Newark and Sherwood businesses invited to sign up to ‘shop local’ gift card

The initiative, being launched by Newark and Sherwood District Council, means that local businesses will be able to redeem a gift card specifically for use in the town centres of Newark, Southwell, Ollerton and Edwinstowe village.

If you manage a shop, restaurant, café, salon or in fact, any other retail or service business in our town centres, you can sign up for free today.  Over 25 businesses have already signed up to accept the card, including local businesses from across our town centres including, Secenty Beauty, Shirt Sleeves, Acorn Interiors, Mr & Mrs Fine Wine – The Wine Bank, Homebake and Lace Boutique.

Councillor Claire Penny, Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Economic Growth explains, “This really is a fantastic opportunity for local businesses to increase footfall and spend in their premises. Giving the gift of being able to shop locally and support your town centres as opposed to online shopping is something we should all be actively supporting. 

“I am proud that the District Council is funding this scheme to offer support to our local businesses and high streets.  I would like to encourage as many local businesses as possible to take up the offer and work with us to help drive footfall to our local towns and encourage more local spending.

“The gift card scheme works through existing Mastercard systems so district businesses can accept the card with no additional equipment required. There is also no charge to businesses to be a part of the initiative either, so it really is a win-win.”

Once launched, the Newark and Sherwood Gift Card will be available to buy as either a physical gift card, or an e-card that can be uploaded onto Google or Apple digital wallets.

Helen Netherwood at Home Bake in Southwell said, “I think this is a great idea, being able to give someone a gift to spend in local shops is fantastic. It helps to promote shopping locally, supporting our high streets and encourages customers to visit shops and spend in person. I would encourage other local businesses to join in the scheme.”

The Newark and Sherwood Gift Card will be part of the award-winning Town & City Gift Card programme from fintech Miconex, which is active across the UK and Ireland.

Colin Munro, Managing Director of Miconex, said: “There are multiple benefits for businesses in being a part of the forthcoming Newark and Sherwood Gift Card. The first thing people will do when they receive the card is look at the list of participating businesses, driving awareness. The card will bring customers through the door with money to spend, and being Mastercard backed is both easy for customers to spend and businesses to receive. We encourage all Newark and Sherwood businesses to sign up to accept the card.”

If you are a local business and wish to find out more or sign up to the gift card scheme allowing you to sell and accept the cards, please email economic.growth@newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk or sign up by completing an online form at https://form.jotform.com/Miconex/universal-UK-mpl-merc