A new City of London gift card is being launched today [9 December] to encourage spending at participating retail, hospitality and leisure businesses in the Square Mile.

The initiative is a collective project created and funded by two Business Improvement Districts; Aldgate Connect BID and Cheapside Alliance, and two partnerships; Fleet Street Quarter and the Eastern City Partnership with support from the City of London Corporation.

It will see the sale of pre-loaded Mastercards of between £5 and £500 which can be spent exclusively at Square Mile businesses that are registered as part of the scheme.

The gift card has been designed to initially provide an additional revenue stream to City businesses hardest hit by COVID-19 restrictions but will remain a permanent offering.

More than 40 businesses have already signed up to be a part of the scheme, with a mix of independents and big names.

Lord Mayor of the City of London, William Russell, said:

“This has been an exceptionally difficult year for many City businesses, particularly with office workers having been required to work from home.

“The City Gift Card is a fantastic, creative solution to help combat tough trading conditions and it is launching just in time for Christmas.

“I would encourage Christmas shoppers to support Square Mile businesses during these difficult times and purchasing a City Gift Card for their loved ones is a great way to do this.”

Primera’s MD Ruth Duston, OBE, OC said:

“The City Gift Card helps promote the Square Mile beyond its business reputation, celebrating the City as a vibrant destination, bursting with rich culture and heritage and showcasing the wonderful mix of places to eat, drink, shop and socialise.

“It also demonstrates how organisations can work together to support their local ecosystem in the face of this pandemic.”

The City of London Gift Card can be purchased online at townandcitygiftcards.com/product/city-gift-card or at the City Information Centre.

The Gift Cards are also being promoted to City businesses for use by workers when they return to the office.

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk

Primera is a regeneration consultancy providing a wide range of services to the public, private, voluntary, community and partnership sectors. Within the City of London Primera operate and manage 2 BIDs and 2 business-led Partnerships, focusing on regeneration strategies combining economic, social and physical developments, delivered within a partnership framework. projects at any stage from development through to implementation and management. We strongly believe that sustainable communities are at the heart of placemaking, and our inclusive approach balances commercial and social considerations to create productive partnerships geared for enduring success.

Businesses who wish to register for the scheme should email izabella@primera-corp.co.uk

The full list of registered businesses can be found at townandcitygiftcards.com/product/city-gift-card