Action group announces plans to launch independent business loyalty scheme

A GROUP has announced plans to launch a loyalty scheme for independent businesses.

The project will reward customers with discounts and offers when they spend money at businesses signed up to it.

Bulwell Forest Action Group is consulting with traders and businesses about Local First, which will be available to any business owned and operated in the Bulwell and Bulwell Forest area.

Nick McDonald, chairman of the group, is looking to sign up as many businesses as possible. "We're really excited about this idea," he said.

"It's not a new concept, it has been run very successfully in other parts of the country, so we think we can make it work.

"Small traders are really hurting at the moment, it's a very difficult time.

"This is intended to be a modest idea, and a small way – at a very local level – of asking residents to think about where they spend their money, and how they can support local traders."

Mr McDonald is appealing to organisations and businesses who might be interested in supporting the idea financially.

He said the group would be delighted with any help they were offered and that the scheme could offer companies marketing opportunities.

Although it is aimed at independent businesses, Mr McDonald insists it is not an anti-supermarket campaign.

"Supermarkets can give great benefits to our communities, both through the services they offer and the re-investments they often make in those communities," he said.

"However, I'm not sure they necessarily need a local action group to fight their corner.

"We are really just trying to create a level playing field for local businesses during a difficult economic period."

Group secretary Bill Blackamore said the reaction so far had been encouraging.

"We are still talking to local traders about how the finer details should work," he said.

"It needs to be something that attracts customers to their businesses, which doesn't adversely impact on those businesses themselves.

"We also want to encourage a greater awareness and support for local businesses.''

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