Public Services Minister, Leighton Andrews is encouraging more people in Wales to sign up to a discount card offering service personnel savings on a range of goods and services this Christmas and New Year.
Over a thousand high street companies and businesses across the UK have already signed up to the Defence Discount Service.
Leighton Andrews said: “As well as saving people money, this card acknowledges and rewards Wales’ brave armed forces community, past and present.
“This week marks the first anniversary of all twenty-two local authorities in Wales signing Community Covenants and this discount scheme is an important part of our ongoing commitment to develop and deliver on the pledges agreed last year.”
Community Covenants encourage local communities to support the armed forces community in their area and also promotes public awareness of issues affecting the armed forces community.
However, the Minister believes more can be done to support the armed services community in Wales. He added “I thank everyone who has already signed up to this discount scheme but would encourage more businesses in Wales to get on board.”
Ex-serviceman, Tony Morris, 65, from Pontymister, near Newport, echoes the Minister’s sentiments saying he uses his card “whenever possible” but would like to see more local shops involved.
Tony served with the Royal Navy for twelve years, including two eighteen month tours in the Far East. He signed up to his discount card shortly after the scheme launched.
“I heard about the card through my British Legion and found it really easy to sign-up.
“I travel a lot and use my card at service stations to get exclusive deals and money off food and stuff – up to 25%.
“I receive regular emails from the Defence Discount Service telling me what offers are available and would be more inclined to shop somewhere if they accepted the card.
“I would like to see more local shops and businesses in Wales supporting the scheme and what it stands for.”
The Defence Privilege Card is available to current and ex service personnel and gives card holders discounts on a range of goods and services.
DDS Cars powered by Griffin creates a new exciting opportunity for all members of the Defence Discount Service to save on new cars. Importantly this offering allows members to save directly with manufacturers up and down the country using military discount terms. With dealership pickup and dealership purchase available with some manufacturers (for example Renault), we feel this allows members to receive the service and support normally associated with buying a new car but also includes the discount for being part of the Armed Forces Community.
The DDS Cars website is open to all members who qualify for the Defence Discount Service and hold a Defence Privilege Card or MOD90. The car brands available is growing already with a 12th Manufacturer being added in the next two weeks.
Manufacturers wanting to participate
We do understand there are a number of manufacturer ran or similar companies providing discounts on cars. These companies are welcome to join the Defence Discount Service however the deals available must be available to all the Defence Discount Service Community: Serving Forces Members, Veterans, MOD Civil Servants, Armed Forces Spouses and Partners, Reserve Forces, Bereaved Family Members, War/Service Widows(ers) and Cadets.
(Before Inclusion) Most manufacturers have their own military car rates and to ensure the Defence Discount Service is acting in the manufacturers interest we therefore request the following for the inclusion of a car brand on the website:
- Please provide a written letter from the manufacturer (not individual dealer/franchise) acting on behalf of the whole brand, confirming the inclusion of the Defence Discount Service members and that the rates available are above that of a normal retail deal and open to all member of the Defence Discount Service / holders of the Defence Privilege Card or MOD90.
We acknowledge a number of manufacturers will not be able to provide an offer to this large user group only being able to provide an offer to serving members (such as BMW Park Lane). In such circumstances we will be happy to discuss the inclusion of point of sale etc that can be provided to serving members directly to bases again with the relevant brand permissions.
Local dealers
A number of local dealers have expressed interest in joining the service but do not provide the military sales for the manufacturer and therefore we encourage alternative ways to support the service. Some dealers provide offers such as Used Cars, Servicing, MOT testing and repairs to be listed on the service without restriction in their respected local areas.
For more information or questions about the Defence Discount Service please do not hesitate to contact us: contact@defencediscountservice.co.uk or call 01509 233446 (mon-fri 9am-5pm)
References:
DDS Cars - Powered by Griffin www.ddscars.co.uk
BMW Park Lane - www.bmwparklane.com
Some of the biggest names on the High Street and internet have given their support to a new discount service for the Armed Forces and veterans.
Companies including Vodafone, KFC, Vision Express, Austin Reed and Vue Cinemas have pledged to offer generous discounts for personnel and their families in recognition of military service, in the new Defence Discount Service (DDS) announced by the Defence Secretary Philip Hammond on October 7th.
The DDS launched with a website offering online discounts from High Street companies and businesses who wish to give their support to the Armed Forces community. In the near future, we will launch a privilege card making it even easier to access discounts in stores and online. Hundreds of companies have already signed up with offers on everything from shopping and holidays to cars and restaurants.
The scheme is available to both serving personnel and veterans and is being launched in time for the Christmas shopping period. It is free for companies to offer a discount and the MOD encourages any, including local and small businesses, to come forward and make a difference to their Armed Forces community.
Defence Secretary Philip Hammond said: “We owe a great debt to the members of the Armed Forces and this new Defence Discount Service is an opportunity for businesses to show their gratitude and support. This is just the start and I urge companies large and small, national or local, to come forward over the coming months.”
Members of the Armed Forces community can be kept up to date on new offers via the website www.defencediscountservice.co.uk, Facebook (www.facebook.com/defencediscountservice) and Twitter (https://twitter.com/discounts_mod)
Director of the Defence Discount Service, Tom Dalby, said: “In the United States the provision of discounts for the Armed Forces is more wide spread and is part of the recognition of the special role the military have in the community. We wish to develop a similar system in the UK. It is a great chance for local communities to embrace the Armed Forces and show that they value the great work that they have done for our country.”
Christian Cull, Director of Corporate Communications, Vodafone UK said “As one of Britain’s biggest companies, we are proud to support our troops. We want to play our part by helping these brave men and women keep in touch with their loved ones.”
Martin Shuker, Managing Director, KFC UK & Ireland said: “We’re proud to be part of the Defence Discount Service. Every KFC in every community will be part of the scheme, and we look forward to welcoming servicemen and women and their families to our restaurants.”
