Barron McCann acquires majority stake in UK-based retail technology specialist Retail247

Technology services specialist Barron McCann has announced the acquisition of a majority stake in Retail247, a software provider that works with brands including Reiss, Crew Clothing, and Mint Velvet.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Retail247’s platforms - including the Origin product information management solution and Archean, stock and order management platform - will now line up alongside Barron McCann’s existing software suite, which features Merret Pro, a merchandise and warehouse management ERP, and Charity PoS and gift aid management software.  

Scott Watson, Managing Director at Barron McCann, says: “Retail247 is a natural fit for our wider service and solutions portfolio, and this acquisition represents a key step in our expansion strategy.”

“We are continuing to enhance the overall value we deliver to our customers across the group as we continue with our mission to provide a unified approach to technology solutions.”

The deal forms part of Barron McCann’s wider growth strategy, supported by a £50 million group portfolio that includes businesses in managed IT services, helpdesk, structured cabling, digital security, charity retail software, and HR and employment law advisory.

Barron McCann acquires majority stake in UK-based retail technology specialist Retail247

Headquartered in Derby, UK, the compamy supports over 21,000 customer sites nationwide, working with the likes of Papa Johns, Iceland Foods, and Vue Cinemas. London-based Retail247 will continue to operate under its own brand.

Martin Schofield, Founder and CEO at Retail247, says: “Retail247 was founded on the principle of delivering technology projects precisely when and where they’re needed - making technology a true enabler of growth.” 

“Joining forces with Barron McCann brings together two forward thinking organisations with a shared commitment to innovation and customer success. By combining our strengths, we’re accelerating the delivery of intelligent, scalable solutions that help retailers adapt, evolve and thrive in a fast-paced, competitive landscape.”

Chief Innovation Officer, Craig Watson, who is responsible for Barron McCann’s mergers and acquisitions, says: “The addition of Retail247 further strengthens the software offering across our group and is the latest step in our exciting M&A strategy, enabling us to offer a broader and more diverse portfolio of services and solutions.”

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Product information management solutions were a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

VoCoVo, Everseen, Sensei, Gander, Iceland, Olio, Trust Retail, East of England Co-op, Lekkerland SE, Poq, Mamas & Papas, Varner, Sitoo, and Zebra Technologies were among our winners this year.

We received a record number of entries and many fantastic examples of the continued resilience and dynamism of the retail space during hugely challenging times.

For a full rundown of all of the shortlisted entries, click here.

Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC in Central London on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”

“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”

He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”

Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.