RBS and i-Design agree deal

by Richard Kilner

Story link: RBS and i-Design agree deal

The Royal Bank of Scotland has agreed a deal with advertising technology firm i-Design which will see the company become the software supplier for RBS’ substantial chain of cash machines.

The contract, the largest ever signed by i-Design, will see its coverage of UK cash machines extend to 44%.

The firm has confirmed it is currently negotiating with prospective buyers in the Middle East and Europe.

Over 6,000 RBS cash machines will now use the software offered by i-Design.

RBS has more cash machines in the UK than any other bank, and include those under the NatWest and Ulster names as well as Tesco’s.

The software i-Design has provided to the banking giant enables advertisers, such as the British government, to market their goods on-screen.

This is the fourth deal i-Design has successfully completed with a British bank, the third coming just four months ago with Alliance & Leicester.

The firm was founded in 1991 by chief executive Ana Stewart, who is very pleased to see the company striking ever larger deals.

Large banks and the free machines they possess are the primary clientele for i-Design, she stated, though the firm would be willing to speak with other potential customers as well.

Stewart explained that she was unconcerned by any problems with on-screen advertising, as the adverts occupy space during transactions that would otherwise be filled with a symbol such as an egg timer.

Last year the firm was floated on the Alternative Investment Market, with an initial value of £10m.