Employers are being asked to support the South Ayrshire Gift Card scheme by ‘thinking local’ when treating staff to Christmas bonuses and rewards.
The South Ayrshire Gift Card, which launched in November, can be spent with businesses across the region including retail, hospitality, leisure and services; national brands and independent businesses.
Businesses signed up to the scheme include Boots, M&S, Renaldo’s, Pirate Petes, Toytown, Arthur Street Kitchen, Vic’s & The Vine, amongst many more.
Margaret Scott, community wealth building officer at South Ayrshire Council, said: “This Christmas we have the chance to step up for South Ayrshire and show our support for local.
“We’re asking organisations to think local with their employee rewards and incentives, giving the area where their organisation is located, and where their employees live and work, a huge boost.
“The UK trivial benefits scheme enables organisations to give staff a tax-free non cash reward of up to £50, and the South Ayrshire Gift Card is ideal. Every gift card purchased is money locked into our local area, supporting local businesses, local people and local jobs.”
Another business which accepts the gift card is Cardhu in Troon, a lifestyle store offering gifts, clothing, jewellery and interiors.
Owner Jenny Goudie said: “Shopping habits have changed a lot during the pandemic, and it’s not always as simple as people reverting back to how they used to shop.
“Customers often say that, ‘we don’t know what to do anymore’. We have to show customers that it’s safe to visit shops in person and bring the fun back into shopping.
“With events, building up relationships with customers, and initiatives like the South Ayrshire Gift Card, we can encourage people back to face to face shopping as businesses will always rely on that local support.
“It’s vital for organisations to support South Ayrshire with their staff rewards and incentives.
“Local businesses offer a bespoke, personalised service and quality products but more than that, they offer a full experience.
“It puts Troon and other towns on the map as a destination for a whole day out, builds our community and keeps the local economy moving.
“We have so much to offer here in South Ayrshire and we need to showcase that.”
The South Ayrshire Gift Card is delivered by Scotland’s Town Partnership (STP) and Perth-based fintech Miconex, and is backed by The Scottish Government.
Don't miss the latest Ayrshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter here
