Glasgow-based tech startup Swipii has launched a new referral program to encourage users to shop locally.

As lockdown measures continue to ease and Glasgow gradually begins to open up, the firm said it wants to motivate shoppers to continue investing in the local economy by incentivising them to support local.

Users of the Swipii app will now be able to earn a £5 bonus for every friend or family member they refer. When referred users shop at a participating local business for the first time, they’ll also earn the bonus cashback.

This new feature forms part of a plan to increase the number of shoppers using the Swipii app. In March this year, the firm secured a £1 million funding boost from Scottish private equity company, Par Equity.

Following the investment, the team said it intends to bring more local businesses onto the app.

Louis Schena, CEO and co-founder of Swipii said the new referral system will enable shoppers to re-engage with local businesses with ease.

“Referrals are just the beginning of an exciting growth journey now that the value propositions are clear,” he said.

“If you are a shopper, Swipii will get you free money – and if you’re a business, we’ll increase your revenue automatically whilst being x10 easier to use for shoppers and businesses alike,” Schena added.

Swipii aims to be the simplest way for consumers to earn cashback as they shop. Once someone has linked their bank card to the app they automatically earn cashback every time they pay with that card in a participating retailer.

Although businesses across the UK can been heavily impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, Swipii said it has used to the time to “double-down” on product development.

“I am so proud of the team’s achievement over the lockdown period and could not imagine a different team to work amongst,” Schena commented.