A local loyalty card scheme is growing following an enthusiastic uptake of the new scheme by Rutland-based businesses.

The Shop & Support Oakham Loyalty Card Scheme is set to be launched in July, and local businesses are already joining the scheme to ensure that you can get offers and rewards when shopping in your favourite local shops.

In fact, the new scheme has proved so popular, that the scheme is being expanded to include businesses across Rutland. As such, the scheme is being renamed The Shop & Support Rutland Loyalty Card Scheme.

Carolyn Acton-Reed, business owner and manager at Oakham & Rutland Events, will be launching the shop local loyalty card next month to encourage local people to shop locally - and earn rewards while doing so.

This new scheme will officially launch on Saturday 1 July, when a full list of participating shops and businesses will be announced.

Some familiar names from the high street will be joining the Rutland shop local loyalty scheme. Image credit: Nub News.

For now, though, we have a list of a few businesses already signed up for the scheme:

• Albar's Den
• The Angler
• Rutland Sports
• 9a Beauty Hub
• Snapdragon
• Ovation Wine & Spirit Bar
• Quirky Bird Gifts
• Warner's Traditional Sweet Shop
• Multi Electrical Services Ltd.
• Rocka-Buy Records
• The Crown Tavern
• Calveo
• Tracey's Emporium
• The Wisteria Hotel
• Farmer Lou

...to name but a few!

Rocka-Buy Records have joined the new shop local Rutland loyalty card scheme. Image credit: Nub News.

The public can also begin signing up for the card, which will allow them to collect stamps and be entered into a monthly prize draw and more.

Those who join the scheme will be sent a loyalty card and will receive a sticker or stamp in their card for every transaction in a participating shop. Once the cards are full, there will be designated drop off places where new cards can be obtained.

Once per month the completed cards will be collected, and a draw will take place to select the winners.

There will be three prizes available each month:

• 1st prize will be £100 shopping vouchers
• 2nd prize will be £75 shopping vouchers
• 3rd prize will be £50 shopping vouchers

The draw will take place on the 25th of each month. Any cards received after that will go forward to the following month's draw.

Have you seen any shops on the list of participating local venues that you regularly use? Image credit: Nub News.

Carolyn explained: "Keeping everything local, the vouchers can be used in any of the participating stores.

"The loyalty card scheme is a win-won. Shoppers get a stamp when they shop and you support the businesses in Oakham and also be entered in the prize draw."

The cost to participate in this scheme is just £20 per year. For this you get:

• Unlimited loyalty cards – once your card is full, you just obtain another
• Chance to win prizes each month
• A Birthday card each year with a £5 shopping voucher
• A Christmas card each year with a £5 shopping voucher
• Special offers emailed to you from the participating businesses
• To support your local community by choosing to shop local

A Rutland loyalty card is being launched in July and residents can win big. Image credit: Carolyn Acton-Reed.

Carolyn is also keen to include more offers as the scheme grows: "The more people we get involved with the scheme, the more discounts and offers we can give, including discounts and offers at the Rutland Food and Drink Festivals and free gifts at Easter, Halloween and Christmas."

Carolyn concluded: "I really hope you will support this scheme and help to Shop and Support Oakham."

Interested residents can email Carolyn for an application form and full information: [email protected].

Carolyn is also getting ready for Rutland Food and Drink Festival that is returning this weekend. Check out our What's On page for other local events, or click the 'Nub It' button to share your own for free.

Alternatively, share your own business news and more by emailing [email protected].