MORE businesses are being encouraged to sign up to a Havering-wide shopping discount scheme to give an added boost to local trade in the run up to Christmas.

The Haveringcard initiative which was originally launched last year to ease the effects of the recession is being re-launched for the festive season - a time when spending is inevitable but sticking to a budget can be difficult.

Every resident with a Haveringcard can receive discounts and special offers from any local businesses participating in the scheme and in return Havering businesses have the opportunity to attract more custom from local residents.

All residents of Havering are entitled to a Haveringcard and one was issued to each household along with a directory of participating businesses last week. The directory is also published on Havering Council’s website at www.havering.gov.uk

Whatever discount or deal each business wants to offer is up to them. It could be a free taster session or introductory offer, discounted goods or services, a buy one get one free offer or discounted entry.

Businesses can also change their Haveringcard offers to include a range of discounts if they wish.

The scheme is free for businesses to sign up to.

So far 500 have signed up from shops to shoe repairers; driving schools to dry cleaners; plumbers to opticians and hairdressers.

Participating businesses will display a Haveringcard poster or sticker in their premises or on company vehicles and the customer will need to present their card in order to receive the discount.

Additional businesses which sign up will be promoted regularly and the online directory updated throughout 2011.

The Haveringcard can also be collected from libraries, the Public Advice and Service Centre (PASC) or selected participating businesses. Residents will need to show proof of address.

Council Leader, Councillor Michael White said: “We launched this scheme to help residents and businesses through the recession with discounts on all sorts of goods and services, hairdressers through to plumbers.

“We are reissuing the Haveringcard so residents can continue to benefit from the special offers across the borough and support local businesses.”

For more information on how businesses can join the scheme visit www.havering.gov.uk , call Joanne on 01708 432232 or email haveringcard@havering.gov.uk