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Couple launch new birthday voucher idea

Posted onPosted on 21st Oct

An entrepreneurial Sutton couple have launched a unique new venture aimed at both local businesses and local people.

My Birthday Vouchers offers the chance for firms to make discount vouchers available to people close to their birthdays. The online vouchers could contain special offers in areas like food, beauty, days out and much more.

Managing director James Phipps and his partner, operations director Emma Brewster, have both given up their jobs to launch the business that was born in a discussion at a pub.

James, who has been in retail management for the past 12 years, and Emma were celebrating a relative’s birthday at the Kingsmill Farm in Sutton.

He said: “I noticed a sign saying ‘Free cake if it’s your birthday’.

“It got me thinking that it was a great idea but I had to be already sat in that establishment to have seen that offer, or had visited before — My Birthday Vouchers was born!

“Also, with the media focus around Brexit’ and the worry for small businesses moving forward and the high street in general, I wanted to start an online business that created additional footfall, turnover and support for these businesses in the future.”

The vouchers will be available for a total of 15 days (seven days either side of birthdays). All people have to do to receive them is sign up free at www.mybirthdayvouchers.co.uk

The couple said businesses would benefit from being able to provide offers targeted at individuals rather than the mass market. Those celebrating their birthdays would receive potentially better deals than similar national schemes.

James grew up in Forest Town and attended Garibaldi School, while Emma, who worked at Center Parcs for nine years, is a lifelong Sutton resident and went to Quarrydale School.

The couple, who have four children, aim to move the business in to a local regional office soon.

James said: “There are a number of successful voucher websites operating online. I wanted to create something different that was of great benefit to the consumer and the businesses signed-up.

“Many of the voucher websites operating online can come at great expense to the business as demand for the product/service increases at a rate that the business cannot control.

“We are unique in that our vouchers are not wide open for anyone to redeem. They are only available for 15 days — seven days prior to a birthday and seven days afterwards.

“As the vouchers are limited in time to each individual, it allows a business to create a better offer/discount to attract them to visit.

“We do not stipulate any minimum discounts and businesses have control of the offer.

“For example, if a small business puts on a voucher for 50% off a particular service and finds itself too busy, it can simply access the voucher and amend it to slow the rate down.”

James said many businesses would only need to attract one new customer to pay for the annual cost to advertise with My Birthday Vouchers

Businesses can sign up to take part at the website or by contacting a member of the team on 02038 668946.

Between now and the voucher launch on 1st February, the couple aim to have as many consumers and businesses signed as possible and create exposure to the brand.

They would like up to 50,000 people to sign up in the first year.

James and Emma also thanked Mansfield business Dijitul for producing their website. The couple said: “They are a great team of people to work with and have been very supportive throughout the initial launch. We look forward to continuing our relationship together.”