A Vesta Education Success Story
At Vesta Education, we’re proud to support our portfolio of specialist brands as they transform education technology across the UK. One of our standout brands, Uniware, is leading the way in modernising catering systems in further and higher education. Their recent work with Tyne Coast College exemplifies what’s possible when expertise, innovation, and commitment to service come together.
Taking Control of Catering Operations
In December 2023, Tyne Coast College made a bold move to bring their catering services in-house, ending their reliance on a contract caterer. This strategic change required a rapid turnaround—an advanced, scalable EPoS system had to be deployed and operational across multiple sites in under three months.
That’s when the college turned to Uniware, a trusted partner in delivering intelligent, reliable EPoS solutions across the education sector.
The Challenge: Time-Pressure and Complexity
With only weeks to act, the college needed a system that could:
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Replace ageing hardware across three campuses and 10 tills
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Handle complex menu management
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Integrate seamlessly with payment platforms
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Deliver real-time data for operational insight
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Scale with the college’s expansion plans, including a new building due in 2025
Uniware’s deep experience in education, modular platform design, and project agility made them the clear choice.
The Solution: Delivered by Uniware, Backed by Vesta Education
Uniware implemented a complete EPoS system transformation at Tyne Coast College in just two months. Working closely with hardware partner Oxhoo, they deployed ONIX645 Fixed Tills—chosen for their reliability, ease of use, and long-term serviceability.
“We are thrilled to be working in close partnership with Uniware. Their expertise and dedication made this collaboration incredibly smooth.”
— Sarah Appleby, UK Managing Director, Oxhoo
Key features of the deployment included:
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Centralised menu management, enabling weekly rotations across sites
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Integration with Upay, giving staff and students mobile top-up, order-ahead, and fast payment functionality
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Customisable reporting tools, helping leadership easily track spending, including free school meals
“Wow, this system is light years ahead of other EPoS providers. The transition, support, and aftercare have been flawless.”
— Eamonn Murphy, Soft Services Manager, Tyne Coast College
Real Results: Flexibility, Insight, and Long-Term Value
Beyond immediate functionality, Uniware’s platform gave Tyne Coast College the tools to future-proof their operations. When Eamonn Murphy needed detailed reports on FSM spend, Uniware’s project team, led by James Smith, offered tailored reporting options—including automated schedules—to reduce admin workload and provide instant oversight.
The solution is already paying dividends. With a streamlined service, clearer data, and a system built for growth, the college is now well-equipped for its next phase—including the opening of a new building in 2025.
“Oxhoo was our top choice for this project due to their excellent collaboration, outstanding service, and proven reliability. We were confident they could deliver the perfect technology solution within the tight time frame required by Tyne Coast.”
— Jon Ellery, Business Development Manager, Uniware
Supporting the Sector: Vesta Education’s Commitment
At Vesta Education, we’re proud to spotlight the exceptional work Uniware is doing across the college and university sector. This success story at Tyne Coast College is just one example of how Uniware is helping institutions transition to in-house catering with confidence, speed, and long-term value.
As more colleges take back control of their catering operations, Uniware continues to lead the market in scalable, future-ready EPoS technology—delivered with outstanding service.
