New high street app launched to promote local spend and support local businesses

Cheshire West and Chester Council has launched a new partnership with multi award winning app LoyalFree, as part of the area’s recovery plan from Covid-19.

The region has become the newest area in the UK to launch the LoyalFree app, a place promotion app designed to boost footfall and sales in the area by encouraging consumers to shop local safely. 

LoyalFree is an innovative digital platform which showcases vital area information for residents and visitors including a local guide, exclusive deals and loyalty schemes, fun local events, and interesting trails. Businesses will benefit from advertising opportunities; customer insights and social media support and the dynamic app allows users to benefit from using just one app across the UK - so they can tap into the local area wherever they are. 

The app has been launched primarily to support businesses around the Sandstone Trail, providing useful information and offers to residents and visitors to this beautiful area of the borough.  However, any business with an offer in west Cheshire can register. 

The partnership is being funded with the support of the EU Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The ERDF contributes to smart, sustainable and inclusive growth in England.

Encompassing hundreds of businesses within the locality, the benefits of the app will be available to all. Local businesses already signed up include Flowers by Jenny Penny, Amy’s Fruit & Veg of Tarporley and The Cheshire Wine & Cheese Co. 

Councillor Richard Beacham, Cabinet Member for inclusive growth, economy and regeneration said: ‘‘We are thrilled to be able to offer this wonderful digital platform to local businesses at this crucial time. We hope it will encourage residents and visitors to support their local businesses and we look forward to adding more exciting content soon.’’ 

LoyalFree’s digital trails are one way app users can explore the area’s history, hidden gems and best independents. There are already some exciting trails live on the app including the Sandstone Ridge and Rural Attractions Trail and the Local Activities trail which showcases some of Cheshire West and Chester's most popular days out. 

Sophie Hainsworth, co-founder of LoyalFree, said: ‘‘We are ecstatic to be working with Cheshire West and Chester Council to be able to offer local businesses a way to expand their digital presence and encourage locals to return to the high street.’’ 

Download the app before the end of November and you can be in with a chance of winning vouchers to local attractions and products worth up to £150. The in-app competition can be entered with just one click every day for even more chances to win.

You can download the LoyalFree app for free:

www.loyalfree.co.uk/download 

Or search ‘LoyalFree’ on the iOS and Google play store.