Klipboard, formerly Kerridge Commercial Systems, Unveils Unified Brand, Breakthrough Innovations & Record Attendance at Konnect 2025

Stratford-upon-Avon, March 20-21st, 2025 — Klipboard welcomed a record number of customers, partners and industry leaders to its flagship customer event, Konnect 2025, held at the Crowne Plaza, Stratford-upon-Avon. The two-day conference marked a major turning point in the company’s journey, with the official unveiling of the Klipboard brand, new solutions and AI capabilities, and a bold vision for the future of business management technology.

A New Name, A Unified Future

One of the major updates shared at Konnect 2025 was the official unveiling of Klipboard – the new name for the business formerly known as Kerridge Commercial Systems. The rebrand unifies the group’s previously separate businesses, brands, and products under one clear identity, making it easy for customers to engage with the full suite of solutions that now sit under one roof.

CEO Ian Bendelow described the rebrand as “an exciting milestone, reflecting Klipboard as a unified, forward-thinking organisation dedicated to delivering industry-tailored solutions across wholesale distribution, automotive, field service, rental, transport management and manufacturing sectors.”

He went on to explain: “Today marks an exciting milestone as we launch Klipboard. This rebrand reflects our passion for collaboration, innovation and delivering measurable value to customers. We believe this new name and a contemporary brand identity will showcase what our amazing teams do and help customers to navigate all our solution offerings under one roof.”

Created with input from over 1,500 employees and shaped by customer feedback, the Klipboard identity is designed to reflect accessibility, progress and long-standing heritage. “The lower case ‘k’ signals the fresh, accessible approach of the business and is a nod to our heritage as Kerridge Commercial Systems,” Bendelow said. “The double diamond symbol represents synergy between technology and business; emphasising problem-solving and partnerships with customers. The clipboard is a familiar tool for many of our customers. With Klipboard, we’re advancing that legacy into the digital age, empowering businesses to thrive in an interconnected world.”

The rebrand will be rolled out globally in phases across 2025, with all solutions aligning under the Klipboard name.

James Mitchell, CEO of Klipboard Europe, opened the conference by setting the tone ahead and highlighting the importance of an integrated solution portfolio. “Increasingly our customers do more for their customers. They sell and install items, service, repair, rent and maintain. Many deliver and collect items with transport solutions. And increasingly, customers differentiate themselves by fabricating or manufacturing things. That’s why we have a portfolio of solutions that service these needs. We focus on making sure you have a joined-up digital solution for your needs.”

Standing on the Edge of a Revolution

Chief Product Officer DJ Jones took to the stage to share Klipboard’s vision for innovation and the future of business. “We are standing on the edge of a revolution because of the innovation in research and development. Everyday, businesses waste time – but the future of business is instant. The biggest risk in business isn't making the wrong decision, it's not seeing the right one coming. What if you always knew what is coming next?”

Jones went on to introduce Klipboard Copilot, a new natural-language AI assistant designed to provide users with fast, smart answers using simple chat-based interactions and can retrieve and present data on stock levels, order history, pricing and more.

He also revealed the Klipboard Digital Sales Assistant, and it’s unique ability for users to identify complex or unknown parts using just a photo. “Klipboard AI helps businesses to find the right solutions, fast,” Jones explained. “It’s about giving users the tools they need to act quickly, confidently and accurately – whether they're on the shop floor or speaking directly with a customer.”

Half a Million Hours of Innovation

Jones also highlighted Klipboard’s significant investment in product development, with over 500,000 hours dedicated to R&D over the past year alone. “That’s time spent building, improving and transforming the tools our customers use every day,” he said. “This isn’t innovation for innovation’s sake – it’s about delivering meaningful improvements that drive measurable impact.”

The second day of Konnect saw thirty-six in-depth workshops across wholesale distribution, rental, automotive and more, giving customers hands-on time with Klipboard product experts. Attendees worked through real-life business challenges and explored how Klipboard’s latest features and tools can deliver practical, tangible value to their business.

Payments Reimagined: Klipboard Money

Klipboard introduced Klipboard Money, a new addition to its growing ecosystem of solutions, designed to simplify the way customers manage payments and cash flow. Described as a product that helps Klipboard customers to gain flexible payment capability, unlock working capital, reduce admin, and gain real-time visibility over their finances.

VP of Payments, Lochan Sim, explained: “Klipboard Money gives our customers everything they need to take payments anytime, anywhere. It has fast business payments, automated reconciliation, and PCI DSS-compliant security – bringing everything together in one place.”

Sim was joined on stage by Angus Blest, Head of Commercial at Adyen – Klipboard’s global payments partner. Blest noted that Adyen processes over €1.28 trillion annually and supports more than 4,000 employees worldwide, highlighting the scale and reliability behind the technology powering Klipboard Money.

After its launch at Konnect 2025, Klipboard Money will give customers a faster, more connected way to manage payments as part of a fully integrated business ecosystem.

Built on Trust: Cloud, Security and Resilience

Wayne Fraser, Klipboard’s Chief Information Officer, delivered a keynote titled Modernising and Securing Your Business. He warned of the rising risks in today’s cyber threat landscape, including zero-day attacks, social engineering and outdated systems, and detailed Klipboard’s robust defence strategy – including supplier onboarding, penetration testing, software validation, vulnerability management and colleague education.

Fraser urged customers to adopt Klipboard’s cloud-based ecosystem, referred to as k-cloud, to ensure future flexibility, scalability and security. “This is a scalable technology with reduced physical server hardware, as one machine replaces many,” he said. “There will be reduced energy use through economies of scale, reduced waste from outdated hardware, and a lower carbon footprint by using modern, energy-efficient data centres. K-cloud is safe, secure and will grow as your business grows.”

He also noted that cloud adoption among Klipboard customers is growing rapidly, with a 44% year-on-year increase in uptake.

Connection, Collaboration and a Touch of Magic

Konnect’s opening day wrapped up with a relaxed networking dinner followed by a dazzling performance from tech illusionist Keelan Leyser, who wowed the audience with a cutting-edge show featuring robots, virtual reality and technology powered magic.

Konnecting with the Future

Konnect 2025 was the largest event in the company’s history, both in terms of turnout and ambition. From bold new branding and cutting-edge AI to deeper investment in innovation and customer service, the event clearly showed Klipboard’s momentum and customer-first mindset.

As the event closed, the message was clear: Klipboard is not just transforming software – it's helping its customers transform the way they do business.