About
We believe cinema is a force for good
A hundred years in cinema
Our history starts with Managing Director Alan Roe’s great-grandfather: Jack Roe.
In 1913, Jack Roe wrote ‘Cinematographic Engineer’ on his wedding certificate. By the 1920s, he was working for the film studios on Wardour Street (Film Row) in London. It was during this time that he founded his cinema supplies company, Jacro.
In the rapidly evolving industry of the 1920s and 1930s, Jacro was fast to adapt. It imported cinema carbons and reconditioned film spools when metal was scarce. It also went on to invent high-density film spacing, the centralized automated phone system, the PLC-based cinema automation, and the hybrid cinema POS system. In the 1980s, Jacro started installing computer hardware and developing software. Ten years later, its software was combined to form a new ticketing and POS system: Tapos.
Tapos: A legacy of care
Tapos combines the expertise accrued during 100+ years in the cinema industry with the fast-paced energy of a global tech company. For us, it is about more than continuing the Jacro legacy. We are driven by the belief that cinema is a force for good, helping to strengthen communities and improve mental health. This underpins the development of every new module and feature in the Tapos system. Our mission is to genuinely help cinemas – and the people who work for them.
Our values
The Tapos formula
Know the
industry
Listen to the customer
There is no such thing as a stupid user
Love our planet
Love cinema
Be kind
Meet the team
Alan Roe
Managing Director
Having worked part-time with Jacro since 1995, Alan became the CEO of Jack Roe USA Inc in 2010, and Group Managing Director in 2015. Alan has successfully navigated the transition from 35mm supplies to being a market leader in cinema ticketing systems, providing invaluable experience in change management and what it takes to succeed.
Alan has a First Class Honours degree in Physics (2004), and an Executive MBA from Nottingham University (2018). He was President of the Internal Cinema Technology Association from 2018-2021.
When he’s not working, he can be found behind an old camera or running along the nearest beach.
Ben Saunders
Director of Product and EMEA
Ben Saunders joined Jacro as IT support in 2008. With an education in network security one of his first tasks was overseeing the implementation of PCI:DSS. He’s passionate about finding new innovations to benefit cinemas.
A keen interest in technology was kindled at an early age; he was introduced to Windows at age 8 and installed his first Linux operating system at 11 (for which he remains a strong advocate over 20 years later).
But it’s not all about IT. Ben speaks French and German and is fluent in Norwegian.
Nigel Rowberry
Director of Development
Nigel has been developing software for longer than he cares to remember. His involvement began when he developed the very first version of the system. Of course, he didn’t stop there and has been making improvements ever since with particular emphasis on the card processing systems.
Nigel began his career in customer support before founding his own software company in 1992. A keen advocate of open-source software, he was among the first in the UK to implement the then-obscure operating system, Linux. This commitment to Linux continues, ensuring Tapos remains a cost-effective solution for cinemas all over the world.
Nigel has a degree in Philosophy from St Andrews University, Fife. He is married with three grown-up children and lives in Gloucestershire.
Paul Gray
Global Sales Manager
Paul is a dedicated and passionate professional who has quickly established himself as a competent professional in the world of cinema software.
Before entering the world of cinema, Paul worked in the telecommunications industry. He has a strong background in B2B sales and has demonstrated his ability to build strong relationships with clients.
Outside of work, Paul has a passion for hobby drone flying and martial arts, specifically BJJ and kickboxing.