Speaking after a public meeting he called in Helston last Thursday evening, local MP, Andrew George, said that Helston and The Lizard had much to gain from establishing a loyalty scheme of its own.
Over 45 local people and businesses attended the public meeting at which Mr George presented background information on loyalty schemes in other parts of the country and described the potential benefits to Helston and its independent retail businesses.
Judith Haycock chaired the meeting and Julian Rand on behalf of the South Kerrier Alliance, Bryn Hackland on behalf of the West Cornwall Business Forum and John Marshall on behalf of Transition Helston all responded welcoming an initiative. Also contributing were the Town Mayor, Cllr Niall Devonish, who emphasised that he was speaking on his own behalf and not on behalf of the Town Council and Cornwall County Councillor, Cllr Paul Phillips.
The meeting also heard about support from West Briton and Helston Packet newspapers and an offer of support from the Penzance based loyalty card scheme established by Penzance Chamber of Commerce and funded by the former Penwith District Council. There was also support offered from the Falmouth Loyalty Card Scheme, which has been operating for two years.
George commented: “This was a positive meeting and showed the breadth of support for a loyalty card scheme. The meeting was clearly well worthwhile.
“The offer of adopting the blueprint from the Penzance based loyalty card scheme was very generous, as was a parallel offer of support to match that established in Falmouth.
“Having consulted a number of businesses after the event, it appears that Helston may be even better served through a bespoke loyalty scheme created through the needs and circumstances of the Helston based businesses. The possibility of bringing on board independent retailers and catering companies in Porthleven, The Lizard and surrounding district would also appear to be an option well worth investigating.
“Although further discussions will need to take place – not least with the businesses whom such a scheme is primarily intended to assist – I do not think that the area has the luxury of time for extended deliberation. We must strike while the iron is hot!”
