Clonakilty Chamber of Commerce recently launched the Clonakilty Shopping Voucher. As often happens, Clonakilty is leading the way – being the first town in the county to introduce their own shopping voucher. The voucher can be purchased from six centrally located ‘agent shops’ but can then be used as payment in most shops and businesses throughout the town for all types of purchases, from groceries to fashion to fuel.
Speaking at the launch of the voucher, Chamber Director, Ger Harte said, “This is a win win for everyone, the recipient of the voucher will have massive choice of where to put the voucher to use, not just in our great shops, hotels and restaurants but also in dentists surgeries, solicitors, architects, in fact in all the myriad of businesses connected to Clonakilty Chamber”.
The voucher is available in €20 units and can be purchased from Atkin’s DIY, Conlon’s Eurospar, Michelle Mitton Design Gallery, Tom Sheehy & Co., The Flower Basket and Arís. The vouchers will be accepted by businesses throughout the town and outlying area, see list below.
The aim of introducing the voucher is to keep business in the local area. “This voucher scheme will retain monies in Clonakilty, support business and preserve jobs”, the words of Sandra Stanley of Atkins DIY, a member of the Clonakilty Chamber Sub-Committee responsible for the concept.
The Clonakilty Voucher is the ideal gift for wedding, confirmation, communion and in particular Christmas. Michelle, proprietor of Michelle Mitton Design Gallery and Mark Kirby of Mio Restaurant who were also instrumental in bringing the Voucher concept to fruition said, “More people are choosing to stay local for their Christmas shopping, what better gift can you give this Christmas than guaranteeing employment locally?”
Businesses who like to reward their staff at time of year will also find the Clonakilty Voucher to be much appreciated. Under the Revenue Commissioners’ ‘Small Benefit Exemption’ scheme, employers and employees can benefit from a reward of up to €250 in value completely tax free each year. This is exempt from Income Tax, Universal Social Charge and employee and employer’s PRSI.
Clonakilty Chamber of Commerce is the leading business organisation in Clonakilty supporting and representing the interests of over 160 businesses employing 2,500 people in the region.
