Bartercard

The business tool works by providing members with a network to exchange their services or products with other businesses whilst preserving cash resources – something that is crucial for many SMEs in the economic recovery.

“Bartercard has been great for locating local suppliers who can do the work we’d normally pay in cash for – from stationery providers to marketing and advertising consultancies and even fire safety equipment companies,” said Shasha Khan, Operations Director at the Hind Hotel located on Sheep Street. “There’s a huge variety of members so there’s always something that fits within your business needs.”

A grade 2 listed building in Northamptonshire that was built in the 1600s, Mr Khan’s family have owned the hotel for ten and a half years: “It’s a challenging time for all sectors of the economy, so companies have to be business smart. Before cash was invented traders would have exchanged their services and products with each other,” said Khan.

Khan first heard about Bartercard when his water cooler supplier mentioned that he was a member of the service and recommended it to fellow SMEs.

Becoming a Bartercard member opens up previously unavailable paths of new contacts and customers, in turn nurturing new referrals and growing sales within the business.

Khan added: “It’s early days but we’re already looking at ploughing savings back into the business – helping to improve the facilities for guests!”

To find out more about Bartercard and how you can become a member, go to www.bartercard.co.uk.