Manchester tech startup partners with high street retailers on new app

Manchester startup Airtime Rewards Ltd has expanded its services with the launch of a new app.

The firm’s Karrot software, which is available on iOS and Android phones, aims to help users reduce their phone bills by shopping at retailers signed up to the programme.

The app has already attracted the participation of a number of high street and digital brands, including jewellry store H Samuel, coffee shop Caffé Nero and online fashion retailer Blue Inc.

Airtime Rewards Ltd’s co-founder, mobile technology entrepreneur Adam Ward, said: “Karrot is a tremendously exciting proposition which takes all of the learnings from 10 years running some of the UK’s most successful mobile products and services.

“Karrot can significantly reduce the cost of owning a smartphone – a device which has fast become an essential for everyday life.”

He added: “The incentive for the consumer is clear but this has huge potential for retailers in driving new sales and increased frequency of spend.”

Karrot enables consumers to earn loyalty points based on the money they spend with the retailers signed up to the programme, with the points redeemable against a customer’s mobile phone bill.

Alongside Airtime Rewards Ltd co-founder Josh Graham, Adam previously worked at mobile phone marketing firm 2ergo plc, where the two were involved in a number of mobile loyalty schemes, including Orange Wednesdays.

Airtime Rewards Ltd was seed funded by Neale Graham, the founder of 2ergo, and former Chairman Keith Seeley.