About Smart Applications Management (SAM)
SAM was created to provide a range of ITSO Smart Ticketing Managed Services for our Members through pooling expertise, exploiting procurement efficiencies and economies of scale, to deliver the very best schemes for Members and their Customers.
Who we are
Smart Applications Management (SAM) is a not for profit, membership organisation, specifically created to help local councils, commercial bus operators and other public sector bodies realise the benefits of ITSO smart ticketing, by pooling resources and expertise to access best in class services and systems at an affordable price through economies of scale.
Since our creation in 2010 we have been exceeding our Vision for Members, in delivering a wide range of solutions, from small concessionary entitlement schemes to large commercial schemes. In this time we have grown into the UK’s largest independent ITSO smart ticketing Managed Service provider, and led the UK in commissioning and hosting the National Procurement Framework for smart and integrated ticketing services and goods. This has all been based on the core principle of delivering high quality, value for money solutions for our Members.
We continue to be at the forefront of smart ticketing innovation and development not only continuing to deliver high-quality smart ticketing solutions but also in helping shape the future of smart ticketing in areas such as scholars ticketing, ITSO on mobile and on bus contactless EMV payments.
Meet the Team
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Dr Andrew Seedhouse
CHAIRMAN
Andrew is the founder and Chairman of SAM. With over 25 years experience in the transport industry, Andrew is responsible for the overall vision, leadership and strategic direction of SAM. On behalf of its Members, Andrew chairs the Hotlisting and HOPS-CMS Interface Working Groups for ITSO, and represents SAM at National Stakeholder Forums.
Andrew is based in SAM's Plymouth Office and can be contacted at andrew.seedhouse@talktosam.co.uk
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James Bloor
COMMERICAL DIRECTOR
As Commercial Director, James is responsible for the growth and development of SAM and its overall day-to-day performance. This includes the development and implementation of the SAM Business Strategy, Supply Chain Management, and the delivery of SAM's Managed Services, to ensure Members' needs and expectations are met.
James is based in SAM's East Midlands Office and can be contacted at james.bloor@talktosam.co.uk
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Duncan Allan
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR
As Technical Director, Duncan determines and delivers SAM's technology strategy and oversees the day-to-day operation of our Managed Service. He leads the Technical Team and works closely with supplier development teams on project development and service delivery. Duncan also has extensive experience in HOPS, ISAM and ETM management and provides Members with expert advice in this area.
Duncan is based from home in the North East of England and can be contacted at duncan.allan@talktosam.co.uk
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Kim Clarke
ACCOUNT MANAGER
As the dedicated Account Manager Kim works closely with the rest of the SAM team. Kim is committed to understanding Members' needs and delivering on our promise of excellent service. Kim is the first point of contact for Members, ensuring they achieve their goals when partnering with SAM.
Kim shares her time between working from home and the East Midlands office and can be contacted at kim.clarke@talktosam.co.uk
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Jane Little
BUSINESS AND CUSTOMER CARE SUPPORT
Jane provides high quality support to SAM Members by determining customer requirements; answering enquiries; resolving problems; fulfilling requests; and maintaining databases. Jane is also responsible for the Finance support for SAM ensuring all invoices are paid on time.
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Mike Dunstall
TECHNICAL SUPPORT OFFICER
As our Technical Support Officer, Mike supports the wide and varied range of smart ticketing projects we deliver on behalf of our Members. Working closely with the Technical Director and supplier development teams, Mike's responsibilities include conducting quality control testing, analyzing system issues and liaising with project stakeholders to ensure successful delivery.
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Robbie Thomson
TECHNICAL MANAGER
The ITSO Technical Manager role involves managing the day-to-day delivery of HOPS, ISAM, and Operator Support Managed Service. Robbie works closely with our Operator Members to ensure efficient and reliable service delivery and engages with them on an operational level to provide day-to-day support and specialist advice. Robbie also supports our Local Authority Members with Multi-operator EMV development and scheme settlement processes.
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Edmund Gentle
DATA SUPPORT
Edmund has led the development programme for the new SAM Data Visualisation Service (DVS) for SAM Members, enabling bespoke reporting through a combination of data and pictorial imagery. In addition, Edmund provides ad-hoc support to SAM on our Scholar, Bluetooth and Mobile App development programme.
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Rick Wiles
ISAM SUPPORT
As a Technical Team Member, Rick supports members who use SAM's ISAM Management Service. Working closely with Operators Rick ensures that ISAMs, both in the field and held as stock, are up to date and working correctly, ensuring that Operator ETMs can process transactions correctly.
Smart Applications Management
Supporting the communities in which we work
SAM is committed to community engagement and has actively supported local communities in the areas in which it operates since 2017 through its Community Grant Scheme.
At SAM, we believe in the power of our members to drive positive change in their communities. That's why we've established a grant scheme that empowers them to request grants, usually up to £750, for local community projects. In Q3 2022, the SAM Board, recognising the importance of member involvement, decided to allocate 5% of any annual surplus to this initiative, further empowering our members to make a difference.
SAM also encourage its staff to become involved with local causes through volunteering. Our team members volunteer for various causes across the county, including:
promoting outdoor education and supporting young people in the Ten Tors challenge,
Working as Chair and Trustee for the Eating Disorder Service Plymouth
Volunteer Welfare Caseworker for the Royal Air Forces Association.
Providing water safety training and safety cover for sporting and social events with the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS)
SAM's commitment to reducing its environmental footprint is crucial. Sustainable practices, waste reduction, and energy conservation are essential for a greener future. By prioritising environmental responsibility, SAM is committed to being net-zero by 2027 (within five years) and is proactively developing our plan and undertaking initiatives and investments to achieve this, which contributes to the health of our planet.
SAM moved its Plymouth office and downsized its capacity to save energy. It also made the proactive decision to allow staff to adopt hybrid working following the pandemic permanently. Staff welcomed this on cost and time efficiency grounds, but it has also considerably reduced the carbon impact of commuting.
SAM encourages staff to make responsible decisions when travelling by choosing environmentally friendly methods of travel, such as rail, where practicable. We also have a salary sacrifice scheme that allows the purchase of electric bikes tax-free. SAM pool cars will be upgraded to cleaner-emission and all-electric vehicles in the next five years.
SAM continually reviews its core suppliers' energy rating and carbon impact and ensures that SAM uses the most energy-efficient components and products where it is financially practical.
Smart Applications Management
Environmental Stewardship
As an active member of the Public Transport community, SAM is actively involved in research projects and developing wider goals of simplifying travel and growing the broader use of public transport.
SAM, along with our research partners, Plymouth University and The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, jointly authored a report on the impact of COVID-19 on public transport use by English National Concessionary Travel Scheme pass holders.
SAM has recently led work on developing a national standard for interoperable, multimodal barcodes to address gaps in current standards. Working with partners from across the industry and the Smart Transport Advisory Group (STAG), we have developed a draft standard and are currently seeking Connected Places Catapult funding to undertake the next stages of the project.
Smart Applications Management
Research & Development
Join SAM
As a SAM Member, you'll gain access to a thriving community of like-minded organisations who share your passion and drive. Members can access our Manage Services and National Procurement Framework and attend Member events that share best practices and open doors to new collaborations as well as exclusive workshops and resources that enhance your skills and knowledge.