ClearCourse acquires motor trade software provider Garage Data Systems

December 15, 2020

London | 15 December 2020 - ClearCourse Partnership LLP (“ClearCourse” or “the Group”), a group of innovative technology companies providing useful, integrated software solutions, has acquired Garage Data Systems (“GDS” or “the Company”). GDS creates and delivers intuitive business software for motor trade professionals across the UK and Ireland. This deal represents the 23rd company acquired by ClearCourse, and the first in the motor industry.


GDS was founded in 2006 to meet a growing demand for affordable and simple garage management software solutions in the motoring industry. It offers a comprehensive suite of services to make life easier for motor trade professionals, including workshop management systems, fleet, stock, and sales management tools, and a commercial vehicle management platform. GDS has also developed a specialised platform for boat management to meet its clients’ evolving needs.


ClearCourse has consistently delivered innovative solutions for its Group companies, and we’re certain they are the right partner to help us do the same for our clients.


Paul Setterfield – Managing Director, Garage Data Systems


From its headquarters in Beverley, Yorkshire, GDS caters to over 1500 clients throughout the UK and Ireland. To date it has installed its systems in more than 2000 garages and workshops across the two countries. By becoming part of the ClearCourse Group, GDS will gain access to a range of new value-added services, including the nascent ClearAccept payments platform. Using the new platform, and associated technologies that ClearCourse has developed within the Group, GDS will be able to offer remote and mobile payments which are in increasing demand due to the global pandemic.


Gerry Gualtieri, CEO of ClearCourse, commented: “I’m very happy to welcome the Garage Data Systems team to the ClearCourse Group. In addition to helping us expand into a new vertical sector, we see numerous opportunities to capitalise on synergies across the Group in GDS. In particular, there is a clear opportunity to build upon the customer experience and provide additional payment options, including online and mobile payments. We look forward to working closely with the team over the coming years.”


Paul Setterfield, MD of Garage Data Systems, said: “I’m incredibly proud of what we have achieved over the past 16 years as a business. We’ve always striven to deliver market leading products that improve efficiency in our customer’s businesses and deliver a tangible return on investment for them. ClearCourse has consistently delivered innovative solutions for its Group companies, and we’re certain they are the right partner to help us do the same for our clients.”

A member of staff at a farm shop smiles as she operates an EPOS terminal

Software and Payments Specialist ClearCourse Acquires Cloud-Based Retail Software Provider, Davidson Richards

July 29, 2025
LONDON 29 July 2025: ClearCourse, the provider of industry-specific software and embedded payment solutions for SMEs, announces the acquisition of Davidson Richards, a leading retail management and EPOS (electronic point of sale) systems provider. Davidson Richards provides cloud-based management and EPOS systems tailored to the retail industry. Founded in 1977 and based in Derby, Davidson Richards launched its flagship product, OpSuite, in 2012 after recognising the need to address gaps left by off-the-shelf products. Today, OpSuite enables retailers to centralise and streamline operations by integrating with core systems such as accounting software, eCommerce platforms, mobile and loyalty applications, and warehousing. Trusted by many leading garden centres – a sector where OpSuite has established a strong reputation – its extensive functionality also makes it suitable for a broad range of sectors, including grocery, fashion, and furniture. Joining the ClearCourse group will enable Davidson Richards to expand their offerings, providing customers with in-house payment and eCommerce solutions. By offering these in partnership with other specialist ClearCourse companies, Davidson Richards will be able to focus on building new client relationships and to profile the benefits of OpSuite to new retail market segments. Led by a long-serving expert team including ex-retailers, Davidson Richards offers its clients consultancy, training, bespoke development and dedicated in-house support. Their customer centric approach means that many of the Davidson Richards team are directly involved in technical or support delivery for clients to provide greater value to its clients. ClearCourse aims to become the engine powering small and medium businesses across the UK by putting big tech solutions in the hands of founders and their growing businesses. Davidson Richards offers a clear opportunity for ClearCourse to deepen its presence in the retail sector, and its long-standing, loyal customer base and experienced team closely align with ClearCourse’s culture and values. Christina Hamilton, CEO of ClearCourse said: “We are delighted to welcome Davidson Richards into the ClearCourse group as part of our Retail & Hospitality Software vertical. OpSuite is a market leading product that is well positioned to expand its innovative offering into new sectors. We are excited about the natural integration this partnership enables, as OpSuite will be able to offer in-house payment and other commerce enabling solutions through the wider ClearCourse group products.” Keith Bateman, Sales Director at Davidson Richards said: “This acquisition marks an exciting new chapter for our business and customers. Joining the ClearCourse group will enable us to enhance the service we offer our customers, particularly through the introduction of an in-house Electronic Funds Transfer solution. ClearCourse is the ideal partner to help us to grow the business through an increased investment into marketing and to reach more customers.”

ClearCourse welcomes new Chief Financial Officer, Sacha Bielawski

June 25, 2025
LONDON, 25 June 2025 : ClearCourse, a provider of industry-specific software and embedded payment solutions for SMEs and targeted enterprises, today announced the appointment of Sacha Bielawski as Chief Financial Officer, effective immediately. Sacha will lead ClearCourse’s financial strategy, working with senior leaders to accelerate organic growth, drive profitable sales, and deliver the company’s goal of being a leading engine powering small and mid-sized businesses across the UK. Before joining ClearCourse, Sacha spent nearly nine years as Chief Financial Officer at Coople, a leading digital staffing agency, where he led corporate expansion initiatives and oversaw the Group’s financial strategy. He has also held senior roles within private equity and investment firms, where he focused on identifying and scaling high-potential businesses through strategic M&A, financial restructuring and investment projects across Europe and the US. Sacha builds on the achievements of Mark Grafton who will be leaving the company later this month. “We’re delighted to welcome Sacha Bielawski as ClearCourse’s new CFO at this exciting time in the company’s continued evolution” said Christina Hamilton, CEO. “His extensive expertise in scaling businesses, leading growth acceleration programmes and driving innovation and efficiency will be instrumental in delivering our next phase of growth.” “I am delighted to join ClearCourse at such a pivotal time in its journey,” Sacha Bielawski said . “I believe the company is well-positioned to capitalise on the convergence of software and payments, an accelerating trend that presents compelling organic growth opportunities over the coming years. “As ClearCourse continues to acquire software companies in high growth verticals, I look forward to leveraging my entrepreneurial experience to engage with business owners considering a partnership with ClearCourse and to support them post-acquisition to grow further within our platform. “ClearCourse is a business with significant potential, and I am excited to contribute to its next chapter of growth and long-term value creation.”