BOLTON-based software specialist Nisyst has been named a finalist in a major competition after developing a system to help charities receive Gift Aid.

The firm has won a place in the Software Innovation of the Year category for the Digital Entrepreneur Awards 2015.

It developed Full Scan Mode (FSM) software following feedback from The Children’s Society that Gift Aid was not being collected on all items because the collection functionality could be by-passed at point of sale.

The first of its kind on the market, the new software ensures the 100 per cent capture of Gift Aid to maximise revenue and minimise admin.

Paul Tate, new business manager at The Children’s Society said: “Nisyst’s CHARiot Full Scan Mode has removed any margin for error in our shops and has significantly increased Gift Aid capture, adding £500-£800 per week to the bottom line, which is a total of approximately £26,000 - £41,000 per year.

“Thanks to Nisyst’s can-do approach to enhancing their already impressive software, our EPoS is always aligned to our revenue growth strategy and supports our expanding retail network. I am delighted they have been shortlisted and wish them the very best of luck on the night.”

Every year, UK charities lose out on millions of pounds in Gift Aid that has not been collected, either because they use manual cash till and paper-based Gift Aid management systems, or because the Gift Aid collection functionality on their existing EPoS system can be avoided.

Bob Chunilal, managing director at Nisyst, added: “Retail Gift Aid is worth £60 million a year, and much of this is lost through ineffective Gift Aid collection — so we developed a solution to help charities maximise margins.

“Our unique CHARiot system was designed with the user in mind and is the only solution of its kind on the market. CHARiot not only captures 100 per cent of Gift Aid through its Full Scan Mode (FSM) function, but allows easy access to efficient management tools including full tracking and stock control.

“We are delighted to be shortlisted in the category. To be recognised for continuously innovating software for our customers is fantastic and we’re looking forward to the awards ceremony.”

Winners of The Digital Entrepreneur Awards will be announced at the Palace Hotel, Manchester, on Wednesday 11 November 2015.