Chris Cartmell: Driving Innovation and Growth in Hospitality Technology
In the dynamic and ever-evolving hospitality industry, technology plays a crucial role in shaping customer experience, streamlining operations, and boosting profitability. At the forefront of this revolution stands Chris Cartmell, a seasoned leader with over a decade of experience in hospitality software. As the Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) at NFS Restaurant Technology, Chris has made a significant impact by helping restaurants, bars, and hotels embrace innovative solutions that enhance customer journeys, improve operational efficiency, and safeguard against fraud. This article explores Chris Cartmell’s educational background, extensive professional experience, and his contributions to the hospitality technology landscape.
Early Life and Education
Chris Cartmell’s foundation for a successful career in business and technology began with his education at St Mary’s College, where he studied Business and Politics at A Levels between 1995 and 1998. This academic grounding provided him with a keen understanding of business operations, strategic management, and communication — all essential skills that would underpin his future leadership roles. The combination of business acumen and an interest in political structures likely sharpened his ability to navigate complex organisational environments and stakeholder relationships, essential qualities for his later success in the hospitality technology sector.
Early Career and Industry Experience
NEC Europe Ltd – Corporate Sales Executive
Chris’s career commenced at NEC Europe Ltd, where he worked as a Corporate Sales Executive from November 1998 to May 2000. In this role, he was responsible for managing relationships with corporate end users, resellers, and distributors of NEC’s plasma display monitors. This position offered valuable exposure to technology sales and customer engagement, laying the groundwork for his future roles focused on delivering technological solutions in complex markets.
Owl Visual Systems – National Sales Manager
From May 2002 to January 2008, Chris served as the National Sales Manager at Owl Visual Systems. Managing a team of five external salespeople and an internal sales desk, he oversaw 3,000 resellers of audiovisual equipment. During this period, he consistently exceeded sales targets, demonstrating his ability to lead teams, build strong client relationships, and drive revenue growth. This role also allowed him to refine his expertise in managing reseller networks and sales operations across regions.
Vertical Consulting – Consultant
Between December 2007 and September 2008, Chris worked as a Consultant at Vertical Consulting, providing strategic sales and marketing advice for multiple companies. He played a crucial role in formulating business strategies and raising capital to launch Cleveland Financial Services (CFS). His clients included diverse companies like Sanyo and The Body Workshop, further expanding his breadth of experience across sectors.
Entrepreneurial Ventures
Easitech – Co-Founder
In 2008, Chris co-founded Easitech, the direct sales brand of Cleveland Financial Services Limited, which provided technology solutions for hospitality and business sectors. Easitech functioned as a one-stop technology shop, offering equipment and software designed to meet the evolving needs of restaurants, bars, and hotels. The venture was pivotal in positioning Chris as an entrepreneur with deep insights into the technology needs of hospitality businesses.
Easi Finance – Commercial Director and Co-Founder
Alongside Easitech, Chris also co-founded Easi Finance in 2008, serving as Commercial Director until 2014. Easi Finance specialised in alternative financing solutions, helping technology suppliers and resellers access equipment financing through in-house rental books. Under brands like Easi Rental, Easi Purchase, and Easi Lease, the company approached every proposal uniquely, underwriting finance where traditional lenders could not. This innovative approach not only supported the growth of technology in hospitality but also demonstrated Chris’s knack for identifying and solving market gaps.
TVTechnologies – Co-Founder
From 2010 to 2013, Chris co-founded TVTechnologies, a company dedicated to installing, servicing, and maintaining audiovisual, IT, CCTV, and EPOS equipment across the UK. Serving a variety of clients including equipment suppliers and leisure operators, this venture added a vital technical services dimension to his portfolio and deepened his understanding of integrated hospitality technology solutions.
