Client relationship manager, Project specialist: Banking & Payments
Paul Davidson is a leading member of ERA’s European Banking and Payments Team having joined ERA in 2005, after a 25-year banking career. Paul has delivered consistently for ERA’s clients and was named ERA UK’s Consultant of The Year in 2013.
Delivering value for clients by combining this market insight with ERA’s market influence has ensured that their payment solutions are cost effective solutions and meet their current and future business needs.
The payments industry is changing fast, due to technology offering consumers and businesses more efficient solutions. The market is further disrupted by start-ups, regulation and mergers and acquisition.
It’s only our experts like Paul however who, by uncovering all the detail, can leverage their own business contacts and experience to ensure their clients receive best value from within the supply chain.
Paul’s expertise allows him to advise businesses on how best to manage their card payments, banking and their cash handling and processing operations in order to make savings. Able to talk to suppliers on an equal footing in their own language, Paul challenges supplier margins, negotiates new deals and plans new payment solutions, to leave clients with better service levels for less money.
Key priorities at present include:
- Protecting clients from significant hidden margin increases which card payment providers are applying as regulators try to drive cost out of the market.
- Supporting merchants to understand what they can do to mitigate the significant risks posed by Strong Customer Authentication implementation in September 2019 and beyond.
- Assisting merchants to plan their payment solutions, driving turnover as the market changes and new payments technologies are introduced.
Recent successes:
International shoe brand – 49%
49% saving, with process and risk issues addressed and strategic advice on e-commerce growth.
National charity – 80%
By reengineering the charities cash collection process, Paul has delivered 80% savings on their cash collection costs, with no reduction in service quality.
National Restaurant Chain – 15%
The chain were adopting a combined marketing and mobile payment solution to attract more business and was keen to retain their existing acquirer relationship. Margin analysis enabled Paul to deliver a 15% saving against already competitive charges.
Insurance Broker – e-Commerce
Identified hidden margin in the suppliers charging, releasing £400,000 saving over two years.
