Playing The Card Right

Hereford Times - 24th March 2011

The countryside came to the centre of Hereford to celebrate the signing up of the 300th business to join a county card scheme designed to help local businesses flourish.

Alexander and Duncan, the John Deere tractor dealership in Leominster, brought the latest models to High Town to mark the success of the not-for-profit enterprise Truffle Herefordshire.

"We are delighted to welcome Alexander and Duncan to the Truffle family. We have been overwealmed with the response crom cardholders and businesses across Herefordshire," said Truffle founders Luke Conod and Heather Gorringe.

"Truffle is the Big Societu in action, a project driven by the private sector with help and support from the council."

Simon Amos of Alexander and Duncan said: "It is the loyalty of local farmers, businesses and customers that has allowed us to grow at a time when many businesses are in decline"

"For every £10 spent with independent businesses in HErefordshire £8 stays in the county. For every £10 spent with the national chains only £2 stays in Herefordshire."

Truffle cardholders get exclusive treats and offers along with invitations to new product launches as well as exclusive events.

Within a week of launching more than 1,000 people had signed up and Truffle now has about 5,000 cardholders.

A weekly email of offers from the participating businesses is sent to cardholders, this is backed up by a website, Twitter and Facebook.

Customers are able to sign up for the scheme at any of the 350 shops, restaurants, bars, pubs and nightclubs or at truffleherefordshire.co.uk

There will be customer sign-up days with the Truffle Truck in Leominster, Hereford, Ross-on-Wye, Kington, Ledbury and Bromyard.

Photo: Luke Conon, Sandra Crown, Heather Gorringe and Simon Amos celebrate the signing up of Alexander and Duncan.