Tag: prepaid

The UK’s construction sector is a cornerstone of the national economy, contributing £138 billion a year and employing over 3 million people. But despite its size and importance, the industry faces a serious migraine. 

Labour shortages and economic headwinds are only part of the story. A swell of new regulations – demanding sharper documentation, tighter controls, and greater transparency – is fast reshaping the landscape. At the same time, inflation is pushing costs skywards, turning back-office inefficiencies into front-line risks. 

Nowhere is this more apparent than in finance. Many construction firms are still wrestling with legacy systems to manage payroll, expenses, and compliance – an outdated approach that’s becoming increasingly untenable. 

As scrutiny intensifies and oversight centralises, modernising financial workflows is no longer a nice-to-have. It’s a necessity.

Old Systems, New Problems 

It’s no secret that the industry relies heavily on subcontractors, many of whom work temporarily, remotely, or without access to traditional banking. 

As a result, firms often struggle with payroll: bank transfers can be slow, expensive, and error-prone. Some still even rely on cash.

At the same time, managing expenses – whether it’s fuel, materials, or accommodations – can be chaotic. Lost receipts, tax inefficiencies, and messy audit trails are common. And as new regulations come into force, these inefficiencies are becoming a serious liability. 

With construction costs rising and regulations tightening, financial workflows are no longer just an admin issue – they’re a business risk. 

B4B’s Fix: Streamlined Payments for a Growing Workforce 

That’s where B4B Payments steps in. Our practical prepaid Mastercard solution is carefully designed for construction teams on the move. 

Whether it’s paying unbanked workers or tracking on-site spending, B4B’s system replaces manual processes with a secure, user-friendly platform. Payroll teams can load cards instantly, either manually or automatically, allowing workers to get paid fast, even without a bank account.

That’s a game-changer for retention and morale, especially on large infrastructure projects or remote sites. 

Receipts Without the Headache 

On the expense side, B4B’s cards can be used for day-to-day purchases, from fuel to materials. Our app prompts users to upload VAT receipts via photo, making compliance and tax tracking much simpler. 

For site managers, it’s a relief: no more chasing loose paperwork or trying to reconcile mystery charges. 

Other features – like contactless payment via Apple and Google Pay, two-factor authentication, and full-branded cards – give firms the kind of control and professionalism that spreadsheets just can’t match. 

Case in Point

This system has proven especially valuable for companies managing large-scale staffing across complex or remote projects. 

One organisation, operating in the construction sector, faced ongoing challenges with paying workers quickly, particularly those offshore or without traditional bank accounts. 

By switching to payroll cards, they were able to eliminate delays, reduce admin overhead, and simplify the payment process for both their internal team and their workforce. 

Now, even employees in the most remote locations can access their wages without the usual banking barriers – fast, easy, and hassle-free. 

Why It Matters Now 

The timing for financial modernisation couldn’t be more urgent. A wave of new regulations is coming, including: 

• Digital Waste Tracking: Firms will need tighter documentation of waste-related expenses. 
• DORA & PSD3: Europe-wide laws are demanding stronger financial system resilience and security. 
• FCA’s Five-Year Strategy: More scrutiny on compliance, trust, and transparency. 
• PSR-FCA Merger: Centralised oversight is expected to ramp up expectations on all financial practices. 

Construction firms that stick with manual systems may find themselves overwhelmed. But those that embrace automation and secure, scalable platforms – like B4B Payments – will be in a much stronger position. 

The Road Ahead for Construction Finance 

As construction becomes more complex, global, and compliance-driven, the need for smarter financial systems will only grow. And while there’s no single cure for every ailment the industry faces, simplifying how companies pay and manage money is a powerful way to start. 

Want to know more about how B4B Payments is supporting the construction sector? Visit our website or get in touch with our team to see how your business can benefit. 

As the demand for new treatments accelerates, so does the number of clinical trials around the world. But behind the scenes, managing clinical trials is becoming increasingly complicated. 

One of the biggest sticking points? Getting participants to stick around. 

A Big Problem That’s Getting Bigger

In early 2025, over 460,000 trials have been registered globally – a number that’s only expected to rise. 

From rare diseases to chronic conditions, pharmaceutical companies are in a high-stakes race to bring therapies to market faster than ever. 

