Trust Payments expands Pennies micro-donation tech partnership to John Bell & Croyden pharmacy

Trust Retail, part of the Trust Payments Group, has announced implementation of Pennies micro-donation technology at John Bell & Croyden, a London pharmacy dating back to 1798 and a Royal Warrant holder since 1958.

The Pennies functionality has been fully integrated into John Bell & Croyden's PoS application and payment devices, allowing customers to make micro-donations during purchases.

Unlike the standard fixed donation amount used in many retail environments, this deployment will offer variable donation suggestions based on transaction value - recognising the premium nature of many purchases at John Bell & Croyden's Wigmore Street location. The pharmacy has operated at this site since 1912.

These donations will benefit MND Association, improving access to care, research and campaigning for those people living with or affected by motor neurone disease.

This implementation extends Trust Payments' existing partnership with Pennies, including a deployment across all Well Pharmacy stores. Like Well, John Bell & Croyden is part of the Bestway Healthcare Group.

"Following the success of our Pennies integration with Well Pharmacy, we're delighted to extend this technology to John Bell & Croyden," says Mike Dotson, Managing Director at Trust Retail. "This historic pharmacy serves a unique clientele, and we've tailored the donation experience accordingly, with variable donation options based on transaction value. It demonstrates our commitment to flexible payment solutions that serve both businesses and their communities."

Robin Winfield, Operations Director at John Bell & Croyden, says: "John Bell & Croyden has been serving Londoners for over two centuries, and we’re proud to combine our heritage with innovation that supports the wider community.”

“By introducing Pennies at our Wigmore Street store, we’re giving customers a simple, easy way to make a difference when making their everyday purchases. It’s a small gesture that can collectively have a big impact and aligns perfectly with our ethos of care, wellbeing, and social responsibility."

Alison Hutchinson CEO at Pennies, says: “Pennies’ partnership with Trust Retail has been a great success to date, and we’re excited to now extend micro-donations to customers shopping with John Bell & Croyden too. Micro-donations add up quickly, and these customer contributions will mean vital additional support for MND Association and people living with motor neurone disease.”

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Payments will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards. which are now open for entries, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.