As tightened coronavirus measures make the office Christmas party less likely this year, gift card specialists Incodia have created an alternative for companies keen to show their staff some Christmas cheer.
After receiving requests from existing clients eager to produce personalised gift cards for their own staff this Christmas, the UK’s largest providers of gift, loyalty and membership cards have extended the concept out to others.
Paul Gerrard, Retail Sales Director for Incodia, says “Several brands which we already produce gift cards for enquired if we could deliver personalised Christmas gift cards specifically for their staff. We’ve developed the idea further and extended it to any business wishing to say thank you to staff in lieu of a Christmas Party.”
Incodia’s creative team have come up with several solutions, ranging from personalised Christmas-themed gift cards and carriers, to an entire ‘Christmas Party in a Box’ concept with additional festive goodies including chocolates and decorations.
The Essex and Lancashire-based company are also backing the Gift Card & Voucher Association’s nationwide campaign asking the government to increase the tax-free level of gift vouchers for employees from £50 to £500.
“Increasing the threshold will help boost high street spending and reward staff after an unprecedented year. Though having a Christmas party might not be possible this year, businesses still want to show their appreciation and a gift card lets staff treat themselves to something personal” adds Paul.
Companies are currently only permitted to give gift vouchers to staff up to a value of £50 before they are subject to income tax. It is hoped the increase would see companies rewarding their staff and result in more well-earned shopping trips to high streets and shopping centres across the UK. More details of campaign can be found here.
As well as manufacturing gift cards, Incodia produce packaging and carriers to support the cards and issue loyalty and membership packs direct to millions of consumers.
With pressures on the use of plastics, Incodia also produce cards in more environmentally sustainable materials and have manufactured a record number of RFID contactless cards during lockdown, as retailers sought to help consumers socially distance.
Their gift card alternative to the traditional Christmas Party is anticipated to be popular amongst a range of companies keen to reward staff for their resilience during the year’s turbulent events:
Paul Gerrard concludes “The opportunity to socialise with colleagues over the festive period may have been curtailed but it doesn’t mean staff can’t be given a token of their employer’s appreciation and enjoy a little me-time shopping in shops or online for something nice”
For more information, please contact Incodia.
More details of the Gift Card & Voucher Association’s campaign to increase the tax-free value of gift cards can be found here.
