Retailers, restaurants and businesses across West Oxfordshire are being encouraged to sign up to a new customer loyalty app.

West Oxfordshire District Council is working with LoyalFree to run the mobile phone app which offers free promotion for local businesses and discounts and benefits for residents.

Cllr Suzi Coul, cabinet member for finance, said: “We know how difficult it has been for businesses during the pandemic and we want to help in any way we can.

“The LoyalFree app is a great way for people to find offers, attractions and experiences and is completely free for our businesses. 

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“We hope that by bringing this app to West Oxfordshire we can help our businesses get back on their feet and help local residents make the most of what is on their doorstep.

“LoyalFree has already proved to be successful in many other areas of the country. We have a wide variety of fantastic businesses in West Oxfordshire and this will give them the opportunity to have free advertising, delivered directly to customers via the app.”

The app, which provides tourism information, business offers, events listings, interactive trails and more, is already running in 30 towns and cities across the UK,

It will first be promoted to local business to help build a strong base of offers before promotion begins to the public.

Among other benefits businesses will have the option to run a ‘loyalty stamp’ scheme where possible and gain customer insight through a live dashboard.

They can also feature in local LoyalFree trails on the app - for example, Open for Business, Vegan, Family Friendly, Best Independents

t will be available to both businesses and residents from July 1 on Google Play and at the App Store.

Sophie Hainsworth, chief executive and co-founder of LoyalFree, said: “We are delighted to be working with West Oxfordshire District Council and local businesses, contributing towards the safe reopening of their high streets.

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“This is a great opportunity for businesses to promote offers and drive footfall back towards town centres and we hope this provides a safe, fun shopping experience for all.”

The funding for the project will be coming from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of its Welcome Back Fund.

To find out more about LoyalFree and how it can help your business, a special webinar is taking place on Tuesday June 15 at 6.30pm. Register now to reserve your place: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/west-oxfordshire-loyalfree-business-presentation-tickets-158412222221

A demonstration of the main features of the app is available on the LoyalFree demo web page. If you are unable to make the webinar but would like more information email business@westoxon.gov.uk