Asda inks deal with Evolve covering UK grocery retailer’s IT, payment and security systems
Asda has signed a new partnership with Evolve that, it is claimed, will see all 500 Asda Express sites receive faster, more reliable and resilient internet connections that are critical to the operation of its IT, payment and security systems. The multi-year deal involves more than 450 stores being upgraded this year.
Asda operates a variety of Express retail formats, from forecourts to high streets, and each has increasingly data hungry technology, from payment systems to digital media, including the demands of food-on-the-go franchise partners. Evolve is providing a fully managed service that aims to get sites online quicker, using a range of carriers and connections.
Ashley Cowley, Head of Technology Portfolio at Asda, says: "Our Express store expansion is a key part of our growth strategy, and we're committed to ensuring every location delivers the convenient, reliable service our customers depend on. Investing in a new, resilient connectivity infrastructure means our teams can focus on serving customers confidently, knowing the technology behind the scenes is working as it should.”
Alan Stephenson-Brown, CEO at Evolve, comments: "Convenience retail depends on technology that works without compromise. When payment systems fail or security systems go offline, the impact on revenue and customer trust is immediate. Our partnership with Asda shows that reliable connectivity hasn’t been just an IT add-on for the team, but something that underpins its Express growth strategy. We're proud to provide the always-on infrastructure that keeps Asda’s Express stores delivering the fast, seamless experience customers expect."
2026 RTIH Innovation Awards
Physical stores will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.
The awards are now open for entries and celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.
Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Wednesday, 4th November.
Check out our 2025 winners here.
Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC 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.