The Stubborn Challenge of Keeping Participants Engaged 

Clinical trials don’t work without people. Volunteers are the foundation of every study, and ensuring they remain engaged throughout the trial is essential for collecting meaningful data. 

But retention is an ongoing struggle, especially when the trial process adds financial and logistical pressures to participants’ daily lives. 

For many, the hidden costs of participation are a real barrier. Transportation, missed work, childcare, even something as simple as grabbing a meal deal on the way to the clinic – all of it adds up. 

And while participants are often reimbursed, the process is rarely fast or simple. Cash-in-hand or slow bank transfers are still surprisingly common, creating friction that deters participation and drags down trial efficiency. 

The payment process is stuck in the past, and both researchers and participants are feeling the strain. 

Enter B4B Payments 

B4B Payments has carved out a space in the pharmaceutical world by offering a modern, tech-enabled solution to an old problem: how to pay trial participants quickly, securely, and transparently.

Our approach is simple. B4B provides prepaid cards that can be instantly loaded with funds after a trial visit. No waiting around, no chasing reimbursements. Just fast, trackable payments that fit into people’s lives. 

And unlike many others in the space, we don’t rely on third-party systems to deliver. As a direct issuer of prepaid cards, B4B Payments cuts out the middleman, offering tighter integration, faster turnaround, and better compliance controls. 

It’s a small change with a big impact: less administrative burden for research teams and a smoother experience for participants. 

A Real-World Win

In the world of clinical trials, timely and compliant participant reimbursement can be a major hurdle. 

One provider, focused on making the process smoother for attendees, moving away from manual payment methods in favour of automated, digital transactions. 

The result? Participants received their funds quickly and with minimal fuss. No waiting around. No paper trails. 

On the back end, the clinical research team gained greater visibility and control over spending, with simplified reporting and easier compliance management. 

All of this added up to happier participants, stronger retention, and more efficient trial operations overall. 

Innovation on the Ground 

Another headache for pharmaceutical companies is managing the expenses of field sales teams. B4B Payments can help here too, making it easier to track and reimburse travel, lodging, and other field expenses. 

This dual-pronged approach reflects our broader mission: to simplify financial operations in its entirety for one of the most complex and tightly regulated industries in the world. 

Staying Ahead 

We understand that regulations change frequently, and innovation moves fast in the pharmaceutical industry. B4B Payments makes a point of staying connected to what’s happening on the ground so it can better serve the industry. 

That means attending key industry events, tuning in to healthcare and life sciences conferences, and staying active on platforms like LinkedIn, where conversations around compliance, patient engagement, and digital transformation are constantly evolving. 

This ongoing engagement allows our teams to stay in sync with the needs of clinical coordinators, finance officers, and patient advocates alike, shaping our product roadmap in real-time and keeping our offerings relevant. 

Looking Forward: Trials, Tech, and Transformation 

As clinical research continues to globalise and expand, the need for frictionless, participant-friendly systems will only grow. Financial tools that are smart, secure, and simple to use aren’t just a ‘nice to have’ – they’re a vital part of running successful trials. 

B4B Payments delivers just that. With a laser-sharp focus on incentivisation, we’re helping to fix one of the most persistent bottlenecks in clinical research: patient adherence.

It’s an important niche that’s overdue for change. B4B Payments is right at the centre. Helping pharma companies become more efficient – and taking better care of trial participants.

Agencies are under constant pressure to do more than just produce great creative. It’s a metrics-driven world where measurable impact rules. And that often hinges on one thing – effective and irresistible incentives. 

From customer acquisition to internal team motivation, rewards have become a vital tool in the agency toolkit. But traditional methods – such as vouchers and gift baskets – are being outdone by a new kind of reward that’s fast, flexible, and digital-first. 

Rewards That Work Harder

For agencies juggling tight deadlines, demanding clients, and complex campaigns, reward fulfilment can be a logistical nightmare. 

B4B Payments offers a streamlined way to manage it all, powered by prepaid card technology that’s as versatile as the modern agency model. 

Whether it’s recognising top performers, driving customer referrals, or fuelling a nationwide product launch, our platform gives agencies the tools to create tailored reward experiences that actually resonate.

