A Perth financial technology company has gained national acclaim after picking up the gong for Small to Medium Business of the Year at an awards ceremony.
Miconex, responsible for creating the Perth Card and other gift card programmes across the UK and in the US, was celebrated at the Gift Card and Voucher Association ceremony on September 14 at The Landmark in London.
A vision to support local businesses and help stimulate local economies was the driver for Miconex, based in Perth’s Rose Terrace, being honoured.
Colin Munro, managing director of Miconex said it was both a surprise and an honour to be presented with the award, alongside chief operating officer Leigh Brown.
Colin said: “To receive the Small to Medium Business of the Year award from the GCVA, an organisation which is a positive force within the gift card industry and that we hold the greatest respect for, is a proud moment for us.
“It has been a time of huge growth for Miconex, with significant expansion, and a number of ambitious and exciting projects.
“Our focus remains on delivering initiatives worldwide which lock in money for businesses, increase footfall and drive local spend, and our thanks go to our places, partners, people and customers.”
The accolade for Miconex comes after an extremely busy 12 months for the Fair City operator, including the national rollout of Scottish Government backed Scotland Loves Local Gift Cards for every region of Scotland, working alongside Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP).
The Scotland Loves Local Gift Card is part of STP’s wider Scotland Loves Local campaign, encouraging people in Scotland to think local first and support local high street businesses.
Miconex commenced distribution of 85,000 Scotland Loves Local Glasgow Gift Cards in August 2022, following funding from Glasgow City Council to provide the gift card to low income families in the city in a bid to kick start the local economy, and provide support for local businesses.
Over £3.5 million has already been spent with Glasgow businesses.
Miconex’s first local gift card, the Perth Gift Card, launched in 2015 using a model that is fee free for businesses.
Seven years later, Miconex’s Town and City Gift Card and Downtown Gift Card programmes are active in over 150 places in the UK, Ireland, Canada and the USA.
Over 10,000 businesses are part of Miconex programmes, with over £25 million spent in local businesses to date.
Gail Cohen, director general of the GCVA, said: “Miconex has been a real force for good in the gift card industry, passionate about supporting local businesses and boosting local economics.
“It’s been a long period of uncertainty for local businesses, with the challenges of the pandemic and now the pressure of rising costs.
“However, Miconex’s Town and City Gift Card programme has really highlighted the role that gift cards can play in our communities to lock in money, drive footfall and boost economic activity, helping businesses to withstand the challenges they face.
“Miconex’s hard-working, resilient team are extremely deserving winners of this prestigious new award, determined by the GCVA executive board, which recognises the honourable commitment of small to medium businesses to the gift card industry.”
