The new Shop & Support Rutland Loyalty cards have begun arriving with participating residents and shop owners following a delay in the launch of the new scheme.

The aim of the new scheme is to get residents back out and shopping in local, independent stores across the county.

The launch of the loyalty scheme was originally set to take place on 1 July, but was delayed. However, cards are beginning to arrive with those who have joined, which costs £20 a year for shoppers.

For their £20, Rutland shoppers will be entered into prize draws, and can claim offers and more in participating stores - of which there are many.

When it was first announced, the loyalty card proved so popular, that it was expanded from Oakham's high street to include businesses across Rutland.

Some familiar names from the high street have joined the Rutland shop local loyalty scheme. Image credit: Nub News.

A wide range of shops in Oakham, Uppingham and other Rutland villages have joined the scheme, with more being announced daily.

Some of the businesses that have already signed up for the scheme include:

• 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
• James Richards Circus
• Oakham Farmers Market
• Walkers Bookshops
• Oakham Arts and Crafts Market
• Stray's
• The Emily Redding Dance Academy
• Newstyle Print
• P.K Upholstery
• Curios and Clobber
• Oakham Wines

...to name but a few!

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

The public have already begun signing up for the card, which allows 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 soon, 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].

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