A WARRINGTON business has secured a deal to make card payments safer in the United States.

With an increasing number of companies moving to contactless payments worldwide, ICC Solutions has secured a deal with a major US acquiring bank to implement and safely test payment methods, which is set to increase turnover by 35 per over the next five years.

Founded in 1996 by husband and wife David and Wendy Maisey, the business was created out of the need for businesses to securely test card payments and prevent fraud.

It is based at St James Business Centre, off Wilderspool Causeway.

An early deal with VISA in 2000 saw the firm gain the global credibility it needed, leading to a well-respected position in the Canadian market in 2007 and subsequent recognition in the US.

Today, ICC Solutions’ exports account for 94 per cent of its overall turnover, with its technology is used by banks and merchants to implement secure payments such as chip and pin, contactless and mobile phone in over 100 countries worldwide, with the business employing 45 full-time staff and looking to grow this in the coming months.

The Department for International Trade (DIT) has been providing support and opening networks, enabling the company to generate significant international growth.

As a DIT export champion, ICC Solutions has also been supporting and mentoring other businesses in their exporting journeys.

Mrs Maisey OBE, who stood for the Conservatives in Warrington North in last year's general election, said: “This is great news for employment in Warrington, the local and UK economy.

“While we are living in very uncertain times, as directors David Maisey and I, along with our fantastic team have ensured that Covid-19 has not stopped ICC Solutions from going forward and finalising this deal.

“We export 95 per cent of our goods and services, all development and distribution is done solely from our Warrington headquarters.

“Trading in a buoyant export market with clients spread across all global economies gives us resilience to get through a situation like Covid and spreads risk factors.

“Newly signed UK trade deals and those currently under negotiation will only add to this growth.

“The international aspect also makes it very exciting for the team who are keen to commence travel again and meet with our clients face to face when restrictions are eased.”

Minister for exports Graham Stuart hailed the company.

He said: “It is fantastic to see such an innovative company adapting to the challenges of coronavirus and thriving in new markets.

“Our new free trade agreements will have a strong modern and digital focus, allowing British technology to thrive across the world in the coming years.

“The US is our largest trading partner and we will continue to champion free trade because we know that an agreement between our nations will provide UK exporters with a wealth of new opportunities.”