As cash becomes less prominent in the UK, a range of businesses, charities and cash-dependent social groups are figuring out ways to adapt.
Ross Brown, owner of Browns of Brockley in south-east London, one of the capital’s cash-free cafes
I had been on holiday to Stockholm and Denmark with my girlfriend and our son and realised on returning to the UK that we just hadn’t taken out any cash – which I thought was pretty cool considering we went to lots of little, independent coffee shops.
got to thinking what it would be like if we didn’t use cash any more at work. We already had a relatively high number of card transactions, probably around 60-70% of all transactions. I also hate going to the bank and constantly counting coins and notes every day, and weekly cashing up and banking was at least half a day’s work. There’s also safety – I feel much more comfortable now that we don’t have thousands of pounds stashed somewhere in the building.
In terms of transaction fees, we don’t really lose out because there is an associated cost in accepting cash. I also like the fact that by only accepting cards there is the underlying message to our customers that we declare everything we accept. I’m not anti-tax: I’m proud to employ people, pay them properly and contribute to the economy and society.
We are still frequently asked by visitors on arrival if we take cards. Perhaps this is more to do with the demographic of our visitors than anything else.
Visitors are often relieved when they hear a yes – because often they are not carrying cash. It’s worth saying that the closure of bank branches nearby has clearly had an effect on people carrying cash – and may be more likely to force more cashless transactions.
Like the rest of the rural businesses I know, we take card transactions using a card machine with a landline. The connection is slow and we often joke with our customers about how things are a little slower out in the countryside.
We are considering moving to a system that needs an internet connection for card payments. There are certainly cost savings with this sort of system. However, I am still reluctant, because of the speed and unreliability of the internet here.
