That’s the view of Lauren Cotterill, owner of Stockport hairdressing salon Belle Amie, on Heaton Lane, who said today that business was up as a direct result of the SKone card, launched by Stockports leading commercial landlord Orbit Developments.
“The SKone scheme has definitely helped my business,” said Lauren. “I think I have had at least 20 new customers come in from Orbit’s Regent House office which is just a few doors down. It’s perfect promotion for me.”
Jo Allen (centre) from Orbit Developments with the team at Belle Amie.
Hair extension specialist Candice Thornley heard about the card through Lauren, after recently starting work at Belle Amie, and has also signed up. “After seeing Lauren’s success with the SKone card, it will be great to get some hair extension offers in place to benefit us. Being in such a competitive industry means the card is a really valuable way of raising awareness.”
Soap Hairdressing on St Petersgate echoed the theme. Like Belle Amie they are offering 50% off a first visit using the card. The card managed by Orbit Developments has attracted over 45 local Stockport retailers with hairdressers, gyms, cake companies and tea emporiums all keen to lure customers with special offers and discounts. What’s more it’s free for retailers and businesses to add an offer to the card.
Tony Jones, Managing Director of Orbit Developments, said: “It is so good to hear that the SKone card is helping great businesses like Belle Amie, Candice Thornley and Soap Hairdressing. These independent businesses are the lifeblood of Stockport and being able to support them in some way is very satisfying. It’s still quite new, but our occupiers are starting to realise the benefits and using the card more often.”
Customers located in any of Orbit’s 12 properties in the centre of Stockport get the card free of charge when they take space – an added value which is starting to prove its worth. In addition to the reward card, customers also receive free access to the SKone hub in the recently refurbished flagship Stockport building. The bright, modern business lounge provides free Wi-Fi facilities and refreshments and the chance for customers to host informal meetings in a flexible space whenever required. Alongside the hub, there are also free meeting rooms for formal meetings in a traditional and private setting.
The properties included in the reward cards scheme are Regent House, Beckwith House, Mansion House, Wellington House, Grosvenor House, Crossley House, Hillgate Court, Applicon House, Cirtek House, Highbank House, Pathshire House and No. 1 St. Peter’s Square.
Stockport businesses interested in offering a discount or special offer for the SKone card can find out more information by calling the team on 01625 588 200 or visit www.skone-offices.co.uk.
In other news Orbit are also supporting local communities by being the headline sponsors for the forthcoming Headlander Festival