sQuid, the electronic money (eMoney) operator, today announces the
launch of their electronic purse on the Dumfries and Galloway branded
National Entitlement Card (NEC).
Dumfries and Galloway citizens with an NEC can have sQuid eMoney
added to their NEC, enabling them
to pay for small value
items in addition to accessing public services like concessionary
travel, library membership and leisure centre membership.
Dundee
Council launched this scheme in September 2008, and Dumfries and
Galloway are expecting the same success.
The sQuid payment service is a quick and simple process and allows
users to pay for things at participating outlets electronically from a
pre-loaded purse on their card, without the need to carry loose change.
This will benefit the community and encourage people to use their local
merchants. The transactions are very fast, secure and can be managed
from an online sQuid account, with loading available in-store if
required.
Sid Bulloch, Manager of the NEC Programme said that the “NEC are
happy to see this scheme rolling out across Dumfries and Galloway after
the successful implementation in Dundee and are pleased and happy to
support this initiative”.
Dumfries and Galloway will be the third UK launch zone for sQuid,
following the success of schemes in Bolton and Dundee.
Ivor Hyslop, Chair of Corporate Policy Committee and Leader of
Dumfries and Galloway Council said: “The addition of sQuid eMoney to the
National Entitlement Card in Dumfries and Galloway demonstrates a
progressive use of the NEC, adding value to our card holders. By
extending the use of applications on the NEC we are making life easier
for the citizens of Dumfries and Galloway”.
In the near future, there will be opportunities for the card to be
used for further projects, such as travel and loyalty schemes. There are
also talks to incorporate sQuid into cashless catering schemes in local
schools in the Dumfries and Galloway area.
sQuid is the next-generation smart card payments network for ‘the little
things in life’. Its unique pre-pay system enables multi-functional
smart cards, combining eMoney retail payments, ITSO (Transit) schemes,
council smart card initiatives, plus retail loyalty programmes. Unlike
banks’ credit and debit cards, sQuid offers universal access to smart
card payments, becoming the leading next-generation payment platform in
the UK, with ambitious plans to launch eMoney and transit schemes in
developing countries, including Africa and India. www.squidcard.co.uk
Armadillo Consulting Group
Lloyd Mullenger, +44 (0)203 195 6727
Senior
Partner
lloyd@armadillocg.com