LOYALTY scheme The Portico has been recognised by The Sunday Times as one of the country’s most beneficial community endeavours.
The project was shortlisted in the top ten of the national paper’s Change Makers competition fending off more than 100 other entries.
Although The Portico missed out on top spot as well as a £1,000 prize, the judges were ‘incredibly impressed’ with the scheme.
The contest recognises ‘little ideas with big impact’ which improve the local community and society.
David Ebsworth started The Portico in Malvern last year and described it as a ‘Nectar card for the town’. More than 70 business – which must be independent and family owned – have signed up since and recently the scheme marked £100,000 spent in a month among all its participating firms.
Mr Ebsworth, of Albert Road North, told Sunday Times judges he had a ready-made model to franchise to other towns around the country which could boost trade in their local shops.
After being informed the scheme had been shortlisted and would be featured in Sunday’s (September 21) paper, he said: “I am really pleased it has got this national recognition and thrilled on behalf of the traders of Malvern and Upton as well as the card holders.
“We still believe we are unique in what we do and what we have got in Malvern could work for other towns which we are hoping will get involved.”
Visit www.theporticoproject.co.uk for more information on the scheme.
