Information for Businesses

If your business accepts Whitley Bay Gift Vouchers, or you're considering joining the initiative, this page is for you.

How do I sign up to the Whitley Bay Gift Vouchers scheme so I can accept them at my business?

All members of the Whitley Bay Chamber of Trade are entitled to accept gift vouchers as part of the benefits of being a member. If you are interested in finding out more please visit the website at www.whitleybaychamber.co.uk.

How do I process payments paid with vouchers?

It is completely up to you how you record these on your own systems. Some businesses have a separate payment type on their till system so they can easily record which sales have been paid with via vouchers.

Are both styles of vouchers valid?

Yes - the original versions featuring the lighthouse as well as the redesigned ones featuring the street scene are both valid for use. There are no expiry dates on either style of vouchers so they can be accepted as normal.

Do I give change if a voucher is only partly used?

This is an individual decision but we guarantee that the full value of the voucher will be honoured by the scheme. So a £10 voucher is worth £10. You might like to recommend that a customer makes full use of their vouchers because they should not be exchanged for cash in store. You could offer a credit note for the remaining amount, as a suggestion.

How long are vouchers valid for?

From 2023, we introduced a new benefit which was to remove the expiry date meaning the customer could use their vouchers whenever they are ready to. Some of the older vouchers may still have an expiry date on them, from before this new benefit began, but please ignore the date and treat them as valid.

How do I redeem the vouchers I have accepted at my business?

All you need to do is bring your vouchers to Hamiedog Menswear at 85 Park View, Whitley Bay - please check with Hamiedog for their opening hours as they are not open every day.

You will receive a receipt for your vouchers and a payment into your bank account will be made within 48-72 hours.

All redemptions are made via BACS (bank transfer) so you will be needed to provide your business banking details on your first visit, after this time they will be saved by our bank for future use.

To provide your bank details now please complete the online form here.

From August 1st 2025, there are no options to receive payment via cash. All transactions will be done via BACS only.

If you are not a Whitley Bay Chamber of Trade member, you are not allowed to accept vouchers and can not exchange these for payment.

How long do I have to redeem the vouchers I have accepted?

There is no set period but we recommend that vouchers should be redeemed within the same financial year to assist with accounting.

Can the vouchers be used online?

Not at this current time.

I am closing my business / I am cancelling my Chamber of Trade membership. What do I do now?

Please ensure that any vouchers are redeemed within 14 days of your membership being cancelled.

I have more questions.

Please contact us and we will be happy to help.