EMPLOYERS URGED TO REWARD STAFF AND KEEP MONEY LOCAL WITH THE PRESTON GIFT CARD THIS CHRISTMAS

Preston BID is encouraging employers in the area to consider rewarding staff with the Preston Gift Card for Christmas this year, keeping money local and supporting local economic recovery.

A survey published in HR Review found that less than one fifth of UK companies are planning an office Christmas party for 2020. Ongoing restrictions surrounding the coronavirus pandemic mean that many employers are looking for new ways to reward their staff for their dedication during a challenging year.

The Preston Gift Card can be redeemed at more than 50 places in the city centre, from independents to national brands, and the list is growing daily.

The Card is available for employers to purchase from £10-£500. Recipients of the Preston Gift Card can use the card like local currency, in one transaction or many, and on retail, hospitality, services and leisure.

Each Preston Gift Card is a prepaid Mastercard which is valid for 12 months from purchase, offering employers a secure way to gift. Cards can be purchased online and delivered straight to the recipient. Employers can make bulk orders of the gift card directly with Preston BID.

Employers in the area who reward staff with the Preston Gift Card can take advantage of the UK trivial benefits scheme. A business can give an employee a benefit of up to £50 without paying tax, but only if the benefit isn’t in cash!
The Preston Gift Card is delivered in partnership with Miconex, an award-winning company specialising in destination Gift Cards.

The Gift Card and Voucher Association valued the UK gift card market at £7bn in 2019, also reporting that 98.6% of gift cards are spent within a year of being received and 65% will be spent on top of the value of the card received. The Incentive Research Foundation research placed gift card programmes at the top of incentive wish lists for employees.
Employee gift cards can be reserved by contacting Preston BID on: (01772) 653000 or emailing bid@lancschamber.co.uk

Jonathan Halton of Preston BID said: “The Preston Gift Card is a socially conscious choice for employers wanting to support Preston whilst giving their staff a reward they will appreciate.
“There are approximately 100,000 adults living in the city of Preston. If each adult in the city buys, or is gifted, a £10 Preston Gift Card, that is over £1m that we would lock into Preston, which would have a huge impact on employment.”