A COMPANY advising businesses on processing credit and debit card payments has made a job-creating move to a former pub in Elland.

Acceptcards aims to pull in more business after transferring operations from its unit at Dean Clough Mills in Halifax to larger premises at The Wheatsheaf in Elland.

The move follows significant growth over the past four years – despite the tough economic climate.

Acceptcards is a leading independent consultancy offering expert advice and assistance to any business in relation to processing credit and debit card payments.

Company director Richard Bradley said: “Many businesses naturally turn to their own bank to arrange a card processing facility without realising there is an alternative and often at a much lower cost.

“Our aim is to ensure that all businesses have the opportunity to accept card payments at a fair price and reduce what can be a significant overhead.”

The company was founded in 2005 by ex-bank employees Mark Pearson and Richard Bradley, who saw a need for an independent organisation in this previously overlooked industry.

They worked on a part-time basis until 2007 when they launched full-time and took on their first consultant. By the end of 2008, they had achieved turnover of £100,000 moved into their first office and taken on an additional member of staff to manage the administration.

During the next three years, they saw significant growth – employing a further seven people and moving to Dean Clough. Turnover doubled in 2011 to stand at £230,000.

Mr Pearson said: “Our customer base has doubled in the last three years. The economic situation has actually worked to our advantage – businesses are much more cost-conscious than they used to be and are eager to look at additional ways of saving money.”

He said: “On average, we save our clients around 30% of the costs they receive by going direct to the banks and in 99% of cases our service is free. We have assisted over 4,000 businesses to date with a combined card turnover in excess of £300m.”

The majority of business comes via referral from the firm’s professional partners, which include accountancy networks, trade associations, non-clearing banks and many other professional introducers.

“We have developed a very successful partner programme that is open to any professional individual or organisation whose clients or members can benefit from our service,” said Mr Bradley.

“We work with small IFAs and accountants to national trade associations such as The Forum of Private Business.

By the first quarter of 2012, Acceptcards again found itself at capacity. Turnover had increased by more than 50% to £370,000 and further expansion planned for the year ahead meant a search for new premises.

The company came across The Wheatsheaf at Briggate and knew on first viewing it would be perfect.

Said Mr Pearson: “The building was recently refurbished and has been finished to a really high standard.

“We regularly travel to and from London for meetings, so it’s really convenient for motorway access. Everyone is delighted with their new spacious work stations and with staff travelling from all over the region we think we made the right decision in choosing Elland.”

Now Acceptcards plans to recruit a further two members of staff this year and a projected turnover of £500,000 by 2013.