Oswestry’s Business Improvement District (BID) has teamed up with app partners Loyal Free to introduce The Oswestry LoyalFree Marketplace, one of nine UK towns and cities starting to develop the platform.

The initiative is part of Oswestry BID’s aim to support increasing resilience in the business community, so that if events like the pandemic happen again, businesses are better able to take advantage of an online e-commerce stream having already established a brand on that platform.

BID Levy Payers are able to showcase and sell their products and gift vouchers online for delivery or Click & Collect to Oswestry and beyond.

The service is free to BID Levy Payers.

Jason Nesbitt, LoyalFree’s co-owner is excited to bring the LoyalFree Marketplace to Oswestry.

“We’re particularly eager to see experiences showcased that get people into the town, such as cocktail masterclasses and spa days,” he said.

Mr Nesbitt said Oswestry was the perfect place to introduce the app.

“Oswestry is the perfect place to see the marketplace used to its full potential.”

The simple-to-use platform encourages more purchases from local businesses and more visits into town through Click & Collect, increasing footfall and brand awareness.

Lewis and Holmes, the family-run interiors business with a showroom in Castle Street, have started using the platform.

‘The opportunity for a low cost, local, click and collect service really appealed to us,” said owner, Phil Lewis.

“We can have an online presence without the hassle of running an online shop.

“We’re looking forward to working with Loyal Free and Oswestry BID to promote our products and can now say ‘yes’ when a customer asks can I buy this online.

“By working together, this will be a win-win for Oswestry.”

Contact Oswestry BID or head to www.loyalfreemarketplace.co.uk/oswestry