Thomson Directories to issue Nectar points
In the UK, Thomson Directories has joined the Nectar loyalty programme as a points-issuing partner, both for consumers (when they use the directory to find businesses) and for Nectar for Business members (when the advertise in the directory).
Advertisers in the Thomson Local Directories will earn Nectar points for the adverts they place (2 points per £1 spent on directory ad space each year).
Consumers telephoning to use the directory service will also be awarded 50 Nectar points each time they make an enquiry (up to a maximum of 1,000 points per year).
Launch in 2007 The programme is to be rolled out starting with the forthcoming 2007 editions of Thomson Local Directories, for which Thomson Directories has already begun accepting adverts.
Earning and burning points Business members can also collect points through the consumer-focused Nectar programme which includes partners such as Sainsbury's, BP, Beefeater, TalkTalk and the AA. Points collected with Nectar for Business can be redeemed for a range of rewards (either for the business or for employees) including computers, office equipment, cases of wine, air tickets, or a day at the races.
According to Jan-Pieter Lips, director of business development for Nectar for Business, "This is a great strategic fit for both organisations and is a very exciting opportunity for small businesses and for consumer collectors alike. Small businesses can benefit by seeing an increased volume of inbound customer enquiries and will also be able to collect Nectar points on their own advertising spend. Consumer collectors will be able to earn even more Nectar points, thanks to the wide range of advertisers that we expect to take up this offer."
Thomson Directories produces 173 printed editions of the Thomson Local directory, distributing 22 million copies throughout the UK each year. Each week Thomson Local directories are used by 5 million people, generating some 15 million business referrals. The online version of the directory currently has over 2 million businesses listed.
Latest Nectar figures Nectar's operator, Loyalty Management UK (LMUK), says that Nectar for Business currently has more than 350,000 business collectors registered (including more than 1 in 10 SMEs). Thomson Directories joins the growing list of Nectar for Business points-issuing partners ('sponsors'), including Viking Direct, EDF Energy, Hertz, HSS Hire, ICI Dulux Decorator Centres, Magnet Trade, Brakes, and American Express.
The consumer-focused Nectar programme currently has 17 sponsors: Sainsbury's, Debenhams, BP, adams kids, Ford, EDF Energy, Winemark, Hertz, Magnet, Brewers Fayre, eBookers, Beefeater, American Express, TalkTalk, Dollond & Aitchison, Thomson, and the AA. The Nectar eStores shopping portal has over 70 online retail partners including Amazon, eBay, Dell and CD-Wow. The Nectar Credit Card from American Express offers two Nectar points at participating Nectar sponsors, and 1 point per £1 spent elsewhere.
Loyalty Management Group (LMG) owns Loyalty Management UK (LMUK), the operator of the Nectar loyalty programme in the UK. LMG also owns Loyalty Management International which provides loyalty management expertise internationally, and Loyalty Management Services which provides specialist data management services for loyalty programmes.
For additional information: · Visit Thomson Directories at http://www.thomsondirectories.com · Visit Loyalty Management UK at http://www.loyalty.co.uk