Golfzon Golf Simulator – UK Importer
Between 2010 and 2014, Chris was the exclusive UK importer for Golfzon Golf Simulator, a leading brand in indoor golf simulation technology. This role illustrated his ability to introduce innovative, tech-driven leisure products to the UK market, diversifying his experience beyond traditional hospitality software into broader leisure technology sectors.
NFS Restaurant Technology: Leadership and Innovation
Joining NFS Restaurant Technology
In September 2014, Chris Cartmell joined NFS Restaurant Technology, initially heading sales and marketing. He held this position until March 2022, overseeing significant growth and solidifying the company’s reputation as a leading provider of hospitality software solutions in the UK.
In March 2022, Chris was promoted to Chief Commercial Officer (CCO). In this senior role, he manages the sales, marketing, and customer success teams, while also spearheading strategic partnerships with key industry players such as NCR Aloha and Paytronix. His leadership focuses on driving growth by delivering innovative, tailored solutions that address the operational and customer experience challenges faced by hospitality businesses.
Driving Growth and Innovation
Under Chris’s stewardship, NFS Restaurant Technology has partnered with high-profile clients including BrewDog, Din Tai Fung, Balans, Coyote Ugly, Mahiki, Oowee, Giraffe, Ed’s Diners, Gaucho, Chelsea FC, and Gloucester Rugby. These partnerships highlight the company’s versatility, serving establishments ranging from fine dining restaurants and quick-service chains to sports venues.
Chris’s work centres on improving several critical areas for hospitality businesses:
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Enhancing the Customer Journey: By deploying cloud-based EPOS systems, NFS helps clients deliver seamless ordering, payment, and loyalty experiences.
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Streamlining Processes: Automation in kitchen operations, stock control, and reporting helps reduce errors and improve operational efficiency.
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Controlling Fraud: Sophisticated fraud control algorithms protect businesses from losses, a growing concern in the hospitality sector.
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Building Customer Loyalty: Integrated loyalty programs and mobile ordering solutions strengthen customer retention and engagement.
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Improving Profitability: By integrating technology solutions that optimise ordering, inventory, and payment, Chris’s team helps clients increase their bottom line.
Key Technologies and Features
The solutions Chris promotes are robust and adaptable, supporting various platforms such as iOS, Android, and Windows 10. Key features include:
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EPOS Systems for sales processing and stock control
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Mobile Payments and Order at Table for customer convenience
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Kitchen Automation including kitchen video displays
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Multi-site Reporting and Menu Control for chains and franchises
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Integrated Payments systems that combine security with ease of use
Leadership Style and Philosophy
Chris Cartmell’s leadership approach is shaped by principles of Extreme Ownership and Covey Management. As a certified Extreme Ownership practitioner, he embraces responsibility and accountability at all levels, fostering a culture where teams are empowered to solve problems proactively.
The Covey Management Principles, derived from Stephen Covey’s seminal work, further guide his focus on effective communication, trust-building, and prioritisation. This blend of philosophies enables Chris to build high-performing teams that are aligned with the company’s vision and responsive to client needs.
Contribution to the Hospitality Industry
Chris’s work transcends mere technology deployment. By understanding the unique challenges faced by hospitality businesses, he drives solutions that combine innovation with practical impact. His influence extends through:
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Customer-centric technology solutions that improve guest satisfaction
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Operational efficiencies that reduce costs and waste
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Financial innovation through flexible financing and alternative funding models
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Thought leadership by participating in industry forums and supporting community initiatives
Conclusion
Chris Cartmell exemplifies a forward-thinking leader dedicated to transforming the hospitality sector through technology. His rich blend of sales, entrepreneurial, and leadership experience uniquely positions him to drive growth and innovation at NFS Restaurant Technology. By championing solutions that enhance customer journeys, streamline operations, and boost profitability, Chris plays a vital role in shaping the future of hospitality in the UK and beyond.
With a proven track record, strong leadership philosophy, and a passion for delivering tangible results, Chris Cartmell remains a key figure in hospitality technology—helping venues thrive in a competitive and fast-changing environment.