Cards can be physical or virtual, single-use or reloadable, tied to specific retailers or open to spend anywhere. They can also be integrated with Apple Pay and Google Pay or built with sustainability in mind, using up to 95% recycled PVC. 

The beauty is in the flexibility. And for agencies, that means more creative control and less operational drag. 

Incentives That Deliver 

The rewards industry is going through quite a revolution. What used to be a niche bolt-on has become a strategic pillar and key differentiator in marketing performance. 

As client demands shift and digital expectations grow, agencies need reward systems that scale, adapt, and deliver instantly. 

Our solutions are specifically designed to do just that. B4B Payments doesn’t just hand over cards – we work closely with agencies to build programmes that reflect their brand values and business goals. Real-time loading, full tracking, and robust compliance controls come as standard.

And it’s not just about logistics. With in-app receipt collection, branded digital wallets, and customer service support, the user experience feels less like an afterthought and more like a feature. 

Real-world Agency Case Studies

Agencies across the UK are already putting this model to work. 

Teams have rolled out real-time prepaid cards to give recipients full control over their rewards, paying out millions through tailored programmes that drive engagement and reflect a customer-first mindset. 

For prize-led campaigns, some agencies have streamlined reward distribution, dramatically cutting down fulfilment times and keeping operations smooth behind the scenes. 

Sustainability-focused marketers have embraced digital card solutions to reduce waste, align incentives with eco-conscious values, and take meaningful steps towards greener operations, without compromising on user experience. 

At scale, others have relied on our platform to manage consistent reward programmes across multiple departments, divisions, and regions – bringing cohesion to complex structures while keeping the process effortless. 

The Bigger Picture 

While gift cards and branded collaterals aren’t going away anytime soon, the future of rewards is clearly digital – and increasingly green. As eco-conscious practices move up the priority list for businesses and their audiences alike, sustainable reward options are becoming a must-have. 

At the same time, the shift towards instant, mobile-first payments is reshaping expectations. Physical cards still hold appeal, particularly for brand visibility and campaign impact, but the trend is moving toward digital wallet compatibility and seamless user journeys. 

Incentives are no longer a cherry on top – they’re baked into the strategy. And agencies that treat them as such are reaping the benefits. 

A Need for Change 

Marketing agencies aren’t just selling ideas – they’re delivering experiences. That means small things matter. 

A well-executed incentive programme can be the difference between a customer that converts or one that scrolls past; between a team that’s highly motivated or one that burns out. 

We understand it’s not just about cards – it’s about giving agencies the tools they need to build campaigns that connect, inspire, and deliver great results. 

Need a better way to reward? Whether you’re launching a high-stakes campaign or just want to keep your team firing on all cylinders, we offer simple, scalable solutions that work. Get in touch to learn more or request a demo. 

As Banking-as-a-Service (Baas) continues to reshape how financial products are delivered and consumed, the conversation around infrastructure is becoming more critical than ever. At Money20/20 Europe, B4B Payments returns not just to exhibit, but to explore how financial infrastructure can serve as a catalyst for innovation, scalability, and regulatory confidence.

With nearly two decades of experience in the regulated payments space, we’ve seen the industry shift from launching simple prepaid products to powering the BaaS platforms that underpin today’s most ambitious financial services. In this new landscape, scalable, compliant infrastructure isn’t a nice-to-have- it’s essential.

Why BaaS Requires Rethinking Infrastructure

BaaS is opening the doors for non-financial companies to offer financial services—from digital wallets to corporate cards and beyond. But the backend is complex. The success of these offerings hinges on infrastructure that supports:

• Regulated BIN sponsorship across multiple geographies
• Real-time settlement and safeguarded accounts
• Modular integration to accelerate product launch
• Ongoing compliance, KYC, and scheme requirements

At this year’s Money20/20 Europe, we’re bringing insights from real-world partnerships that show how financial infrastructure is evolving to meet these demands.

Real-World Applications: Powering BaaS Expansion Across Europe with Weavr

This partnership illustrates that Banking-as-a-Service isn’t just about APIs—it’s about trust, regulation, and operational precision. By integrating B4B’s robust and regulated payment capabilities into Weavr’s dynamic orchestration platform, we’re enabling companies across the UK and Europe to launch, manage, and scale embedded payment solutions with greater flexibility and speed.

