A new smartphone app will provide a gateway to discounts at businesses across Richmond.

A local resident and developer has created an app that puts key benefits of the Richmond Card on your iPhone with all the related deals.

The app promises to help residents across the borough find good deals amid the cost of living crisis, while putting money into the tills of local businesses as they look to recover from the pandemic.

The app is the brainchild of Simon Thomas, who spent three months on the project.

The Richmond Card, set up by the Council, serves a number of functions, one of which is identifying local businesses that offer discounts or perks to residents.

For example, holders can claim a saving of 25% on a meal in Teddington or 20% off dishes on the a la carte menu at a Thai restaurant in Twickenham.

Other savings include 20% on a spray tan; and a 10% discount on vehicle repairs or a new hat.

In Kew, you could benefit from a 10% saving on book purchases, while also on the list are deals on house removals, solicitors fees, boiler servicing and many more.

Simon Thomas has seized on this local business discounts element with an app that not only lists them all, but also has a locator and mapping function. This means the user can immediately see if any businesses or venues close by are part of the scheme.

Simon said: "The app is designed to solve a problem I was experiencing myself.

"Often, when I'm out shopping or eating in Richmond, I want to know whether a particular venue is participating in the Richmond Card scheme. However, it's really difficult to find out - you need to dig deep into Richmond Council's website, and there is no ability to search, or see venues on a map.

"This means that people often miss out on discounts - and because the scheme isn't used much, my sense is that businesses aren't motivated to participate either.

"So I wanted to make an app which gives instant access to the latest businesses and discounts.

"The app allows you to browse by category, search across all businesses and offers, see the businesses around you on a map, and call, email, visit the website or Twitter feed for a business at the press of a button."

Simon said: "In creating this app, I was also acutely aware of the challenges faced by local businesses during the pandemic, and the enduring threat posed by large online retailers.

"I wanted to create an app which showcases the amazing businesses on our doorstep and the value they offer, encouraging us all to get out and support them.

"But it's not only about the businesses - as an end-user, I want to see more businesses participating, and more great offers available, so I can save money too!"

The app is updated each time you reload it with the latest offers. It derives its data from the data already published by Richmond Council on its website.

Simon is self-taught and took up app development during lockdown. 'My focus is to make apps which improve the lives of those around me,' he said.

'I'm offering it for free to both businesses and residents in the hope that broader awareness of the Richmond Card discounts available will reinvigorate the scheme and benefit both local businesses and residents alike.'

He has spoken to some councillors about the app, who are supportive and enthusiastic about its potential. However, there has been no formal endorsement from the Council - or funding - pending the outcome of the local elections in May.

Download the app from the Apple store here.