Ikano and GB announce Loyalty Scheme solution

RNS Number : 7708I

GB Group PLC

21 June 2011

 



Press Release

Ikano and GB Group Change Retail Industry with Loyalty Scheme

~ Retail giants sign up to benefit from Ikano's loyalty scheme, powered by GB Group ~

LONDON - 21 June 2011 - International retail credit and loyalty provider, Ikano, and Identity Management specialist, GB Group, have developed a solution that is set to revolutionise high street loyalty schemes. The technology introduces a whole new dimension to loyalty schemes by allowing real-time changes and additions to how those schemes are managed and how they can interact with customers.

The solution is extremely flexible as it allows retailers to change the benefits and rewards of a loyalty scheme in whichever way they want - with the system reacting to client requirements almost instantly. For example, retailers can, at any given time, decide to allocate rewards by product type purchased; time of purchase; particular stores; bonus birthday points; issue vouchers and manage multi-currency spend.  All of these can be used in various combinations.  Moreover, the solution harnesses cutting edge software and technology, which means that retailers get a very efficient commercial structure that does not penalise them for being successful and recruiting millions of customers to a loyalty scheme.

Ikano has now migrated millions of customers onto its new loyalty platform, which was built and implemented by GB Group. Ikano's loyalty client base, which includes leading retail names such as Jaeger and IKEA, is already benefitting from the vastly improved loyalty scheme after it was rolled out last year.

The technology, provided by GB Group, works on any database, with rules being updated constantly, allowing for changes to be made and implemented almost immediately. The pioneering technology that utilises GB Group's extensive expertise in Identity Management, has also created the ability for customers to register via a retailer's website and to manage their accounts online, giving consumers instant access to their data.

Dan Joy, Ikano's Commercial Director says: "The benefits to our customers - some of the largest retailers - are indisputable. The system's technical efficiency and flexibility means that our retailers can grow their loyalty programmes effectively and without significant extra cost - the days of charging on a per customer basis are long gone. With most businesses focusing on cost savings and productivity, this solution fits that framework perfectly. GB Group truly listened to our needs and their knowledge of the industry and experience within this space convinced us they were the perfect technology partner. Our relationship with GB Group is an ongoing one as we continue to improve our offerings and provide innovative technology solutions to more clients and consumers."

Richard Law, CEO, GB Group comments: "This has been an incredibly exciting project as there was nothing in the marketplace that offered retailers this level of flexibility, adaptability, reaction time to changes and ease of use. We have built a system that suits Ikano's requirements exactly and allows them to be really innovative and to test and implement different reward programmes at any given time. I am pleased to see the final product has been so successful; it's without a doubt an industry-first and a revolutionary solution within the retail space."

As well as migrating existing clients to the new platform, the creation of this new, market-leading solution has allowed the recruitment of two new high profile retail clients in a very short space of time.  Joy further comments "We knew when we designed the system with GB Group that we were creating something very special. That view has been vindicated in the new business it has already allowed us to secure.  We are also getting many more enquiries as other retailers see what we are doing, which means it's going to be a very busy 2011".

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About GB Group plc

GB Group is the UK's leading Identity Management business. It helps organisations recognise and verify all elements of an individual's identity at every interaction. Through the application of our proprietary technology, we enable organisations to connect, communicate and transact with people safely, responsibly and profitably.  In doing so, we help businesses like O2, Laura Ashley, Hillarys, HMRC, BBC TV Licensing, Ordnance Survey, HBoS, LloydsTSB, Virgin Games, PartyGaming, Betfair and Ladbrokes understand their customers better to create more meaningful customer interactions - and reduce costs across the business.

GB Group is listed on the London Stock Exchange (GBG). For more information, please visit GB Group's website: www.gb.co.uk.

GB Group - because identity matters™  

About Ikano

Ikano is an international company which was originally part of the home furnishing company IKEA, founded by Ingvar Kamprad.  Ikano Group now runs operations in the areas of asset management, finance, insurance and real estate.  In the UK Ikano delivers credit, loyalty and marketing strategy programmes to large retail partners including IKEA, Jaeger, Liberty, Harveys, Sleepmasters, Bensons, Habitat, New Look and Vision Express.  For more information see www.ikano.co.uk

For any further information, please contact:

Maxine Morgan, GB Group

Email: [e-mail]

Number: 01244 657333

Emma Coleman, Bite Communications

Email: [e-mail]

Number: 020 8834 3485

Sarah Murphy, Ikano

Email: [e-mail]

 

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