In 2024, we saw even more organisations making the move to local Gift Cards for their staff rewards, service user support and even customer inspiration. Let’s meet the top local hero organisations of 2024!
Ocado
Based in Sunderland, Ocado Retail Customer Hub switched from Amazon vouchers to the Sunderland Gift Card on their reward and recognition platform Mint, giving employees the chance to exchange their Ocadough for the Sunderland Gift Card – it was the top selling item in the Mint store – with employees enjoying spending their cards on lunch, saving them up for Christmas presents, and enjoying the vast array of local businesses. Ocado also used the Gift Card in their ad-hoc rewards to thank staff displaying Ocado values, and in their Christmas celebrations with team managers given a Sunderland Gift Card and a choice of 4 restaurants so their team could enjoy a meal together. Bravo Ocado!
Malmaison
A haven of sophistication and style, perched on the banks of the River Tay, Malmaison Dundee used the Dundee Gift Card in their employee of the month initiative to support their city, aligning with Malmaison’s values which include being real, respectful, progressive and collaborative. The boutique hotel also launched an Eat, Sleep, Love Local package which includes breakfast, room and a £50 Dundee Gift Card to help connect the brand with its community, and raise guest awareness of places to experience locally. Finally, they made the card available for guests to pick up in person and load with value in their reception. 3 amazing initiatives from one amazing business.
allpay Limited
Fintech allpay Limited first added the Hereford Gift Card to their reward and recognition platform in 2022 as a local option to sit alongside the national Gift Cards already available and were shocked by just how much employees value the Hereford Gift Card as a reward, with amazing feedback from staff, so much so that allpay added the card to their platform permanently in 2024. allpay also uses the card within team events and for nights out in local indie businesses. Thank you for choosing local allpay!
McDonald’s
In 2024, McDonald’s Leicester made the switch from Love2Shop vouchers to the Leicester Gift Card for their staff rewards as part of their corporate social responsibility efforts, encouraging staff to shop local, driving local footfall and showing their commitment to their city through their rewards and incentives. Calling the Gift Card an ‘easy way for us to provide a valued reward’ we salute McDonald’s Leicester for being a change leader in their community.
Fife Council
Flexibility and dignity were key for Fife Council when they collaborated with third sector and voluntary organisations in Dunfermline, such as churches and pantries, to distribute the Fife Gift Card to those experiencing crisis circumstances, via volunteers. In a separate Welcome Home Project, families who met the criteria received a welcome home pack containing a £20 Fife Gift Card, a housing starter pack with items such as plates funded by Furniture Plus, a £50 Furniture Plus voucher plus a welcome home card signposting to localised support. A fantastic example of the voluntary sector and the council coming together on a positive piece of work to benefit the community.
EC Language School
EC Language School, Brighton hosts students all year round and in summer 2024, decided to use the Brighton Gift Card as part of their half board provision for under 18 students, after a positive experience using the card for teachers in 2023. Loving the choice offered by the card for students, from supermarkets to restaurants and coffee shops, EC Language School felt the card encouraged students to explore Brighton and try out different businesses, including independent businesses that they might not otherwise have tried. For many students, it was also a chance to learn how to budget. As a bonus, choosing the Brighton Gift Card was another way for EC Language School to demonstrate their CSR credentials. Great job EC Language School!
Is your organisation ready to be a local hero organisation in 2024? Discover Town & City Gift Cards and Scotland Loves Local Gift Cards near you today!