Find out about the Crosby Loyalty Card scheme supporting the local business community 

Crosby resident, Gary Hayes, started a local business community page which has grown into a thriving resource, connecting local residents to a range of exclusive offers and discounted services.

In 2016, Gary Hayes set up an informal Facebook group to keep the local community up-to-date with convenient services and facilities in the area. This year, the Crosby Loyalty Card & Community page has now grown to include 7.5K Crosby residents, generating regular customer offers from over 100 local businesses.

“The idea started off with the community page, where people were mostly asking for local recommendations or places to go, and the platform grew from word of mouth. The Crosby Loyalty Card system became a part of that,” explains Gary, 38. 

Gary Hayes

“I realised the number of independent businesses in the area which survive through support from the local population. The loyalty card system offers a two-way process, which allows businesses to give something back, and breed a sense of loyalty and togetherness in the area.” 

The Crosby Loyalty Card system provides a Facebook and Instagram platform where local business can post, advertise and gain followers as normal, while generating exclusive deals and discounts, ranging from 10% off shopping or restaurant bills, to 2-for-1 drink offers, and free, professional quotes for customers.

“Crosby is booming with independent businesses, and many of those also work from home, so might not have a physical footprint in terms of premises,’ he explains. ‘As well as a thriving hospitality industry, there are clothing shops, health and beauty salons, household services, and everything from driving instructors, to cake and balloon companies, educational tutors and financial providers.”

“The feedback has been nothing but positive,’ Army Officer, Gary says. ‘Not only are the businesses seeing an increase in bookings and orders from Crosby Loyalty Card, but some have had to take on extra employees, generating job opportunities for local residents, and well as growing their customer base,” he explains.

As businesses continue to adapt to lockdown measures, Gary plans to host a series of virtual or socially distanced networking events, with plans to grow the Facebook community page into a new website platform, featuring a dedicated recruitment section.

“I am only full of admiration for the way local businesses have adapted and overcome lockdown restrictions,’ says Gary. ‘For some, it’s been a case of business as usual, for many others, they have revitalised their business model to align to the current environment. I’m sure many will continue to utilise those new ways of working, and perhaps merge the two, moving forward,” he says. “We now have businesses from Sefton, and even Wirral, joining the Crosby Loyalty Card community, to maximise their business relationships, grow their custom base, and offer exclusive deals.”

To enquire about membership or to sign up for a nominal fee, local businesses can contact Gary Hayes at Crosby Loyalty Card & Community on Facebook or Instagram

If you know of a great community initiate or you’ve found a brilliant way of supporting your local community, we’d love to share your stories info@theguideliverpool.com

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