Refreshment Systems Shortlisted for National Retail Technology Award

Refreshment Systems Ltd (RSL), a family-run retail technology company, has been shortlisted for the Most Disruptive Retail Technology Award at the Retail Systems Awards (opens in a new tab).

The shortlist recognises RSL’s Vendsmart technology, a new software platform developed to transform how vending machines operate. While Vendsmart looks like a vending machine, it runs on completely new software that turns it into a fully automated point of sale.

The system includes age verification, digital advertising, cashless payments, real-time sales data, and automated stock control. It enables retailers to sell a wide range of products in a secure and compliant way without the need for staff on site.

The Retail Systems Awards recognise companies that are changing how retail works and delivering measurable impact for customers and operators.

Steve May at Refreshment Systems, said:

“We built Vendsmart because we could see a clear opportunity to do more with automated retail. This shortlist recognises the work our team has put into developing the software and bringing it to market. We are proud to see the technology recognised at a national level.”

Vendsmart is being deployed in workplaces, leisure venues, transport locations, and other high-footfall environments. It allows retailers to expand into new spaces while improving efficiency and gaining better data to manage performance.

Winners will be announced at the Retail Systems Awards later this year.