Square invented the first mobile card reader of its kind 15 years ago . Since then , it has developed into a business technology platform which serves all kinds of businesses . It allows businesses to sell anywhere and its operating system also allows companies to manage inventory , book appointments , order online and more . Samina Hussain-Letch , Executive Director UK at Square , discusses Square ’ s vision and how it has developed . She also talks about how Square ensures diversity and inclusion practices in its workplace .

At Square , our management approach is all about empowering individuals to have impact and ensuring that our customers are at the heart of our decisions . Most employees can join Block , Square ’ s parent company , in an office location , from home , or with a mix of both . We ’ ve created workspaces and experiences that help individuals and teams to be their most creative and productive .

We believe remote flexibility helps us to grow a more diverse workforce and supports a better work / life balance for employees . We try to minimise organisational layers so that those closest to our customers are informing the decisions about the solutions we offer them .

What is Square ’ s company vision and goal ?

Square was founded 15 years ago – in 2009 – in the US when one of our Cofounders , Jim McKelvey , was unable to make the sale of one of his hand-blown glass faucets because he could not accept card payments . Frustrated , Jim shared this experience with his friend , Jack Dorsey .

Being able to process card payments at the time required long , complex contracts , hidden charges and expensive equipment which limited smaller merchants from entering the market .

The iPhone , at the time , was a magical new device that could become a book , a camera , a map or most other things you wanted it to be . So , Jim and Jack thought why could it not begin processing credit cards ?

Square started off with iconic hardware and over time , we listened and learned about the many needs of a business – both in store and online . So , we began pairing our hardware with software to offer a more seamless experience for owners to manage their business .

Fast forward to today , and Square supports 4 million businesses all around the world with technology to help merchants run their business online and in-person . Our company is driven by its purpose of economic empowerment , and our vision is to continue to empower businesses to start , run , adapt and grow through our suite of technology tools that give time and money back to businesses .

What kind of clients and market does Square serve ?

Square is unique because we have such a large technology ecosystem which enables us to help businesses of all types and sizes . We resonate strongly with businesses in the food and beverage sector and also serve businesses across retail , health and beauty , professional services and more .

Over the past 15 years , we ’ ve grown alongside our sellers , launching specific points of sales like Square Online , Square for Restaurants , Square Appointments , tools for cash flow management , software that powers inventory management , team management , loyalty programmes , marketing programmes , gift cards , the list goes on .

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