Refreshing businesses since 1967
About us
For almost six decades, Refreshment Systems has been helping organisations across the UK provide better coffee, food, drink and retail experiences.
Standards you can trust
- and more…
Who are we
Refreshing businesses since 1967
For almost six decades, Refreshment Systems has been helping organisations across the UK provide better coffee, food, drink and retail experiences.
Founded in 1967, we have grown from a family-run Yorkshire business into a national provider of coffee machines, vending solutions, smart retail technology, water systems and specialist healthcare refreshment solutions.
But while our technology and reach have changed, our approach remains the same: reliable service, long-term relationships and solutions designed around our customers.
- Nearly 60 years of experience
- National UK coverage
- Family-owned business
- Award-winning innovation
What We Do
What makes us different?
We provide complete refreshment and unattended retail solutions for organisations across healthcare, education, business and industry, retail, hospitality, leisure and contract catering. From a single coffee machine to large-scale estates containing dozens of connected vending machines, our team can manage the complete solution.
- Technology
Connected telemetry and smart technology for better control, stock management and servicing.
- Vending and Smart Retail
Snacks, drinks, fresh food, hot meals and flexible smart retail solutions.
- 24/7 Service
24/7 vending, hot food solutions and specialist NHS Ward Beverage Trolleys.
- Service and Support
Nationwide support from engineers, operators and account teams, backed by live telemetry.
Our History
Nearly six decades of innovation
Our achievements:
1967
Company was founded
Company founded by Duncan Balmforth
1994
Company changed hands
Alistair Balmforth took over the company from his father Duncan
2008
Carbon Zero
RSL became the first Carbon Zero vending company
2011
Ward Beverage Trolley
The first RSL Ward Beverage Trolley was introduced
2017
50 years old
RSL celebrated 50 years with the launch of Balmforth and Co coffee brand
2024
Oakhouse Foods
Oakhouse Foods partnership was formed
2026
Award winners
Nominated for more than nine awards and winner of a Vendies award.
Award-Winning and Industry Recognised
Innovation that solves real problems
We continue to push what vending and unattended retail can do through VendSmart technology, telemetry, cashless payments, digital advertising and smart retail solutions. Our partnership with Oakhouse Foods also brought 24/7 access to hot, nutritious meals into workplaces and healthcare environments. In 2026, this innovation was recognised across the industry, with RSL named a finalist in seven Vendies categories:
- Vendies: Winner Collaboration of the Year
Winner of the Collaboration of the Year for our partnership with Oakhouse Foods
- Vendies: Highly Commended for Best Vending Project
Highly Commended for Best Vending Project for VendSmart Connect
- Shortlisted: Bradford Business Awards
Shortlisted for Innovation of the Year award at Telegraph & Argus Bradford Business Awards
- Shortlisted: Most Disruptive Retail Technology
Shortlisted for the UK's Most Disruptive Retail Technology at The Retail Systems Awards
Areas we cover
Nationwide coverage, local support
From our Yorkshire roots, we support customers across the UK with vending, coffee, smart retail, healthcare and refreshment solutions.
With depots in Bradford, Derby, Sunderland and Croydon, we provide responsive service and support to customers across the UK.
- Nearly 60 years of experience
- National UK coverage
- Family-owned business
- Award-winning innovation
We have used Refreshment Systems for many years now and always had a good service. Jill looked after us really well giving us a good, competitive quote and visited us to talk through and look at the area we were planning on using for the new canteen. The new machines arrived on time and were up and running quickly and all the employees are now enjoying the new options they are now being offered.
Book a demo
Want to work with us?
Tell us a little about your sites and one of our team will come back within one working day. No hard sell, no obligation.
- General enquiries0800 169 3686
- Service department01274 750 008
- Order ingredients01226 720 482