Leading commercial card manufacturer, Plastic Card Services (PCS), is celebrating hitting the half million card mark for an innovative school reward scheme.
The scheme, known as Vivo Miles, is currently operating in 250 schools in the UK, a number which is expected to double in the next few months as the programme gathers momentum.
The Macclesfield based manufacturer, which has a turnover of £5 million, is providing an ongoing complete print solution for the scheme – from production of artwork to print, personalisation, mail and fulfillment.
PCS was awarded the contract in 2009 on the basis of its expertise in various production techniques and proven success in supporting large national reward and loyalty card schemes.
Vivo Miles is the latest way to reward and motivate young people using a range of tools from league tables to web based shopping. Students are given an online account, which allows them to check how many ‘Vivos’ they have been awarded. Their personalised ‘Vivo card’ can then be used to redeem their points in an online store or donate them to charity. The card can also integrate with other schools systems, such as cashless catering and library management facilities.
The reward programme meets the needs of schools by using a framework that supports the Government reforms outlined in ‘Every Child Matters’ for improving children’s well-being.
When selecting a partner for the scheme, Vivo Miles sought a solution that went beyond the conventional ‘stickers or stars’ incentive, but instead offered a real life approach to financial learning so that it was a more meaningful experience for young people.
The multi-purpose credit style card by PCS was key to the solution which, for many students, would be the first card with perceived value that they had to be responsible for.
Adrian Burt, Managing Director at Vivo Miles confirmed that the scheme has been a great success. “The support from PCS has been first class and the company has implemented a number of processes to simplify personalisation and fulfillment as well as streamlining the production of the cards.”
PCS Managing Director, Rob Nicholls commented: “Achieving the half a million milestone in a short period of time is the result of a great team effort. The cards make an ordinary reward card into a whole new experience for young people and we needed to ensure that the card would appeal to this age group, as well as perform the various tasks required.”
