ClearCourse appoints new Chair of the Board, Simon Black

September 17, 2025

LONDON, 17 September 2025: ClearCourse, a provider of industry-specific software and embedded payment solutions for SMEs and targeted enterprises, today announces the appointment of Simon Black, current Non-Executive Director, as Chair of the Board.   


Simon will support the management team in leading ClearCourse’s next phase of growth, building on the company’s proven vertical software expertise and strength in integrating payment solutions for SMEs. With a clear mission to help small UK businesses grow and compete with enterprise-level technology, Simon brings deep understanding of the software and payments landscape.


Before joining ClearCourse, Simon was the CEO of PPRO which, under his leadership, became a global leader in alternative payments via international expansion and multiple successful funding rounds. Prior to that, Simon was CEO of SagePay, where he led the business to 10× revenue growth. 


The appointment comes at an important phase as the firm builds momentum, having made three strategic acquisitions of growing businesses so far in 2025: Computers for Flooring,  AvonData (Rezcontrol), and Davidson Richards. This supports ClearCourse’s mission to establish a leading presence in key vertical markets and power SME growth with innovative, industry-specific software and payment solutions that puts big tech in the hands of small businesses.



Christina Hamilton, CEO of ClearCourse, said: 

“It is fantastic that Simon has stepped into the role of Chair of the ClearCourse board at such an exciting time in our journey. His experience in supporting founders through business transitions will be invaluable in supporting ClearCourse’s ambitious plans for growth.We look forward to working more closely with him to continue delivering value for all stakeholders.” 


Simon Black, incoming Chair of the Board, added: 

“I am delighted to become the Chair of the Board of ClearCourse, supporting the team to deliver on the mission to help small and mid-size UK businesses to grow - an incredibly tangible and motivating goal, and one that I greatly relate to. SMEs are the backbone of our economy, and in these challenging trading times, technology can be the difference between surviving and thriving. I look forward to supporting ClearCourse’s management team in unlocking opportunity for their customers to scale and prosper, by adopting ClearCourse’s mission-critical sector specific software and embedded payment products.” 

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.”