ClearCourse acquires UK’s leading legacy management software provider Clear

January 19, 2023

London 19 January 2023 – ClearCourse, a leading group of market-leading technology brands providing integrated software and payments solutions, today announces the acquisition of Clear. Focusing on market-leading software solutions for the non-profit and transport sectors, Clear will expand ClearCourse’s established and growing footprint while creating new opportunities within the transport sector. This deal is the first of the year for ClearCourse and follows the recent appointment of CEO Christina Hamilton.


Clear’s solutions are designed with specific customer needs in mind to streamline its customers’ processes and operations. Its flagship product in the not-for-profit space, FirstClass, is the UK’s leading legacy donation management software, helping over 100 charities and not-for-profits maximise their income from legacy donations. Similarly, the company’s Clear Cross and Clear Logistics systems help transport operators process revenues and manage logistics. The company also specialises in creating bespoke systems to help its customers with various business processes such as contract recording, claims handling and data storing. Clear supports over 100 globally recognised, leading charities and businesses such as Oxfam, the NSPCC, Cancer Research UK and National Express.


Based in Chorley, Lancashire, and with a team across the North West of the UK, Clear’s acquisition represents a further expansion of ClearCourse’s presence in the region following the opening of its Northern Tech Hub last year in nearby Preston. Clear shares a range of integration opportunities with ClearCourse’s existing software offerings, creating significant extra value for customers. For instance, brands within ClearCourse’s Membership Services Division will have the chance to benefit customers through the integration of Clear’s FirstClass offering. Clear’s customers will also benefit from ClearCourse’s horizontal solutions, including integrated payments, investment, resources and expertise.


John Antunes, Managing Director of ClearCourse Software and Services division, said:


“This acquisition is undoubtedly an excellent addition to ClearCourse’s software solutions for the not-for-profit sector. We’re very excited by the integration and growth potential inherent in the deal, which brings new opportunities for us to work better together across the group. For example, Clear’s customers can access our market-leading CRM platforms and address validation services. We’re also excited by the opportunity to learn from such an experienced team at Clear, who we’re delighted to welcome to ClearCourse.”


Jan Rathbone and Ian Parker, Directors of Clear, said:


“We’re very pleased to share that Clear will become part of ClearCourse. At a time when the company is looking to grow and develop to the next stage of our journey, ClearCourse is the perfect fit for Clear. We’re excited to work with a wide range of impressive products. ClearCourse offers and for Clear to benefit from their support and investment in 2023 and beyond.”


The financial terms of the deal are undisclosed. 

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.”