NEWS | Industry Updates Tony Allen, chief executive, ACCS: “Well
done to the development team at ITL that have worked hard to ensure their tech has met the requirement of this stringent framework. Technology that is supported by clear evidence for compliance holds a strong position in the market and helps builds consumer trust. As adoption of age assurance technology gains momentum, securing the right certification will become crucial.” ITL’s age assurance range is deployed
Age assurance solutions obtain ISO certification
Innovative Technology (ITL) has achieved ISO/IEC 27566-1:2025 certification across its full biometric age estimation range from the Age Check Certification Scheme (ACCS). The certification arrives as UK, European and international regulators tighten requirements on age-restricted sales. The independent assessment by the
UKAS-accredited certification body covered five key characteristics: functionality, performance, privacy, security, and acceptability for enabling age-related eligibility decisions against the international framework for age assurance systems. Published in 2025, this is the first full international standard that looks at
age assurance systems as a whole. Commenting on this achievement,
Dr Andrew O’Brien, head of biometric technology for ITL said: “Age assurance has moved from ‘good practice’ to a regulatory requirement across multiple sectors in less than two years. Retailers, gaming operators and SCO vendors are being asked to justify not just that they check age, but that the technology they use is accurate, privacy- preserving and defensible in front of a regulator. ISO/IEC 27566 certification turns product strengths that we’ve engineered for years into external, independently-verified evidence to facilitate customer purchasing decisions.”
across multiple countries with 1000s of devices spanning UK grocery retail, European convenience, UK gaming, and vending. The company confirmed further deployments are in the pipeline for the remaining of 2026, including exciting new self-service checkout partnerships. Concluding Andrew said: “Our biometric
products are trusted, proven technologies that are already deployed in the field and supporting age-check decisions every day. Whether at POS, self-service checkout, gaming machines, vending kiosks or age- restricted access points, operators need solutions that integrate seamlessly into their existing systems while strengthening their established age-check policies. With the Tobacco and Vapes Act introducing new generational age-restriction duties in the UK, and digital credentials becoming part of how consumers prove their age, customers want an accurate and reliable solution with independent accreditation.”
New senior vice president commercial at SEB Professional Beverage
SEB Professional Beverage has appointed William Yates as senior vice president commercial. Effective September 2026, he assumes global responsibility for the direct and indirect business, bringing the sales and market service organizations closer together. “As a global leader, we shape the future
of beverage solutions through strong partnerships and a deep understanding of our customers’ needs,” says Martin Zouhar, executive vice president SEB Professional Beverage. “With sales and service under one leadership structure, we can deliver faster responses and clearer accountability in every market, making us even easier to do business with. We are delighted to welcome William Yates to the team. His appointment further strengthens our commitment to creating greater value for our customers and supporting their success around the world.”
Meeting today’s customer expectations Today, operators expect more from a
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supplier than a single machine. They evaluate partners based on the entire customer experience, from equipment availability and performance to responsive local service and support. In his new role, Yates will lead both the commercial and market service functions across the brands WMF, Schaerer, Curtis, La San Marco and Zummo, ensuring customers benefit from a more consistent, seamless and responsive experience wherever they operate.
A career built in international markets Yates has spent more than a decade with Groupe SEB, most recently serving as VP South East Asia and VP Marketing Asia Pacific, based in Hong Kong. Prior to this, he held a number of leadership positions in the Group’s UK and Ireland business, including Managing Director, Commercial Director and Sales Director. Earlier roles at Mondelēz International, Kraft Foods and Cadbury further strengthened his track record of delivering profitable growth and increasing market share in mature markets.
“What we promise our customers must be
reflected in what we deliver at their sites,” says Mr Yates. “Having our commercial and service teams working to a common plan is what makes that possible. I look forward to spending time in our markets and hearing directly from customers about what they value today and what they expect from us in the future.”
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