Call us on 01293 601111 or email us at info@rapidata.co.uk

let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

But be sure of your business continuity

It is hard to think when the weather is so mild that snow could be just round the corner but we’ve seen snow as late as April in recent years and as I write there’s heavy snow falling on the continent.  In what can be a childhood delight of snowmen, snow balls and days off school, a white blanketed landscape can also be an operational nightmare for many offices.  In just the last two years we’ve seen heavy snowfall bring the UK to a standstill, with many organisations being caught out because their staff were unable to get to work.

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It’s official – Rapidata is ‘Excellent’

On the 12th January 2012 our company underwent a rigorous inspection by Bacs, the financial industry’s body responsible for the schemes behind the clearing and settlement of automated payments in the UK. And I am pleased to report that Rapidata Services Plc is an ‘Excellent’ Bacs Approved Bureau. That’s not us saying it but Bacs giving Rapidata the highest level awarded in its ratings.

Fifteen years ago, Rapidata started managing and processing Direct Debit payments for all types of organisations. Over the years, technology, Bacs submission procedures, and guidelines have all changed and evolved. But one thing has stayed the same, the drive for Rapidata to give all its clients a tailored Direct Debit management service that fits their requirements, and to continually invest, innovate and improve to be the best in what we do.

The Bacs Approved Bureaux Scheme assesses the technical competence and operational integrity of the bureau. An inspection is carried out every three years and rates 5 categories determined through the high level assessment of business practices, standards, procedures and controls for the provision of Direct Debit and Direct Credit services.

In passing our inspection with flying colours we can continue to help your organisation make and receive payments as easily, securely and cost effectively as possible, assured in the knowledge that Rapidata’s approved services and training all meet the meticulous quality requirements developed by Bacs.

Click here to learn more about our Direct Debit Managed Service

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Whats new in the January 2012 online fundraising release

We’re excited to tell you about about the upcoming release of the Artez online fundraising system.

This update is full of new web, social and mobile fundraising features to enhance your online fundraising.

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Together for short lives

Rapidata is pleased to be exhibiting for the first time at the ‘Together for Short Lives fundraising and communications’ conference 2012.

The Conference is taking place on Thursday 9th – 10th February 2012 at The Paragon Hotel, Birmingham and Rapidata will be one of a select number of exhibitors discussing online fundraising, direct debit management and regular giving management.

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New Bacs Direct Debit and Direct Credit Scheme Rules

If you process Direct Debits or Direct Credit files, it is vital to ensure you keep up to date with the latest Bacs Guide and Rules.

The latest version has just been made available online by clicking on the links below:

The Service User’s Guide and Rules to the Direct Debit Scheme version 3.5

The Service User’s Guide and Rules to the Bacs Direct Credit Scheme version 1.2

Access to the Guides and for registered users and require a username and password. If you haven’t registered, it is very easy to do so by clicking here.

Rapidata will be reviewing the new changes and will be informing our clients in due course. These are shown at the beginning of the Guides.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact your Sponsoring Bank, your Rapidata Account Manager or emailing our support desk support@rapidata.co.uk.

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CHASE conference

Rapidata is pleased to be exhibiting again at this year’s twentieth anniversary Charities and Associations Exhibition – CHASE 2012, taking place on 15th – 16th February 2012 at the Business Design Center, London.

Registration is free of charge and for advance registration, please go to the CHASE website.

Rapidata will be on hand during the two days on STAND 1 to discuss any Direct Debit questions, online payment or fundraising questions you may have. If you would prefer to organise a one to one meeting or demostration of any of our services, please do not hesitate to contact us on 01293 60 11 11.

We look forward to seeing you there.

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Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from everyone at Rapidata

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Christmas Opening Hours

During the Christmas holidays, Rapidata will be contactable on the following days:

Monday 26th: CLOSED

Tuesday 27th: CLOSED

Wednesday 28th: 10am – 4pm

Thursday 29th: 10am – 4pm

Friday 30th: 10am – 4pm

Monday 2nd: CLOSED

Tuesday 3rd: 9am – 5:30pm (normal office hours resume)

Rapidata switchboard 01293 60 11 11

Rapidata Support 01293 60 11 10 ( support@rapidata.co.uk )

We would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

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Payments Council – ensure your systems are up to date

Payments Council takes action to support businesses and charities who accept Direct Debits or make Direct Credit payments

Last month Payments Council contacted more than 50,000 UK businesses and charities to notify them, that from 1st January 2012, they need to make sure whatever system they use to check a new customer’s sort code is correct and is updated at least monthly, preferably weekly.  By doing this they will be best protecting their business or charity from the risk of an automated payment failing.

This important change has come about because new sort codes are being issued far more frequently as more new financial institutions and products emerge. Out-of-date sort code reference information could result in a new customer’s sort code being wrongly rejected, leading to customer complaints and potentially lost business or donations.

Businesses and charities usually check sort codes using a reference information database, which is likely to be updated in downloads from the organisation’s payment solutions supplier. Customers, supporters or suppliers provide their bank account number and six digit sort code if they want to pay by Direct Debit or be paid by Bacs Direct Credit.

Hilary Plattern, Director of Strategy, Payments Council says:
Whether you are a satellite TV supplier or a small charity, if you accept automated payments from customers it is critical that the system you use to check a new customer’s sort code is correct and is kept bang up-to-date. If it isn’t and a sort code is wrongly rejected, a customer’s patience can be tested and their business can quickly be lost.  This is why we are trying to make contact with every business and charity who could be impacted.

Anyone wanting to find out more can contact their bank, commercial provider or alternatively VocaLink if they purchase the Industry Sort Code Directory direct from them.

The Payments Council is also reminding businesses and charities that front-line staff in call centres and their websites all need access to, and need to be using, up-to-date sort code reference data.

As part of this change Bacs Payment Scheme Rules will require businesses and charities – that are payment originators – to ensure that their Bacstel-IP related software and other payments-related databases and applications are up-dated with fresh sort code data at least monthly.  Previously the requirement was at least quarterly.

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Rapidata Team take part in Movember

Throughout November, three of the Rapidata team have been growing moustaches, much to the amusement of others, as part of Movember.

On this the final day of Movember, a big congratulations to Scott, Daragh and Adam for raising over £300 and to all those that supported their efforts. Rapidata will be matching the donations bringing the actual total to over £600!! The money raised goes towards Prostate Cancer and Testicular Cancer initiatives.

“This is the first time I have grown a moustache and possibly my last! It was however great to be part of a huge fundraising effort and I am very happy the Rapidata team reached it’s personal £300 goal.”

Scott Gray

“A Great cause supported, good laugh and impressive team result!
Though I think I can speak for all three of us when I say, we are looking forward to the shave tonight!”

Daragh Everett

“I’m very pleased with the effort and it’s been fun (and itchy) raising money this Movember. I can’t wait to have a good shave later. You know what they say, hair today, gone tomorrow…”

Adam Denman

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