The Newark and Sherwood Gift Card backed by Newark and Sherwood District Council, promotes shopping locally in Newark, Southwell, Ollerton and Edwinstowe

A new Great Gift Card Giveaway campaign aiming to encourage residents to shop locally and boost economy started today (May 12).

Between today and May 25, £500 of Newark and Sherwood Gift Cards are being given away by local businesses in Newark, Southwell, Ollerton and Edwinstowe.

Businesses who are part of the Newark and Sherwood Gift Card will be handing out small cards to buyers featuring a QR code which will reveal if the customer has won a Newark and Sherwood Gift Card.

During the campaign, £500 worth of Newark and Sherwood Gift Cards will be given away, with 20 prizes available — two £50, four £30 and fourteen £20 gift cards.

Backed by Newark and Sherwood District Council, the Newark and Sherwood Gift Card was introduced in March to encourage a ‘shop local’ ethos.

70 local businesses in Newark, Southwell, Ollerton and Edwinstowe village accept the card, including shops, restaurants, salons, hotels and venues.

Councillor Claire Penny, portfolio holder for Sustainable Economic Growth at Newark and Sherwood District Council, says the campaign is a celebration of local shopping in the area: “The Newark and Sherwood Gift Card is a local gift card purely for our towns, that has to be spent here, locking spend into our local economy, keeping businesses open and encouraging local exploration.

“The reality is that without local support, our local businesses are at risk. During the Great Gift Card Giveaway, we’re encouraging everyone to go out and support their local businesses, with a chance to instantly win a Newark and Sherwood Gift Card as a thank you for shopping local.

“For the 20 lucky winners of the Newark and Sherwood Gift Cards, it will be a chance to experience the gift card for themselves, maybe treat a friend to lunch in a cafe they’ve never been to before, enjoy a pampering treatment at a local salon or buy something lovely from one of our many shops.

“Instant win cards will be handed out from May 12, so show your support for your local businesses and you could win a Newark and Sherwood Gift Card too.”

One business accepting the gift card is Doncaster’s Butchers in Southwell. Business owner Rachel Doncaster said: “We are delighted to be taking part in the Great Giveaway campaign to help launch the Newark and Sherwood Gift Card.

“It's really positive to be supporting the idea of shopping locally as well as our own business.”

To find out which businesses are taking part in the Great Gift Card Giveaway, or to buy a Newark and Sherwood Gift Card, visit https://www.newarkandsherwoodgiftcard.com/

The Newark and Sherwood Gift Card is part of the award-winning Town & City Gift Card concept from fintech Miconex, active across the UK and Ireland.

The managing director of Miconex, Colin Munro, said the gift cards are a lifeline to local businesses as they bring new customers through their doors and now is the ideal time to show support to independent businesses in the area.