The Business Exchange Bath & Somerset Issue 10: Winter 2018/19 | Page 5

BUSINESS NEWS BATH BID INTRODUCES NEW GIFT CARD TO INCREASE CITY CENTRE SPENDING The Bath Business Improvement District has launched the Bath Gift Card, a scheme to help encourage a higher level of city centre spending and increase footfall post-Christmas and in the long term. The card – which is described as the “ideal” option for ‘tricky-to-buy-for’ loved ones – can be redeemed at a “huge range” of outlets across Bath. It can also be used for employee or corporate incentive schemes, or to fulfil a wedding gift list. According to Bath BID, while own-brand gift cards are commonplace in retailers and shopping centres across the UK, place gift cards are “relatively new” and Bath is “one of the first cities in the country” to pioneer their use. The card works in the same way to a store gift card but can be redeemed at a wide range of retailers, restaurants, hotels, bars and attractions across the city. Allison Herbert, CEO of the Bath BID said she was “delighted” to announce the launch on behalf of BID members. She explained:“The Bath Gift Card represents an important development for both local businesses and the local economy as it can be spent in a wide range of participating shops, restaurants, bars, hotels and leisure facilities all within Bath. “The project will help increase trade in the city centre, helping us to compete against other retail and tourist destinations as well as online shopping sites such as Amazon and eBay. “A gift card scheme for Bath £500. There are more than 190 participating businesses, which include Gap, H&M, Firehouse Rotisserie, Nandos and The Roman Baths. “Bath is one of the first cities in the country to pioneer their use” city centre will provide a highly efficient sales and marketing tool. It will also enable our independent businesses – who could otherwise not afford a card programme – to benefit from more visits, new customers and additional sales.” She added:“This card will benefit both individual businesses and the city centre as a whole.” The card can be loaded with as little as £10 or as much as Visit the Bath Gift Card website to find out more and to purchase a gift. @BathGiftCard www.bathgiftcard.com WORK - MEET - EVENTS - CAFÉ Be part of the innovative south-west business community at Hartham Park MAKE HISTORY 01249 700 000 Harthampark.com Corsham, Wiltshire Find us from the M4 Junctions 17 & 18 THE BUSINESS EXCHANGE 2018 5