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Founded in 2020, Smokin Donut Ltd, based in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire provides TILLEX, a cloud-based EPOS and eCommerce platform to the UK zero-waste market. Merchants sell by volume, weight, time and area on any device running Chrome or Safari. Tillexians also enjoy a one-month rolling contract, infinite product listings, unlimited terminals and locations and staff accounts, all supported by real humans.
Partnering with international POS hardware solutions provider Star Micronics, Smokin Donut Ltd now offers hardware for a growing specialist retail sector.
For a modest monthly fee, Tillex helps independent businesses level up against giant brands by utilising over 100 Commercial grade features that would usually be out of reach due to budget constraints. Many zero waste stores around the UK rely on Tillex to run their stores which is why Smokin Donut Ltd, a small family business seeks to secure growth by joining forces with larger enterprises.
Robust, scalable hardware from Star
Star’s TSP100IV is widely used as the front-of-house receipt printer, while the TSP700II provides fast, reliable kitchen order printing in demanding environments. For retail customers, the smaller mC-Print2 is the preferred receipt printer which, when paired with a Star cash drawer, delivers a reliable and compact point-of-sale solution.
According to Smokin Donut Ltd, the standout feature in terms of the hardware choice is Star CloudPRNT™.
As Tillex is a cloud-based EPOS and eCommerce platform, CloudPRNT enables orders placed online to be printed instantly at the destination printer without the need for a locally connected PC or print server. This allows online orders to flow seamlessly into bars, kitchens and retail operations in real time, simplifying installations, improving reliability and ensuring staff can begin fulfilling orders immediately.
As Annie Penn, CEO, Smokin Donut Ltd, explains: “The combination of Tillex and Star hardware provides customers with a robust, scalable solution that supports both in-store transactions and online commerce from a single integrated platform. Moreover, integration with Star hardware was straightforward. The documentation is clear, the APIs are well-designed and the products integrate seamlessly with the Tillex platform.”
Annie Penn adds: “Having worked exclusively with Star printers from the outset, it has been reassuring to discover that such a knowledgeable team is available should we ever need assistance. Fortunately, the reliability of both the hardware and CloudPRNT integration has meant we have not required any support.”
Flexible Management
Solving circular commerce issues is the aim of Chris Brown CTO at Smokin Donut Ltd. Chris, who with decades in software architecture at senior level, developed Tillex, a fully synchronised platform that solves issues such as dispensing a product in quantity variants by volume, which is actually bought by weight. Refill stores are not simple shops but sophisticated retailers managing; weighed products, variable pricing, stock and supply, ecommerce, loyalty, deliveries and instore sales, while constantly aware of tight margins.
As first-time retailers, The Nuttery Refill Shop in Hertfordshire required guidance on selecting the right technology and building efficient processes from the ground up. Working alongside them, Smokin Donut Ltd helped transform their vision into a successful, thriving retail operation.
“This really has been a game changer for me! I couldn’t recommend it highly enough; the software, the system and how seamless it all is at such a reasonable price. However, for me personally, it is the human contact and personalised dedication to my needs, wobbles and just such a support boosting my courage to take the necessary steps in setting up a shop for the first time. I don’t have words that adequately describe how grateful I am!” Emily Atherton – The Nuttery
Versatile Retail Platform
Those that benefit the most take full advantage of every feature e.g. merchants processing instore customers alongside café food orders and ticketed events. Everything is linked in Tillex – from staff booking in stock to click and collect services.
Tillexians also buy into the ethos of helping each other in a private support group to encourage a community spirit. The Gloucester Refillery onboarded at the end of Spring 2026.
“As an experienced user of various EPOS systems for over 20 years, I can confidently say that Tillex is not only the best, most versatile software you will find to run your retail business but the support and passion behind the team is worth thousands of times the price they charge. The team always goes far beyond expectations – they are patient, caring, incredibly helpful and genuinely invested in helping businesses succeed. Highly, highly recommended.” Owen Thompson – The Gloucester Refillery
Trusted technology partners
Beyond day-to-day efficiency, Tillex’s granular reporting capabilities provide valuable in-depth business insight so owners can move beyond simply recording sales and gain a much clearer understanding of how the business is performing.
“What a wonderful company! The team is so receptive and flexible to your needs and the demands of your business, whatever it might be. Tillex is adaptable for SMEs as well as larger businesses and offers an incredible range of features at a very reasonable price. The integrated EPOS and website shopping system has a huge host of capabilities that we are only just beginning to explore and it will enable us to scale our business much more easily and quickly.” Phillipa Gilfillan – Pack It In
As Annie Penn concludes: “We work closely with stores from the start by not just providing software but helping them to build the right operational foundations to be commercially viable. My aim is to be a trusted technology partner alongside Star to help refill retailers succeed.”
Need product support or help with integration? Contact the Star team today and they will be happy to help!
