Businesses across Strabane who have signed up to the BID group have the opportunity to avail of some valuable cost-saving advice on merchant services provision, with the help of Bank of Ireland.

Members can benefit from a free cost saving analysis of their current provision as well as special rates for provision from BOI through its Payment Acceptance service with no hidden fees, no PCI compliance fees, no authorisation fees, no set up fees and no minimum monthly fees.

Businesses who have already signed up are enjoying a raft of benefits, and Business Support Officer with Derry City and Strabane Council, Sinead Lynch, said the Business team have been receiving much positive feedback. “We’ve found that since changing Merchant Service Provider to BOI, Bid members have reported great savings. The transition to the service is hassle free, and businesses have found the support on offer extremely helpful once they have signed up.

“As a Council we try to assist local companies in accessing the right services to reduce costs and maximize their business potential. We are delighted that BID members are already seeing significant benefits and savings through this offer.”

Anyone interested in finding out more about how switching to BOI Payment Acceptance can work for them, can request a cost saving analysis on their current provider illustrating cost saving potential.

Local businessman Terry Mealiff, proprietor at Café Fresco, said the savings were evident right away. “I made the switch to BOI UK Payment Acceptance after they promised good savings,” he explained.

“Now that all is set up I am amazed by how much money I’m saving every month using BOIPA UK compared to my old card processor – I only wish I’d changed years ago. They were up front with all of the information I needed to make an informed decision, and all the fees are fixed so you know exactly what it will cost each month.

“Switching over took very little time and the local customer service representative was a huge help and they made it as painless as it possibly could be. I have been extremely satisfied with their service so far.”

Any BID member who can’t make a saving on their current provider is guaranteed a cheque for £250. Customers can avail of tailor made 24 month contracts and ready-made bundle contracts of 18 months including terminal rental with no minimum spends and all card types included in bundle pricing.

Other benefits include a five month price promise extended to businesses who are new to card – if turnover does not increase month on month for a period of five months then hand back the terminal in month five so contractual obligation does not apply, and hassle free installation and training from BOI engineers.

Kieran Kennedy, Chair of Strabane BID Company and Managing Director of O’Neills International Sportswear said  “any measure to help businesses operate more cost effectively is always welcome. I would encourage BID members to explore ways of reducing their costs on an ongoing basis. Strabane BID company welcomes similar offers from other service providers who are willing to create cost saving packages for businesses in Strabane town.

To find out more about how you can sign up to the Business Improvement District grouping and access a wide range of business support, go to http://instrabane.org/business