A new digital loyalty app, Llama Points, has been launched in the UK, with Leeds selected as the first city to unveil the innovative platform. Designed to help independent retail, leisure, and hospitality businesses attract more customers, Llama Points offers a flexible and convenient alternative to traditional paper-based loyalty schemes.
Having first launched in Switzerland in 2023, Llama Points is now rolling out across the UK, with several businesses in Leeds already on board. The app allows small business owners to set up promotions in as little as 10 minutes, providing them with a simple yet effective way to encourage repeat visits and reward loyal customers.
Developed by BFM Solutions, a tech organisation founded by British expatriates Fergus Rae and Bernadette Haslam, along with Swedish software engineer Pat Magnus Johansson, Llama Points provides a fully digital experience for small businesses. The app aims to level the playing field between independent retailers and larger chains, offering bespoke digital solutions that would otherwise be out of reach for smaller enterprises.
Using the app is straightforward for customers; they simply scan their phone each time they make a purchase. Once enough points are collected, users can claim free items or in-store promotions, eliminating the need for physical loyalty cards that can often be forgotten or lost.
Fergus Rae, co-founder of Llama Points, emphasised the app’s mission to support small businesses amid challenging economic conditions. “We created Llama Points to make a difference for all small businesses by making a digital loyalty program accessible to everyone. The retail and hospitality sectors have faced huge challenges in recent years, with customers being much more cautious with their spending and always seeking value,” he stated.
The app aims to enhance visibility for local businesses and encourage community engagement, ultimately helping to sustain the high street and boost the local economy. Early adopters of the app, such as the owner of Rand Coffee in Leeds, have already begun to see the benefits. Known as “Mr Rand,” the coffee shop owner expressed his enthusiasm: “I have always been a strong believer in being loyal to your customers before you can expect them to be loyal to you. Llama Points is another way we can show we value every one of them. The setup has been simple, and my team finds it really easy to use.”
In-app messaging features enable businesses to communicate directly with customers, allowing them to share regular or one-off promotions easily. Additionally, built-in marketing packs provide branded materials for point-of-sale use in stores and venues.
Rae chose Leeds for the app’s launch due to the region’s reputation for culture, food, and hospitality. “Having spent many years living in North and West Yorkshire, I was always impressed by the number of independent businesses here. Yorkshire is open to embracing new ideas, making it the perfect place to introduce Llama Points to the UK market,” he added.
The official launch event for Llama Points took place on October 3 at The Woods in Chapel Allerton, attracting local business owners eager to explore the app’s potential to drive footfall and enhance customer loyalty.