Yorkshire Cancer Research exists so that more people within their region can live longer, healthier lives, free of cancer. The independent charity has been funding researchers and cancer experts who pioneer early diagnosis and discover new and better treatments for people with cancer since 1925.
As the charity’s retail operations began to grow, they needed more than a basic till system. It was essential for them to find a modern, reliable setup that could support their growth and adapt over time, while also being cost-effective. That’s where Wil-U came in.
Tony Graham, Director of Retail, Services & Operations, first encountered Wil-U at a charity retail conference in 2019. With his background in supermarket retail, Tony brought a practical, growth-focused approach to the role. At that time, Yorkshire Cancer Research operated just two shops with a traditional till system, no gift aid processing, and no management information capture.
After an initial conversation, the charity invited several EPOS providers to demo their systems and chose Wil-U in early 2020, just in time for the opening of their third shop. The charity was drawn to the system's simple, lightweight design, which utilised tablets and apps rather than bulky legacy hardware. Since the charity was at the start of their retail journey, the ability to pay for only what was needed and add modules when ready was particularly beneficial. The system proved easy to set up, cost-effective, and simple for volunteers to use, helping the team get started quickly.
Since then, the retail operation has expanded to 16 shops, with plans to grow to 80 across Yorkshire. This means opening approximately eight new shops each year, using a cookie-cutter approach that replicates the processes for each new location. Wil-U fits perfectly into this strategy, as the process for adding another shop is straightforward, and the system is easy to set up once it is delivered to the site.
Gift Aid, in particular, has seen major improvements. Over four years, it has grown from a small revenue stream to a key part of the charity’s income, thanks to more streamlined processes and better engagement with donors.
Emma Lough, Head of Retail, says "Gift Aid has transformed from a modest revenue stream into a cornerstone of our income - rising from 6% to 32% in just four years. With over 75% of last year's figures already achieved by mid-2025, we're not just maintaining momentum - we're accelerating it!"
Wil-U's extra tools have enhanced operations throughout. Wil-U Connect enables the charity to display content on tablets in shops, allowing visitors to learn more about the charity and sign up as volunteers on the spot. Earlier this year, the charity activated Wil-U's eBay module and is now working to integrate eBay stock management from individual sites into a central ecommerce platform. This integration will improve the organisation of stock across locations and significantly increase operational efficiency.
The Yorkshire Cancer Research retail team has a clear, practical plan for retail growth. With Wil-U, they have found a partner whose technology supports their goals without overcomplicating things.
Eve Penrice, Head of Business Development at Wil-U, says, "It’s been incredible to see the growth Yorkshire Cancer Research achieved – not just in shop numbers, but in the overall impact they’re making. It’s been a privilege to support them on that journey. We’re proud to be part of their continued success and excited to see where they go next."
From three shops to 16 and growing, Yorkshire Cancer Research is a great example of how the right systems can make a big difference to how a charity operates and grows.