Startup Q&A: Phil Wood, Founder, Bulldog Kiosks

RTIH: Tell us about Bulldog Kiosks

PW: Bulldog Kiosks provides digital solutions through its range of self-service desktop and freestanding kiosks. We have created a portfolio of cutting edge and digitally innovative kiosks to suit the ever increasing diversity of the marketplaces we serve.

Our team have a plethora of experience in technology, today focusing on building relationships in the retail industry, with a great understanding of your marketplace and digital applications. 

All of our kiosks are designed and manufactured in the UK, with a fully scalable operation assisting all sizes of company from startups and SMEs to large corporates.

RTIH: What was the inspiration behind setting the company up?

PW: I love technology. My studies were marketing engineering and I have been designing and building ‘stuff’ since I was a boy. After creating go to market plans for other technology startups, I decided at the end of 2018 to go it alone after having my eureka moment - that the world needs a personalised gift card dispensing kiosk. 

I am very proud of the UK's invention heritage and the Bulldog name and logo came around from the Churchill era, portraying quality and strength of brand Britain. 

Despite what’s happening in the economic side of the world at the moment, I truly believe that designs from the UK are well respected with continued demand for the ‘Made in Britain' tag.

RTIH: What has been the industry reaction thus far?

PW: Wonderful! With my hand on my heart I have not had any negativity about my range of kiosks and especially the gift card applications.

Many UK retailers have a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme and having the Bulldog team design, build and roll-out kiosks from within the UK is a big plus point. 

Also of interest: Decathlon deploys Bulldog Kiosks digital tech

The kiosk can autonomously take payments, hence there are queue busting and labour savings for the retailers. The reaction of the kiosk providing a return on investment means the industry is very favourable to a proof of concept, then roll-out.

RTIH: What has been your biggest challenge/setback?

PW: The UK retail world moves more slowly than I envisaged. Feedback is very positive, but then the actual decision-making process is lengthy.

I have dealt with North American channels and indeed it has been a learning curve to adapt to a different culture. That said, once a decision is made, the kiosk only takes eight weeks to produce so timeframes can be planned accordingly.

RTIH: What are the biggest challenges facing the omnichannel retail sector right now?

PW: For all channels there is uncertainty due to the ‘B’ word.  My kiosk provides labour savings as it works as a semi robot with its automation. It cuts queues and helps staff because it is self-explanatory and hence a productive piece of kit for the retailer. To me, any digital signage that provides an upsell is positive in today’s challenging environment.

RTIH: What's the best question about your company or the market asked of you recently by a.) an investor and b.) a customer?

PW: Personalisation is the industry buzz word. Investors see the opportunity this as a revenue generator, and hence the swift, positive returns.

Also of interest: Bulldog Kiosks announces WEBREW partnership

The upsell and cross sell opportunities for a retailer are vast, hence the best question was …. ‘How quickly can you produce your kiosks from scratch?’ (The answer is approximately eight weeks lead time from PO).

b) How many personalised gift cards can the kiosk print - I have the whole family to buy for. The answer is one gift card per minute.

RTIH: What can we expect to see from Bulldog Kiosks over the next 12 months?

PW: You can see Bulldog expanding its kiosk range into the UK high street with five to six big brands. Equally our Access Control business will see sales go to large customers across the Middle East and Europe.   

The challenge will be to keep up with the requests and opportunities as we expand. Content Management System software is ever popular with retailers as the opportunity of utilising the kiosks 22” touchscreen provide extra advertising revenues and return of investment for them via supplier advertising.