18 YEAR OLD ENTREPRENEUR LAUNCHES DISCOUNT CARD AT LADIES DAY

A North East teenager has officially unveiled his latest business venture at Newcastle Racecourse’s Ladies Day on Saturday.

Eighteen-year-old Jonathan Grubin, from Newcastle, launched his Live Newcastle card venture to racegoers with a trade stand at the event.

The Live Newcastle discount card, which is the brainchild of Jonathan, offers its members discounts at the top places to eat, drink and shop in the region.

Nearly 50 companies are already signed up to give their discounts to members, and include clothing stores, clubs, cafes, restaurants and entertainment venues.

The venture, which has been set up as a regional sustainability initiative, is designed to encourage consumers to spend money at independent retail and leisure businesses in the North East.

Jonathan commented: “I’ve been working on this venture for some time now and I’m happy that it has finally come to fruition and that we officially launched this at Ladies Day.

“During a recession consumers are looking to spend less without compromising on the quality of goods they purchase, likewise retailers and other businesses are looking for new ways to increase footfall.

“The Live Newcastle card aims to achieve both and will also help to boost the North East’s economy by giving its members an incentive to ‘think North East’ when it comes to spending habits.”

Businesses already on board with the concept include Tyneside Cinema, Tup Tup Palace, Nichols bakeries, nu-age medical spa and Starters and Puds, with many member outlets offering up to 20 per cent discount for card holders.

Jonny Tull, Audience Development Manager of Tyneside Cinema, commented: “The Tyneside Cinema is thrilled to be working with Live Newcastle. We hope that it will help us showcase the great work we do. We’re really impressed by the energy displayed by Jonathan and his team and can’t wait to start working with them.”

Membership to Live Newcastle costs only £15 per year, in return members will receive a unique card which they can use to gain exclusive discounts at participating businesses across Newcastle. Keen shoppers can sign up at http://www.livenewcastle.co.uk/

Jonathan set up his first business, MiniG Media Ltd, at the tender age of 14 and is already one of the best known young entrepreneurs in the region.