Wednesday, December 10, 2014
www.mercury-today.co.uk
A ‘SMART’ WAY TO DO BUSINESS
INSIDE YOUR MERCURY THIS WEEK
Shoppers can ‘swipe’ for special offers By HAYLEY RICHARDSON A “SMART” move by Bexleyheath businesses means the town is first in the country to benefit from an innovative technology system. Around 40 businesses, including several in Broadway Shopping Centre, now display a Near Field Communications logo in their windows. Shoppers can use their smart device to swipe the logo and access special offers and discounts via the Bexleyheath Business Partnership (BBP) website without stepping foot in the store. Broadway centre manager Peter Sedge said: “I think it is an exciting and innovative new project which we are keen to encourage more stores within the centre to be a part of.” He said he believed the project would benefit both individual businesses and residents, as the site also provides Bexleyheath news, events and information. Gallery Gifts shopowner Dilip Shah said: “I am the first to admit that I think we could be doing more to engage customers via the internet, social media and technology so I am pleased to be part of this UK-first town
centre-wide project.” The system, which cost £1,200 to implement, uses the same technology as contactless payment cards and was set up by BBP, an organisation made up of local businesses, Bexley council, the police and other agencies.
Broadway Shopping Centre manager Peter Sedge, Dilip Shah of Gallery Gifts, and Ian Payne, who is Bexleyheath BID project www.matthewwalkerphotography.com/k4641/C manager Bexleyheath is a Business the town is already one per Improvement District (BID), an cent above the national area in which companies pay average and we want to continue additional tax to fund this trend using every possible projects, improvements and technology available.” additional services. For information, call 020 8304 Bexleyheath BID manager 0775 or email ian.payne@ Ian Payne said: “Footfall for bexleyheathbid.co.uk
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