Solihull traders buoyed by BID loyalty card

TRADERS in Solihull town centre are seeing increased sales following the introduction of a loyalty card produced by the town’s Business Improvement District.

Sent to 10,000 town centre employees, the Business Exchange employee privilege card gives access to offers from more than 100 retailers and services.

Organisers say the card has already been presented more than 1000 times in outlets across the town and that retailers report increased trading as a result.

The Solihull BID was launched last year, when 477 businesses backed proposals fo a 1% bsiness rates levy, which has raised £2.5m to fund projects including the card. Other projects are designed to improve the image of the town, the safety and security of workers and shoppers and to improve accessibility and car parkng.

BID director Shirley Sturzaker said: “ Our objectives for the card were to increase awareness of the range of retailers and services in the town, to encourage loyalty spending from town centre employees and increase the feel good factor that Solihull is a great place to work. “

“The project required only very modest expenditure from the BID budget, which is funded through a levy on businesses in central Solihull and is a great example of how we can increase footfall to Solihull shops, services, bars and restaurants by being innovative and by looking, literally, on our doorsteps for new customers.”