Pure and simple - the New Grass Roots Card

23rd April 2004

The Grass Roots Group PLC is preparing to launch a revolutionary new product in the bonus sector. Positioned as an innovative solution for employers who want to make bonus payments to employees, the 'pure card' gives recipients the freedom to spend their bonus at a number of well-known retailers and websites.

The 'pure card' is a plastic card - which can be branded with the employers' logo - loaded with a monetary value by the employer for the employee to enjoy at a time and in a place that suits them and their family. It allows freedom of choice of brand and supplier, giving access to electrical goods, holiday, travel, jewellery, department store, home/garden and clothing retailers and websites. It also allows freedom of choice of type of purchase - personal, family or gift. In effect, the cardholder has access to as many products and services that cash can buy.

Recognising that bonus payments are not always given at regular intervals or to all employees, the 'pure card' can be topped up by the employer on an individual basis, linked to performance values demonstrated by the individual and recognised by the employer.

The 'pure card' is the brainchild of David Evans, Chairman of The Grass Roots Group, who describes its launch as 'the realisation of an 18-year dream'. He says it is also the result of a full year of solid hard work by Grass Roots staff and its technology partner PrePay Technologies Ltd.

It will function like a debit card; will be accepted on a private debit circuit with a group of key retailers; will function on and through a special website and information for card holders will be available 24/7 and 365 days a year through the web and telephone service.

"I did not want a credit card, but a product that would represent the embodiment of thanks and success from a company to its own staff or third-party staff," Evans explained. " You have to imagine the virtues of a reward bank service, the flexibility of a debit card and the real-time information of web and telephone banking" he continued. "I am always careful with my choice of words, but here the word 'unique' has real meaning. All cards are alike but it's the features and benefits that make the difference."

Keen to lead by example, Evans has revealed that he and Grass Roots will be the card's first client. "I cannot see a better way to prove the science and emotional benefits than to use it for your own colleagues," he said.

Grass Roots Group PLC is the UK's largest motivation and incentive company and the 'pure card' is one of many innovations that have formed part of its 24 year history.

The product will be unveiled to industry buyers at Incentive World later this month and goes live in the market place in June.