It’s a huge deal that is valued in the millions and will see the UK’s smallest – and fastest – selling jukebox, the Atom, deliver contactless payment systems to hundreds, possibly even thousands, of operators. ASK Global and NSM Music have signed an agreement to bring the UNO-6 contactless, cashless reader to the Atom and its sister jukes, Lightning and Curve. And what’s even better, NSM will be providing the payment system free of charge to its customers.

It’s a function we’ve wanted to add since we launched the Atom 17 months ago. And now ASK Global have delivered the hardware that brings contactless payments to the jukebox that’s been transforming the music market in the UK,” said a clearly enthused Alex Kirby, sales manager at NSM.

It’s also, market responses suggest, an understatement of significant magnitude.

 For a jukebox of such slimline, svelte proportions, the Atom is already a classy lightweight champion in a heavyweight arena. And now, adding that extra cutting-edge quality is ASK Global which has signed an agreement to supply a contactless payment system to Atoms both installed and on their way out to venues over the coming weeks.

 It’s an arrangement that will bring some heavy rock ‘n roll to venues with the Atom, and indeed the Lightning and Curve jukeboxes on site. ASK Global’s ultra-compact banking and retail service – UNO-6 – currently markets in the £400-500 price range but will be added to NSM’s portfolio free of an upfront charge by the jukebox manufacturer.

 And for ASK, it’s an opportunity to share some of the potential of the current jukebox revolution.

 Market share – the Atom has already passed the 3,000 sales mark – is just one of the targets on ASK Global’s ambitious check-list. The UK has already gone Atom crazy – but cashless is a convenience and financial boost many operators would never have dared ask for. But now, they don’t need to: ASK have provided the answer.

 Fivos Polymniou had seen the vision some time ago. As soon as the Atom was launched, the ASK chief had started the process of how to deliver contactless to the new compact jukebox.

 “From the launch date we saw how the Atom could change the market – we probably didn’t expect it to do so as quickly as it has. What we saw was a new innovation that had all the quality assets of top range jukeboxes – it was just missing 21st century payment technology. So, we looked at the modelling and the contactless offering that would complement the style of the Atom. And now we have it in the UNO-6 specialised for the jukebox sector.”

 To be fair, Polymniou has been a driving force of the UNO-6 in the marketplace – it has been selling fast in the amusements, leisure and retail sectors to high praise. It’s flush fit, illuminated and efficient. The new jukebox connection is a natural fit.

“In terms of market share, you just have to look at the reach of the Atom to recognise how many venues will be able to utilise the contactless facility. 3,000+ jukes is a major start – but then there’s the US – where the jukebox numbers are in the range of 20-30,000 – and the international expansion opportunities into Europe and beyond that excites us too.”

 The deal with NSM will see the contactless hardware installed by ASK, with a monthly banking and support charge applied.

 For the operator though, there’s no outright charge for the hardware; that, says NSM, is another offering they are providing for their customers.

 And it’s another top-grade function that NSM is delighted to offer with its jukes. “We need to accept that contactless is the only direction of travel for the marketplace in every sector, so the ASK partnership is well in tune with market trends. But at the same time, we appreciate that there will be operations that won’t be looking to install contactless – but they know that if they change their mind, just ask ASK and they’ll be there.”

 For Fivos Polymniou, this agreement is a landmark one for his company. Over recent years they have built a solid reputation for both trust and quality with collaborations with a number of partners, most notably RBW Systems which has made made significant ground in the marketplace.

 But the NSM partnership is one that takes ASK into more operations and more international markets. It’s a growth proposition that excites Polymniou. “We are in a very competitive market not just here in the UK but in a number of countries including the US. ASK has built its reputation on being a client and customer focused business; NSM Music fits into that philosophy and that’s why this is such an exciting partnership for us.”

 The roll-out of ASK’s UNO-6 contactless will start immediately as NSM begins to despatch their next batch of Atoms – And that delivery will include ASK’s contactless payment system.