Glasgow businesses have benefitted from more than £8m spending via a city gift card programme.

The city council's initiative has initiated the use of Scotland Loves Local Glasgow Gift Card across more than 950 city businesses, aiming to circulate money within the local economy.

Nearly £7.6m of the £8.2m spent was achieved by aiding 85,000 low-income households at the peak of the cost of living crisis two years back.

The council rolled out the gift card to provide financial relief to these families, only allowing it to be used with city businesses.

This disclosure comes during Scotland Loves Local Week highlighting local businesses' critical need for support from their communities.

(Image: Message Matters)

Glasgow City Council has additionally pledged its commitment to local businesses by signing the Scotland Loves Local Pledge.

Councillor Susan Aitken, leader of Glasgow City Council, said: “The Loves Local scheme has been a great success in Glasgow, with around 1,000 city businesses and 80,000 households directly benefiting over the last couple of years.

“Buying local helps support Glasgow’s businesses, creating and protecting jobs – so using the Loves Local cards is great for the city’s economy.”

Kimberley Guthrie, chief officer of Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP): “The success of the Scotland Loves Local Glasgow Gift Card is a powerful demonstration of the positive impact on local jobs and the economy from choosing local.

“Not only has it been used to help people and businesses when they needed that most, but it has laid the foundations of further success for the city.

“We are delighted to have worked with Glasgow City Council to launch the gift card programme and to have its continued support in encouraging everyone to choose local.”

The Scotland Loves Local Glasgow Gift Card programme is delivered by fintech Miconex.

Colin Munro, the managing director, said: “What makes the Scotland Loves Local Glasgow Gift Card stand out is the immense choice on offer. No other gift card can offer that level of choice combined with support for local.

“And, as consumers and organisations alike choose the Glasgow Gift Card for gifts, rewards and incentives, the impact for city businesses is significant.

“Businesses tell us that the cards bring new customers through their doors with money to spend, with many going on to become regular customers.

“Every Glasgow Gift Card purchased is an investment in the city.”