Harrogate BID is launching a new partnership today (Friday, June 4) to help give town centre businesses a much-needed boost.
The organisation has teamed up with LoyalFree, the creators of a smartphone app designed to increase footfall and sales in the spa town by encouraging consumers to shop, eat and drink local.
Harrogate is the thirty-first town in the UK to adopt the innovative digital platform, which provides information for locals and visitors alike such as a local guide, exclusive deals and loyalty schemes, fun local events and interesting trails.
BID levy payers will benefit from advertising opportunities, customer insights and social media support, and businesses already signed up include Cafe M, The Crown Hotel and Nutrition Joe’s Urban Cafe.
Matthew Chapman, Harrogate BID Manager, said: “From my previous role with Huddersfield BID, which introduced LoyalFree more than a year ago, I know first-hand the benefits it can help deliver.
“The LoyalFree app now provides Harrogate town centre with a great digital platform to showcase all the amazing businesses here. There is so much on offer in the town, and we hope it will encourage more people to support our local high street.
“Even before our launch, a number of businesses have already signed up to the LoyalFree, which is really encouraging news.”
LoyalFree’s digital trails are one way app users can explore the town’s history, hidden gems and best independents.
There are already some exciting trails live on the app including the Craft Beer Trail, Harrogate Coffee Trail and The Antique, Vintage and Retro Trail, which highlights the best local retailers stocking a great range of quirky curios!
Sophie Hainsworth, co-founder of LoyalFree, said: ‘‘We are delighted to be working with Harrogate BID. It’s more vital than ever for digital solutions to support the high street experience, and we hope businesses take advantage of everything the app has to offer.”
Harrogate residents are also being encouraged to download the LoyalFree app, and those doing so before July 4 will be in with a chance of winning a £150 Weetons hamper.
The in app competition can be entered with just one click every day for even more chances to win!
The LoyalFree app can be downloaded for free, here: www.loyalfree.co.uk/download or by searching ‘LoyalFree’ on the iOS and Google play store.