Through this collaboration, Weavr has expanded its ability to offer flexible, localised payment capabilities to its customers across the UK and Europe. This includes support for Visa schemes, multi-currency transactions, local IBANS, and cross-border transfers – empowering businesses to meet the demands of modern, borderless commerce.

Innovators can now focus on product development and customer engagement, while our infrastructure handles the heavy lifting of compliance. Together, Weavr and B4B are helping to shape the future of embedded finance – securely, efficiently, and one step at a time.

From Prepaid to Banking as a Service: The Evolution of Infrastructure

The move toward BaaS marks a fundamental shift in the financial services model. Where once companies relied on legacy institutions for every element of service delivery, they can now build tailored offerings using modular infrastructure, if they have the right partners in place.

At B4B Payments, our journey from prepaid provider to core infrastructure partner reflects this shift. Today, we work behind the scenes to enable everything from fintech apps and payroll platforms to sector-specific financial tools, allowing them to build, launch, manage, and grow confidently while operating compliantly and scaling globally.

“What sets B4B apart is our ability to simplify the complexity of payments infrastructure. Whether you’re a fintech looking to scale across regions or a platform embedding financial services, we bring the licensing, compliance, and expertise that help turn your vision into a live programme.” — Brian Lawlor, Group Chief Commercial Officer, B4B Payments

As we return to Money20/20 Europe, we’re reminded that global growth is never a solo journey. It takes the right infrastructure, regulatory insight, and trusted partnerships to move things forward.

If you’re a fintech, platform, or financial services provider exploring how to embed payments, we’d love to connect. At B4B Payments, we offer the experience, tools, and flexibility to help you build and scale together.

📍 Let’s Meet in Amsterdam, Hall 1 *Stand 8B70

Explore scalable, compliant card issuing and embedded payments through our tailored workshops, designed for fintechs, platforms, and innovators. 

Join us to:

Dive into our scalable Banking-as-a-Service infrastructure.

– Navigate compliance with expert regulatory guidance.

– Explore integration strategies for embedded payments.

– Get hands-on with real-world use cases and tech demos

– Connect in interactive online or in-person sessions tailored to your needs.

Build smarter. Scale faster. Stay compliant.

We’re excited to share that B4B Payments has been featured in PIF’s April blog. The article highlights how our award-winning Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS) platform is supporting business growth across industries.
As companies seek agile and scalable financial solutions, our BaaS platform empowers them with embedded payment capabilities, streamlined card issuing, and robust compliance support.

We’re excited to welcome Weavr.io as a partner we’re proud to power. Thank you to the team at Weavr for trusting our infrastructure to accelerate the next generation of embedded finance solutions.

Through this collaboration, B4B’s robust payment capabilities are now integrated into Weavr’s orchestration platform, enabling companies across the UK and Europe to launch, manage, and scale embedded payment solutions with increased flexibility and speed.

By combining Weavr’s dynamic embedded finance technology with B4B’s regulated infrastructure, we’re helping to shape the future of embedded payments—securely, efficiently, and one step at a time.

We are excited to announce that we are finalists in two prestigious categories at the upcoming UK FinTech Awards 2025: FinTech Partner Award and Team of the Year. This recognition is a testament to our ongoing dedication to delivering innovative and efficient financial solutions for our clients and to the incredible efforts of our team, whose passion and hard work continue to drive our success.

Team of the Year

The Team of the Year nomination reflects our employees’ dedication, talent, and hard work, who consistently go above and beyond to ensure our clients & partners receive the best possible service and innovative solutions. From our tech experts developing cutting-edge payment solutions to our business development managers forging strong client & partner relationships and our dedicated account managers working to ensure our partners’ needs are met. Our team plays an integral role in shaping the future of payments. This recognition serves as an acknowledgement of the passion, commitment, and teamwork that have helped us achieve success.

Fintech Partner Award

The FinTech Partner Award celebrates companies that consistently provide partnerships in the fintech sector, driving their clients’ growth, innovation, and success. B4B Payments has always prided itself on its customer-centric approach, ensuring that our Banking-as-a-service solutions are tailored to meet each partner’s unique needs. Being recognised as a finalist in this category reaffirms our position as a trusted and reliable partner for businesses across industries.

