History

Don and Maureen Payne started Vending Enterprises in 1968. At that time you could buy fresh milk in waxed paper cartons from vending machines (remember the crimped metal tops?) and hot drinks machines were essentially mechanical marvels with water heaters added.

As a reminder 1968 was the year that Dad's Army first aired. It was the year that the Beatles released The White Album and Manchester United won the first English European Cup playing against Portugal's Benfica. Paris was torn apart by student riots and in the U.S. Richard Nixon succeeded LBJ in the Presidential Elections. Back home Harold Wilson was still Prime Minister.

The 1970’s saw the business expanding and moving into new purpose-built premises which still, today, form the core of the Scunthorpe Head Office.

The company had established a firm presence in both Grimsby and Lincoln: cemented further upon the acquisition of Lincoln Automatic Services and the establishment of a Field Service team of Operators and Engineers equipped to provide a speedy and efficient service to customers across Lincolnshire.

Vending Enterprises was at the forefront of market and technological developments away from just coffee and tea into confectionery and snack machines.

This picture of The Can Van illustrates how improved refrigerated vending machines were providing thirst-quenching canned drinks and then bottled drinks from all of the major manufacturers. Micro-electronics were opening up new possibilities and the company was in the vanguard.

The company has grown to be the largest independent vending machine business in Lincolnshire and a major player in the East Midlands region. In recent years two other vending businesses have been acquired which now form a vital part of our overall service: Ceemor Refreshments in Grimsby and Elite Vending in Grantham

Image of Grimsby Dock Tower courtesy of ABP/David Lee Photography

Recent years have seen enormous strides forward both in vending machine technology and widening of the services available. Throughout Vending Enterprises has remained at the forefront; enabling our customers, today, to have the benefits of modern touch screen controls, cashless payment systems and to enjoy the Coffee Shop experience in their own business settings.

Business infrastructure developments have also kept pace with expanded purpose-built warehousing, modern workshop facilities and a fuel-efficient delivery fleet established across Vending Enterprises.

Vending Enterprises was acquired by Compass Group UK & Ireland in summer 2025 and now forms part of Amplifi — the UK’s fast-growing specialist in automated retail solutions. Today, we deliver a comprehensive range of services extending beyond coffee machines to include snacks, confectionery, chilled drinks, and fresh food through advanced systems. We also supply water solutions, catering equipment, vending ingredients, and vending suite design services. With over 50 years’ experience and strong regional coverage, our expert team continues to provide reliable, responsive support across Lincolnshire and the East Midlands.