Coventry City Council’s Go CV app celebrates 20,000 downloads in its first year

Coventry City Council’s popular Go CV scheme is used by over 100,000 residents across the city. It gives access to discounts and offers when visiting local attractions, but since the launch of its mobile app in October 2022, savings can be made when shopping at local businesses too. The app has seen over 20,000 downloads in its first year.

Councillor Kamran Caan, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Sport at Coventry City Council, has been working on Go CV since its creation. He said: “Initially, our ambition was to create a scheme to support Coventry’s local attractions and sport venues whilst offering exclusive discounts to residents in Coventry.

“Working with businesses to give members even more discounts has significantly elevated the Go CV offer. Using the app, members can access discounts and offers at businesses across the city.

“Having these offers available to Coventry’s residents is extremely important – more so than ever before due to the cost of living crisis.”

Councillor Jim O’Boyle, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Regeneration and Climate Change, has been involved in the project since the launch of the app, and added: "As a Council, we support Coventry’s businesses in a number of ways and working with them through the Go CV app benefits both businesses and residents too.

“By using the app it’s really easy for any local companies, large or small, to profile what they do and provide a local offer. Plumbers, garages, cafes and independent retailers can all be found on the app - these are the types of retailers and services we use regularly and they provide good services for local people.

“We know it’s tough for businesses right now, so it’s worth checking out the Go CV app. Joining is quick, easy and free.”

Businesses in Coventry can register at join.go-cv.co.uk.

There were also talks on cyber essentials, and testing and compliance, illuminating how businesses can better protect themselves via cyber essentials and gave insight to the process of penetration testing. Another alarming statistic shared was that 60 per cent of small businesses that suffer a cyber-attack go out of business within six months.

The Importance of effective cyber insurance was highlighted stating that cyber threats continue to evolve, and that it has “become crucial for businesses to secure comprehensive insurance policies” to mitigate financial risks in the event of a cyber-attack.

The guest speaker of the afternoon, Andy Gomarsall, talked about security and sustainability, showcasing the importance of proper data destruction upon disposal, followed by a complimentary lunch for all attendees.

During the event, attendees were offered a free cyber security risk assessment, which is now being offered to the public. Visit www.ebcgroup.co.uk/cyber-event to find out more.

Stratfordupon-Avon brands announce support for local hospice

Two leading Stratford-upon-Avon brands – full-service law firm Shakespeare Martineau and planning, design and development consultancy Marrons – have joined forces to support The Shakespeare Hospice for the next year.

Since 1999, The Shakespeare Hospice has been caring for patients with life-limiting illnesses, their carers and loved ones across South Warwickshire, providing day services, Hospice at Home, adult counselling, transitional care, and children and family support.

Shakespeare Martineau and Marrons will be raising money for The Shakespeare Hospice through various fundraising initiatives, including bake sales and raffles, and taking part in dragon boat races and inflatable 5ks. To support, the brands have implemented a responsible business committee and champions in its Stratford-upon-Avon hub, in Bridgeway House, who are committed to driving positive change in the community and providing opportunities for employees to support causes they are passionate about.

Alison Stone, corporate and community fundraiser at The Shakespeare Hospice, said: “We are incredibly grateful to the Shakespeare Martineau and Marrons teams for their forthcoming support. Our hospice relies on corporate partnerships like this to enable us to continue providing essential care and support to those in the local community affected by a life-limiting illness. We are really looking forward to hearing about all the exciting fundraising activities that the teams have planned over the next 12 months.”

Andrew Smith, head of Shakespeare Martineau’s Stratford-upon-Avon hub, added: “We are delighted to be supporting The Shakespeare Hospice for the next year. The hospice gives people in our community who are affected by a life-limiting illness or bereavement access to compassionate care. We’re lucky to have such a fantastic charity on our doorstep that provides vital services to the region.

“As certified B Corporations, we’re committed to using business as a force for good for our people, clients, planet and communities. It’s important for us to support local causes that make real differences to the lives our others, and we’re looking forward to holding various fundraising events over the course of the next 12 months to raise money to support The Shakespeare Hospice’s work.”