IndiCater is a specialist back-office software provider working exclusively in the hospitality sector. Managing director, Ruth Mills, joined the company as a client account manager, becoming MD in 2021. Dedicated to building strong client connections, leading pivotal development initiatives and growing IndiCater's team culture, she has steered the company towards ongoing success. Below she discusses the business, working with Planglow and the shifting perceptions of women in the hospitality sector. 

Please tell us a bit about IndiCater?

Our team is on a mission to empower hospitality teams to love what they do. That’s why we create hospitality software that makes everyday operations simpler, more profitable, and ultimately, more enjoyable too! From online supplier ordering (purchase-to-pay), managing recipes, menus, allergens, calories – we aim to make all of that straightforward and hassle-free. Our platform also helps with stock control, waste management, finances, margins and HR admin. All the things that keep operators running smoothly behind the scenes but can take up so much time and resources.

We work with such a wide range of clients, from contract caterers, care homes, schools, hotels, pubs, restaurants and leisure venues. Big or small, they all face similar challenges, so it’s really rewarding to help make things easier for them.

And, what’s a little different about us is that while we run as an independent company day-to-day, we’ve got the backing of Volaris Group. That gives us the security and resources of a global tech leader, but we still get to keep that personal, friendly service that our clients really value. 

How did the integration with Planglow come about?

LabelLogic Live has always been on our radar as leaders when it comes to food labelling customisation, so naturally, they’ve been on our integrations wish list for a while. But honestly, we don’t just add integrations that we want. Everything we do is driven by our clients and what they need day to day. And that’s exactly what happened here. One of our clients came to us looking for further food label customisation and asked if they could connect IndiCater with LabelLogic Live.

For us, it was a great opportunity to turn something we’d been wanting to do for while into a reality, and we were more than happy to work with the Planglow team to make it happen.

How have you found working with Planglow?

It’s been brilliant from start to finish! Working with the Planglow team has been really easy and they really know what they’re talking about. They were just as invested as we were in making sure the integration was smooth, not just for us but for our clients too.

And I know "seamless" gets used a lot when people talk about tech partnerships, but in this case, it really was. We were up and running within a few weeks, which meant we could start delivering value to clients pretty much straight away. And any new or existing client can now benefit from this integration instantly. We can’t ask for much more than that!

How do you choose which providers to partner with?

It starts with listening. We spend a lot of time getting first-hand feedback from our clients, really getting to know their unique processes, what’s currently causing issues for them, and what would make life easier. Sometimes, that leads us to build new features ourselves or even create something bespoke. But other times, the best plan of action is to join forces with teams who are already doing incredible work.

When that happens, we take a good look not just at the product or the tech, but at the people behind it too. Does it really solve a problem for our clients? Do they share our values and the same commitment to great service? If it all feels like a good fit, that’s when we get started with a partnership.

What are the benefits to your customers of integrating with LabelLogic Live?

The aim is always to give our clients more choice and flexibility. Planglow have a brilliant solution when it comes to food labelling customisation, and they offer an extended level of design options that gives our clients that added freedom and creativity. 

By integrating with Planglow, we’ve been able to offer our clients a lot more options when it comes to designing and printing labels – whether it’s layouts, branding, sizes, colours etc. This integration allows clients to pass all of their recipe, ingredient and allergen data straight though to Planglow – no double entry, extra admin or less than ideal workarounds – helping them stay on brand, stay compliant, and make the process as easy as possible.

Why do you think it's important to open up integrations with other software providers?

FoodTech is evolving fast, and that pace is only accelerating! We’re seeing more and more operators moving away from traditional, manual ways of working and shifting to streamlined digital solutions.

Consumer expectations are also shifting. Although it’s in a positive direction, there’s growing pressure on operators to support inclusive dining, offer full nutritional transparency, and become more sustainable. On top of that, regulatory requirements continue to evolve, and consumers are personally calling for better food safety. It’s unrealistic for one product to do it all (and do it in the most effective, efficient, and sustainable way!), which is why collaboration is so important to us.

We believe in the power of creating a hospitality technology ecosystem, and by integrating with other foodtech innovators, like Planglow, we extend our capabilities, share knowledge, and bring even more value to the industry. 

Are there any new developments that you would like to share with us?

Absolutely, there’s a lot going on right now! Firstly, we’re adding some new integrations, which we’ll be sharing more about very soon. These will open up even more ways for our clients to improve their data flow and streamline their operations. We’re also expanding our API with new endpoints, giving clients even more flexibility to access and use their data in the ways that work best for them. Finally, we’re in the middle of rolling out our new and improved reports, along with our brand-new supplier portal – and this is all just in Q2 of this year! So yes, lots happening and lots more to come!

How have you seen the perceptions and authority of female-leaders within the hospitality sector change?

We’ve definitely seen progress in the hospitality industry. More women are stepping into leadership roles, and there’s a growing recognition of the unique strengths women bring. But while the momentum is there, we’re still not where we should be. Women make up more than half of the hospitality workforce, yet only a fraction hold senior leadership roles. These statistics reflect deeper, systemic challenges – balancing demanding roles with personal responsibilities, overcoming perceptions, and breaking down old processes and structures that historically haven’t included them. The hospitality industry thrives on human connection, and its leadership should reflect the diversity of the teams and customers it serves.

Intentional change is required, and that means creating inclusive environments, offering mentorship and support, developing clear pathways for career growth, and recognising different leadership styles and experiences.

One thing I’d really like to finish on is this: the industry, and the people within it, have never been more open to these conversations and more committed to driving real change. Head to any industry event and you’ll see it for yourself – it’s happening right in front of us.

This industry has always been about bringing people together and creating warm, welcoming spaces. That sense of community is what makes hospitality so special, and it’s exactly what will help push it forward in the right way.