We’re thrilled to announce that B4B Payments has won the ‘Fintech Partner of the Year’ award in the UK Fintech Awards 2025. This recognition reflects our relentless commitment to innovation, scalability, and delivering flexible payment solutions that meet the evolving needs of businesses across sectors. While we were finalists in three categories, this win celebrates our leadership and excellence in the Fintech space.

Being named finalists in these two competitive categories is not just a win for B4B Payments. Still, it’s a reflection of the trust our clients place in us, the strength of our partnerships, and the relentless commitment of our team to push boundaries in the fintech space.

Looking ahead, B4B Payments is excited to continue working alongside partners and clients to drive innovation and shape the future of the payments industry.

Managing payroll and disbursements in the public sector comes with unique challenges. Government agencies and institutions often handle benefits distribution and departmental expense management—requiring secure, efficient, and cost-effective solutions. As an approved supplier on the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) Fund Administration & Disbursement Services DPS (FAADS) framework, B4B Payments simplifies procurement for public sector organisations, ensuring compliance and transparency in payout transactions.

Traditional payment methods, such as bank transfers and cheques, can lead to delays, increased administrative workload, and inefficiencies that impact both employees and vendors. Prepaid card services offer a modern alternative, simplifying financial management while ensuring timely and secure transactions.

Businesswire report shows that The UK’s prepaid card market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 10.5% between 2022 and 2026, potentially reaching a value of US$65.54 billion. This growth reflects the increasing adoption of prepaid solutions in both government and private sectors.

The Challenges of Public Sector Payroll and Disbursements

Public sector entities face several challenges when managing payroll and payments:

• Administrative Complexity – Processing payroll for government employees, contractors, and social benefits recipients often involves multiple financial institutions, increasing complexity and often leading to bank fees and cheque processing costs, making traditional methods expensive and less sustainable.
• Payment Delays – Bureaucratic hurdles can slow down payroll processing, affecting employees and beneficiaries. Some employees and citizens receiving government benefits may not have access to traditional banking, complicating payment distribution.
• Fraud and Security Risks – Paper-based payment systems are vulnerable to fraud, mismanagement, and compliance risks.

How Prepaid Card Solutions Support the Public Sector

Prepaid card services provide an innovative solution that enhances financial efficiency, stimulates local economies, and provides security for government payroll and other disbursements. Local councils can promote ‘Shop Local’ prepaid cards to support small businesses in the area. 

Here’s how prepaid cards benefit the public sector:

1. Enhanced Security and Compliance

With advanced fraud protection features such as real-time tracking, spending controls, and two-factor authentication, prepaid cards offer a secure way to disburse public funds. Additionally, they ensure compliance with government financial regulations and anti-money laundering (AML) policies. In 1997, The UK government introduced Government Procurement Cards to streamline purchases and support prompt payments, demonstrating the efficiency of prepaid solutions in reducing administrative burdens.

2. Cost Savings and Budget Control

Government agencies can reduce administrative costs associated with paper-based payroll and expense management. Prepaid cards also allow for better budget tracking, as funds can be allocated to specific use cases, such as travel expenses, departmental budgets, or one-time government disbursements.

3. Seamless Expense Management

Prepaid cards offer detailed reporting and spending controls for public sector organisations managing operational expenses. Departments can allocate budgets to prepaid cards for travel, training, or procurement, ensuring responsible spending while minimising reimbursement processes.

Prepaid Cards in the Public Sector

The UK’s public sector is increasingly leveraging prepaid cards for financial disbursements. Governments worldwide are adopting prepaid card services to streamline payroll and payments across multiple sectors:

• Social Benefits Disbursement – Welfare, unemployment benefits, and pension payments can be loaded onto prepaid cards for easy access.
• Travel and Expense Management – Prepaid cards help government officials and civil servants manage travel expenses.
• Emergency and Disaster Relief Funds – Quick distribution of aid and relief funds during crises.
• Vendor and Contractor Payments – Faster, more secure payments to suppliers and contractors working with government institutions.
• Payout Programs – Public sector agencies can leverage B4B Payment solutions to disburse funds using virtual and physical MasterCard cards for specific payout programs.
• Food, Childcare, and Heating Vouchers – Prepaid cards ensure easy and controlled distribution of welfare vouchers to beneficiaries.
• Return of Overpayments – Government agencies can refund excess payments seamlessly through prepaid card solutions.
• Hardship Payments – Securely providing emergency financial support to individuals in need.
• Care or Fostering Expenses – Prepaid cards offer a streamlined method for distributing funds to foster parents and caregivers for child-related expenses.

