Who are you?

Allison Willoughby of glasgowCARD.

It is a lifestyle loyalty card, which offers a varied range of discounts in and around Glasgow. It markets the city to both people who live there and visitors alike.

It aims to provide an appealing product for people who live in and around Glasgow and have a desire to support local businesses.

Visitors to Glasgow can also enjoy all the great savings during their stay.

It promotes local businesses by providing a free listing to all.

What does your business do?

It allows customers to show their favourite brands and destinations how much they love them, while saving money.

There are no expiry dates, no vouchers and no points. glasgowCARD costs £25 and is valid for the whole year. Lots of offers, all on one card.

There is no limit on how many times you can use each offer, or how many times you use your card throughout the year! glasgowCARD appeals to all who are serious about saving money - families, young couples, older couples, singles and students.

Carry your glasgowCARD with you at all times and simply show your card at time of payment to receive your discount.

The card allows you to go out more often and as soon as you have used it a few times, you have the cost of it back! Offers include eating out, days out and shopping and we have new brands coming on board all the time.

Where are you based?

It is a local home start business in order to keep costs as low as possible.

How did you get started?

I first tested glasgowCARD in 2006, but did not have the money available to promote it.

With the development of social media and information easily accessed on smart phones, glasgowCARD is a business that I feel even more passionate about now.

What is your background?

I have more than10 years experience in the travel business, where I worked for shipping companies as well as a brief spell in business travel.

On leaving school, graduated with a Batchelor of Education Degree and am also a Fellow of the Institute of Travel and Tourism.

My first job was with Stena in London, where I received an intensive training programme across all sectors of the business, eventually specialising in sales.

I left my job with Scandinavian Seaways (DFDS Seaways) as Regional Sales Manager for Scotland and Ireland, in order to be a stay at home Mum.

At DFDS I focused on the Scottish media accounts, where I worked closely with the national newspapers.

I have enjoyed some spells of supply and part time teaching, but my real interest lies in the business sector.

What is your top tip?

To listen carefully to people who have previous experience that can help you and never assume it is something that you know about. In other words, pick as many brains as possible.

Who was your inspiration?

I have huge admiration for Duncan Bannatyne. I admire his no nonsense straight talking approach to business and appreciate his sense of humour.

Contact Details

If you would like to get in touch, please send an email to info@glasgowcard.co.uk, follow us on Twitter @ glasgowcard, like us on Facebook and visit www.glasgowcard.co.uk