Barclaycard initiative launches to boost Middlesbrough economy

June 9th 2017

On Friday 9th June Barclaycard and Barclays representatives will run a day of activity in Middlesbrough to educate local traders on how accepting card and contactless payments can benefit their business.

Contactless payments allow consumers to pay for purchases of £30 and under using a card or a device without having to enter their PIN. Both shoppers and consumers benefit from contactless as it provides a quick and convenient way to pay and helps reduce queues at the point of sale. 

For Middlesbrough businesses only relying on cash as a way of payment could mean missing out on vital sales. Thousands of visits are made to Middlesbrough’s markets, countryside and attractions each year, meaning that visitor-related spending plays a significant role in supporting the local economy. 
  
What’s in store for Middlesbrough

From 12noon on Friday 9th June, Barclays & Barclaycard representatives will be at the Barclays branch in The Mall, from where the party will embark on a series of drop-in sessions with local businesses on Middlesbrough High Street. The meetings will provide an opportunity for business owners to find out more about how card and contactless payments work, and the benefits of the technology - especially during busy peak and seasonal trading times. 

Five benefits of accepting Contactless payments:

1. Faster transactions: contactless technology is the fastest card payment method in the UK. The contactless card or device simply needs to be touched onto a secure reader to make a contactless payment and, in a few seconds, the transaction is complete.
2. Convenience: accepting contactless for small purchases makes life easier for customers as they do not need to have the correct change to hand or carry cash around with them. Equally businesses do not have to spend time counting out and giving them their change or paying cash into the bank.
3. Reduced queues: faster transactions enable customers to be served more quickly, and for some businesses this can help to increase sales, especially during busy periods. 
4. Fewer abandoned sales: customers may walk out of shops because of long queues, so quicker transactions could reduce the number of abandoned sales.
5. Increased average transaction value (ATV): Shoppers may be constrained by the amount of cash they have on them and so may spend more if using a contactless card or device. 

Local businesses who are interested in receiving a visit on Friday 9th June or finding out more should contact Susan Theobald, Middlesbrough Branch manager on 07917 092363 to arrange an appointment. 

Susan Theobald, Barclays Middlesbrough Branch Manager, said: 

“Middlesbrough’s bustling and vibrant economy is dependent on the thousands of visitors to the town each and every week. Yet with visitors now carrying less cash in favour of choosing to pay by card and contactless, it’s never been more important that local businesses are able to serve customers in the way that works best for them.

“We’re really looking forward to spending some time out in Middlesbrough and seeing how we can help local businesses get ready for another busy year of trading.”

What are Contactless Payments?

Contactless is a way for shoppers to pay for purchases of £30 and under using a card or a device without having to enter their PIN. It is designed specifically to provide a quick and convenient way to pay. To pay with contactless the cardholder touches their card or payment device against the terminal. It has to be held within 10cm of the terminal to work and the terminal will confirm that the payment has been accepted