Dragons’ Den star is backing parking app
A new app backed by Dragons’ Den star Jenny Campbell has been launched in Sunderland to reward shoppers with free parking when they spend in participating stores.
ParkingPerx is the brainchild of Ashington-born Chris Reed, who impressed the panel of Dragons on the BBC TV show and secured investment following his successful pitch.
However, since the programme aired, plans to launch ParkingPerx had to be put on hold due to the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown. Now the app is going live in Sund e rl a n d , w i th bra n d s l i ke Primark, M&S and Halfords already onboard.
Founder Chris Reed said: “Like many towns and cities across the country, Sunderland has seen a significant drop in footfall over recent months and this has had a significant impact on the local economy.
“We are working in partnership with the Bridges and Sunderland City Council, and have the backing of many national and local brands to reward shoppers who choose to support the city centre.”
St Mary’s and Sunniside car parks will be participating in the scheme, and it is hoped that shops and shoppers alike will benefit.
Councillor Paul Stewart, Deputy Leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “It is really encouraging to see this innovative app launch in Sunderland. This year has been tough for the city’s retailers but we hope that ParkingPerx, in addition to the Free After Three offer, will encourage people to visit the city centre once again.”
S h a ro n Ap p l eb y, h e a d o f bu s i n e s s o p e rat i o n s at Sunderland BID, said: “I’m ab s o l ut e l y d e l i g ht e d t h at ParkingPerx is now launching in the city and that we are the first city in the UK to introduce it. We have worked with Chris on this since the very initial idea was born and it’s great to see it finally launch.
"Innovative ideas like this are what we need to encourage people to come to the city centre and to return regularly.”
Mr Reed is now working in partnership with RingGo and is planning to roll out the solution into other areas of the UK in the New Year with a number of locations already signed up.
The Monday to Friday Free After 3pm applies to more than 2,000 city centre spaces and allows drivers to park in city centre car parks for free after 3pm Monday to Friday.