Small businesses see faster payments as key to better service
Melinda Roylett, managing director, Lloyds Merchant Services: “Lloyds’ From Till to Table report, based on a survey of 250 UK hospitality businesses, shows that 42% of respondents say slow processing is their biggest payment issue. This reflects a wider challenge facing small businesses who rely on pace, turnover and responsiveness to serve customers well.
When checkout is slow, it affects how quickly tables can turn, how efficiently staff work and how smoothly guests experience the service. Delays can also impact how confidently owners manage their cash flow throughout the day. As a result, many businesses are now focusing on speed and certainty at payment to protect service rhythm and support operational confidence.
To achieve this, businesses are bringing payment, point of sale and reporting into one place. This helps reduce friction across service, gives owners a clearer view of performance and supports faster decision-making in areas such as staffing and stock.
For small businesses, improving payment speed is not about chasing technology for its own sake. It is about creating smoother service, freeing up teams and giving owners the confidence to grow.”