Love Bedford shopping vouchers are pouring money into local tills.

The BedfordBID business-led organisation runs the scheme whereby companies and individuals can opt to buy Love Bedford gift vouchers which can be redeemed in 250 town centre outlets and offices. This means all the money goes back into local tills.

£693,000 worth of vouchers have been purchased since the scheme was launched a few years ago. In December 2013 £50,000 worth of vouchers were redeemed in local shops, restaurants and bars – with more to come as people cash in their vouchers in 2014.

“This scheme is tried and tested as an important way to encourage people to support the town centre and shop local,” said Christina Rowe, Director of BedfordBID,

“It is envied by other towns who do not have the backing of a business-led Business Improvement District (BID) organisation.

“We are looking forward to reaching the £1 Million mark and call upon local companies and organisations to buy Love Bedford vouchers for staff rewards and customer incentives.

“Our biggest supporter is Bedford College which has over the years accounted for £400,000 of the vouchers bought. We are grateful for the example shown by the College in supporting the town centre in this way.”

Individuals can buy vouchers from the Tourist Information Centre in St Paul’s Square or by contacting the BedfordBID team on 01234 404500.

BedfordBID collects a “one for all” levy from 575 businesses in the town centre but supports 800, including the smallest, by using the fund to encourage visitors to and investment in Bedford.

A new board for 2014 includes representatives of High Street businesses large and small, the night time economy and the office sector.

In addition to the Love Bedford vouchers BedfordBID runs a Love Bedford Reward Card scheme and Love Bedford App which are free to businesses who want to promote themselves to a wide audience amplified by newspaper, magazine and radio advertising.