG.L), a leading developer and supplier of point of sale, payment and on-line loyalty systems is pleased to announce that it has helped to facilitate an industry first for existing customer, Rontec LLP ("Rontec"), a leading group in the UK petrol forecourt industry, enabling it to provide a new system for charitable giving at the point of sale.

Rontec, which uses Universe subsidiary htec's new generation card acceptance platform GemPAY, has teamed up with registered charity The Pennies Foundation. The charity's digital charity box system Pennies has now been integrated into the GemPAY platform.  This allows Rontec customers when paying by card the option of 'topping up' the sale amount by 25p, making it easy for them to donate to a good cause when purchasing fuel or other goods.  GemPAY facilitates the entire process and handles the consolidated reporting of all charitable giving.   

Bill Ahearn, Managing Director of Rontec, said:

"Universe has been a trusted payment provider to Rontec for many years and their GemPAY payments platform has given us great flexibility and control.  We had no hesitation in trusting them with this sensitive development which has allowed us to achieve an industry first in bringing electronic donations to the forecourt and has already raised thousands of pounds for our chosen charity, the Royal National Institute for the Blind."

Alison Hutchinson, Chief Executive of The Pennies Foundation, said:

"It's fantastic to be working alongside Universe as they make the digital charity box available to even more retailers and their customers.  With the help of leading payments specialists like Universe the Pennies movement is growing faster than ever, supporting the vital work of hundreds of UK charities."

Jeremy Lewis, Chief Executive of Universe, added:

"We are delighted to support Pennies and pleased to be involved with a great charity that helps communities across the UK. We hope the admirable example set by Rontec will be followed by many more retailers."