Teachers given the gift of Exeter’s independents

Exeter Supply Partnership switched from Amazon vouchers to the Exeter Independent Gift Card for its supply team reward and referral programs, funnelling support to the city’s independent sector.

An Exeter based not for profit organisation providing supply staff to over 180 schools in Devon is using a popular city gift card to reward its team, and has praised the initiative for its ability to support independent businesses.

Exeter Supply Partnership rewards its supply teachers who have gone above and beyond in their role each half term. After initially using Amazon vouchers as reward, Exeter Supply Partnership moved to using the Exeter Independent Gift Card instead, and say the switch aligns with their ethos and allows them to funnel support to local businesses.

The Exeter Independent Gift card is led by InExeter, the Business Improvement District (BID) for Exeter, and is part of the multi-award winning Town & City Gift Cards initiative active across the UK and Ireland. Over 130 businesses in Exeter accept the card, with both physical and digital versions of the card available.

Exeter Supply Partnership provides cover for primary school teachers, teaching assistants and early years practitioners in the county, and celebrated their tenth birthday in 2026. The not for profit reinvests any surplus profits back into education, and provides free professional development and recruitment support.

Sacha Curtis, Exeter Supply Partnership office manager, said: “We’re very fortunate to have an outstanding supply team here at Exeter Supply Partnership and our reward program for our supply teachers shows appreciation for their commitment.

“When we initially set up the reward program, we used Amazon vouchers. Over time, our team discussed that we wanted to be more community focused and local in the rewards we offered to our teachers. I’d come across InExeter in various ways and realised there was the Exeter Independent Gift Card which supports local independent businesses in Exeter. We also have a referral scheme, so if a member of our supply team refers another person to join us, we reward them for making that referral and helping us to grow our team.

“We looked at the list of places that accept the Exeter Independent Gift Card, and found there is a really good selection of shops, but also cafes, salons, attractions, restaurants and other independent businesses. It also felt right for us, as a not for profit organisation, to be supporting our local Exeter community with our reward. By choosing the card, we’re helping businesses to stay open so they can employ local people.

“We’ve had a really good response from our supply team to the Exeter Independent Gift Card; they like the fact that it supports independent businesses in the city. The card gives them a little treat, so they can pick up something just for them, or enjoy a little bit of time in Exeter enjoying a coffee or lunch.

“We purchase the Exeter Independent Gift Card online in advance of the end of each half term. We opt for the physical version of the card because we like to send them out to our supply team in the post. The cards arrive in lovely packaging with a Gift Card holder and envelope, which makes it a lovely gift for our supply team. To add a personal touch, we add a note from the supply team member’s key contact here at Exeter Supply Partnership, noting our thanks for their contribution.

“Choosing the Exeter Independent Gift Card keeps funds local, it helps support local businesses and it means your reward spend is funding your local community. If supporting local aligns with your ethos using your local Town & City Gift Card is a good thing to do, and even if it doesn’t, it can be a new arm to what you’re doing as a company to support your community.”

Mia Willmott, InExeter projects manager said: “We’re thrilled to see Exeter Supply Partnership making use of the Exeter Independent Gift Card to reward their supply team, keeping spend in the city and supporting our independent businesses. As the only city-wide gift card exclusively for independents, it’s a simple, positive way to back Exeter’s unique shops, services and experiences - and strengthen the local economy with every purchase.”

Colin Munro, CEO of Miconex, said: “It’s fantastic to hear that Exeter Supply Partnership have made the move from Amazon to their local Town & City Gift Card, providing tangible support for local businesses. The Exeter Independent Gift Card is the ultimate ‘shop local’ Gift Card, giving the recipient unbeatable local choice and unrivalled support for local.”

https://www.inexetergiftcard.co.uk

Pictured: Sacha Curtis, Exeter Supply Partnership office manager