A North East firm which secured Dragons’ Den investment is set for further expansion as its app prepares to launch in Cumbria.
Newcastle-based ParkingPerx aims to boost the Ƶ High Street by offering people free parking in exchange for their spending with participating businesses in the local area.
Founder Chris Reed pitched his idea on Dragons’ Den in 2019, winning an £80,000 investment from Jenny Campbell, setting it on its way to launching in Sunderland.
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Now, three months after signing an agreement with the cashless parking app RingGo to extend the places people using its service can park free of charge, the company is set to launch in Kendal.
Chris Reed, founder and managing director at ParkingPerx, said: “We really look forward to expanding the app into Kendal this month.
“We have a number of exciting expansion plans in the pipeline, and it has been great to see the response from both the Kendal BID team and local businesses, with a range of retailers, cafes and independent merchants signed up already.
“Post lockdown, it’s more important than ever to generate footfall on our high streets and to help boost high street spending, the successful formula has worked well in Sunderland, and we can’t wait to roll this out into Kendal too.
“ParkingPerx is on a strong upward trajectory and with brands like Primark, M&S and Halfords on board alongside a host of fantastic independents and the backing and collaboration with local authorities and Business Improvement Districts we look forward to further growth across the Ƶ.”
ParkingPerx rewards customers with free parking when they spend offline, offering a boost through the promotion and reward of high street spending.
Businesses registered with the app control how and when it is used to reward customers to suit their particular trade or customer base.
The app has also been shortlisted for ‘Intelligent Parking Award’ at the British Parking Awards 2021.
Mr Reed said: “We are absolutely delighted that ParkingPerx has been recognised and shortlisted as an innovative and collaborative approach to addressing parking within the industry and on such a prestigious national platform. We eagerly await the final results of the awards ceremony later in the month.”
Former Dragon Jenny Campbell, added: “From the minute I heard about ParkingPerx in the Den, I knew it was a game-changer. The unique app rewards your customers with free parking when they spend in your offline premises.
“And what’s more, you have full control of how the app works for your business and you only pay when customers spend with you. It’s a solution to help our town and city centres, and for that reason, I’m in!”