The Benefits of Prepaid Cards for the Public Sector

As governments modernise financial processes, prepaid card solutions provide an ideal balance between efficiency, security, and cost savings. B4B Payments is an approved supplier of the CCS Fund Administration & Disbursement Services DPS (FAADS) framework, making it easier for public sector bodies to procure regulated and compliant payment solutions. From local councils to national procurement strategies, prepaid cards are a proven tool for simplifying financial management in government operations.

At B4B Payments, we offer a variety of prepaid card solutions that are accepted globally and have been built on our 19 years of experience in the business, perfect for government agencies to simplify financial management while enhancing security and compliance.

Interested in exploring prepaid card solutions for your organisation? Contact B4B Payments today to learn more.

The PropTech industry is undergoing a digital revolution, leveraging cutting-edge technology to optimise property transactions, management, and financing. As the market grows—projected to reach $86.5 billion by 2032 (Source) —payment solutions remain crucial in driving efficiency and scalability. Traditional methods often fall short, causing delays, inefficiencies, and administrative bottlenecks. B4B Payments offers an advanced, seamless, and scalable payment solution that streamlines financial operations across the PropTech ecosystem.

Modern digital payment solutions have reshaped financial transactions in PropTech. According to Statista, real-time payments in the UK are expected to continue growing, with instant payments comprising nearly 10% of overall payments in 2023 and anticipated to increase further by 2028. (Source). While this data encompasses all sectors, the real estate industry’s growing adoption of digital payment solutions suggests a significant contribution to this growth. Factors such as the rise of PropTech innovations, the demand for seamless transaction processes, and the global shift towards cashless payments are driving this trend.

These advancements drive efficiency, reducing transaction times and enhancing financial transparency.

Addressing Payment Challenges in PropTech

PropTech businesses, including property developers, estate agents, and construction firms, face persistent challenges in financial transactions, such as delayed payments caused by traditional banking processes that hinder cash flow and disrupt project timelines. These businesses also struggle with cumbersome expense management systems, navigating the complexities of tracking costs related to travel, supplies, and marketing. Reliance on manual payment methods for vendors and contractors slows transactions and amplifies administrative workloads. At the same time, the absence of streamlined systems for client and employee incentives limits opportunities to foster loyalty and motivation through structured rewards. Together, these issues underscore the need for innovative financial solutions tailored to the PropTech sector. 

B4B Payments provides innovative prepaid and digital payment solutions tailored to PropTech businesses, offering an agile and secure way to handle financial transactions:

Business & Employee Expense Management:

• Prepaid cards simplify travel expenses, office supplies, and project-related purchases with real-time tracking.
• Customisable spending limits ensure controlled financial management.

Client Incentives & Commission Payouts:

• Estate agents can leverage prepaid cards to reward client referrals and successful property transactions.

Corporate & Tenant Rewards:

• Property developers can provide prepaid cards as rewards for lease renewals and community engagement.
• These cards can cover utility payments and on-site amenities, enhancing tenant satisfaction.

Vendor & Subcontractor Payments:

• Digital payment solutions enable quick, secure, and automated transactions for service providers, subcontractors, and suppliers, reducing reliance on manual transfers and streamlining operations.

As PropTech payments evolve, businesses need a flexible, scalable, and secure payment infrastructure. B4B Payments delivers a future-proof solution by offering both prepaid cards and digital payment options to meet diverse financial needs.

Prepaid cards provide a controlled, efficient way to manage vendor, client, and employee expenses, ensuring funds are allocated securely and conveniently. Digital payments automate transactions, streamline cash flow, and ensure compliance, enabling faster and more seamless financial operations.

With real-time insights and advanced reporting, property developers, estate agents, and construction firms can optimise financial workflows, control spending, and accelerate payments.

🚀 Want to transform your PropTech payment processes? Contact B4B Payments today to explore how our tailored solutions can drive efficiency in your business!