There is an old saying in the world of Barter, “ Barter works for every business but it doesn`t work for every businessperson”. Pretty much a true statement. So how do you become the businessperson where it does work!

The first thing you need to do is change your cheque book attitude and change your thoughts on when and how you want to make purchases. In these times it’s sometimes difficult to plan and so we work on a JIT basis. With Bartercard, you need to think and plan on what you want to spend. Of course, you could just wait till the last minute, find you cannot get what you need on trade and just get your cheque book out……………..

Think ahead, work with your Account Manager, don’t ring on a Friday afternoon at 4 o’clock expecting that you will find 3 colour leaflet print on a Friday afternoon just before the close of business for a printer. It’s not going to happen. What you will have forgotten as you are given the bad news that the print cannot be gained on trade is that you, in fact, knew you had to cross this bridge 3 months ago. Think ahead!

Whilst it may be considered an extreme example, we had a Member who told us that he was looking to buy a new van in two years’ time, and could we help him? Clearly the chances of buying a new van on trade are extremely remote however working with the Member this is what we did.

Over a two year period every time the Member bought something he needed in his business on the trade we said to put the equivalent in cash in your bank account and make is sacrosanct, don`t spend it. Leave it. Believe it or not in the two years prior to him needing the van he saved enough cash to buy that van whilst saving the equivalent in cash. He kept thousands of cash pounds in his business to buy the van by spending trade.

We are delighted to announce an expansion of West Ham United’s relationship with Bartercard.

Building on the partnership signed with the women’s team in August, Bartercard will now become Official Sleeve Sponsor of the Club’s famous Academy of Football and an Official Club Sponsor.

Bartercard will be working with the Club to provide unique opportunities to interested business owners and, as part of the launch of this expanded partnership, will be providing up to 25 businesses with a six-months free membership, with a guarantee of additional business.

Nathan Thompson, West Ham United Commercial Director, said: “I’m delighted to announce this expansion of the Club’s partnership with Bartercard. In times such as these, it is important for all businesses, including West Ham United, to develop new and innovative ways of building strategic working relationships.

“Through numerous conversations with the team at Bartercard, it is clear there is a great opportunity for the Club to build mutually beneficial relationships within the network over the course of this partnership.

“I personally look forward to seeing the Bartercard network going from strength to strength in east London and Essex and helping as many fans and their businesses to grow as possible”.

The online trade exchange platform’s logo will appear on the back of the Hatters’ third shirt for the next three seasons.

Luton Town Head of Commercial Chris Bell is delighted to welcome Bartercard to the family of Partners at the Club.

He said: “As we continue to grow as a football club it’s important to work with partners that will support the development of Luton Town at Kenilworth Road and in the future as we move towards Power Court.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the logo on the back of the shirt and using the Bartercard network to support projects at the Club.

“Bartercard are a forward-thinking business with a proven track record and global network. It’s exciting to work together developing this partnership moving forward.”

Bartercard Managing Director Chris Kirby added: “Working with Luton Town FC is a huge honour for us. The forward vision of the club was prominent when initial discussions were taking place.

“The grit and fight on the field last season was something special and we are looking forward to getting involved in the action as soon as we all can.

“We have invested our own closed-loop digital currency into the club which allows the Hatters to purchase products and services from Bartercard Merchants, without using cash. This helps free up the club’s cash flow for other projects.

“We are keen to speak with businesses in the local area who could do with some extra business to fill up their downtime, or who may be interested in running a Bartercard Franchise.”