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A winning combination!
Release Date: 20-Jan-2010
An innovative scheme that boosts local businesses and benefits thousands of local people celebrated its continuing success on Saturday (16 January), at an event hosted by Huddersfield Town Football Club and attended by local business owners, the leader of Kirklees Council, Mehboob Khan and tenant representatives.
Noel Chambers (KNH Director of Investment), Helen O'Sullivan (KNH Excel Manager), Sean Jarvis (HTFC Commercial Director), Cllr Mehboob Khan (Leader of Kirklees Council), Simon Rogers (KNH Chief Execut Launched in 2007, the discount card won the prestigious ‘most innovative project’ award from the National Federation of ALMOS in the same year. It was the first scheme of its kind in the country to have been completely developed in-house by staff from KNH and tenants’ representatives working with business owners to develop a “local card for local people.” Everyone who qualifies for the card receives a brochure listing them all and there’s a searchable directory on the KNH website – www.knh.org.uk. Business owners also receive a card and are encouraged to display scheme posters and window stickers to show people that they are involved in the scheme. Gemma Underhill from Teazles florists in Batley has rejoined the scheme for another year. She says, “I think it is a really good idea. We have had a lot of new customers as a result of the scheme – and they keep coming back to us. It’s also nice to be able to give discounts to our regular customers as well. I would encourage any business to join.” Simon Rogers, Chief Executive of KNH, said, “we are really pleased to be launching the 2010 discount card.” “Unfortunately, some of our local businesses fell victim to the recession last year and we were initially concerned about the impact this would have on the scheme. I’m delighted, therefore, that so many have stayed with us, and that an equal number of new businesses have joined for the first time. “These are difficult times for our customers as well as the businesses, and the card is one very practical way we can help them make the most of limited budgets. So I hope everyone who gets a card uses it. They’ll save money but they’ll also help support local businesses, which are an essential part of our communities.” Speaking at the launch, leader of Kirklees Council, Mehboob Khan, said: “I am very pleased with the work KNH is doing to help the Council deliver one of its key priorities, which is to support local businesses. “A vibrant small business community is essential to our residents and this initiative compliments the additional support we are offering to help businesses survive the current recession. This includes supporting vibrancy in town centres by working with retailers to improve the appearance of town centers, supporting our markets, and attracting shoppers with free car parking in Dewsbury.” “The KNH scheme is an excellent example of how we can work together to help people, especially in these difficult times." Sean Jarvis, Commercial Director at Huddersfield Town FC is also a keen supporter of the card and the ideas behind it. He said: “Anything that encourages businesses to communicate and attract new customers in these difficult times is surely a good and positive thing. The KNH Excel card is also extremely easy to understand and use - in fact it does exactly what is says on the tin!” The discount card is part of KNH Excel, an incentive scheme that recognises and rewards good tenants and encourages others who might have rent arrears to clear their accounts. Any businesses wanting to join the free scheme can call 01484 223246 for more information. The 2010 card and brochure will be distributed later this month.
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