AS the big boys of the financial world give out mixed messages on economic recovery, one Colchester business has surged ahead with plans to boost activity on the town’s high street.

Sascha Cutura set up Townvoucher in a bid to encourage shoppers to spend their money locally and has already had a positive response from both independent businesses and shoppers.

The 30-year-old businessman, who also runs web development company Riverside Media in Rouse Way, Colchester, said he took steps to help boost the local economy after a stroll along Eld Lane in the town centre one day towards the end of last year.

“I thought it was quite depressing to walk through Colchester,” said Sascha. “Eld Lane is so charming, but with the closed shops, I thought we have to do something to get more businesses in there again. Then the recession kicked in and everyone started saving money.”

But the idea of Townvoucher convinced Sascha he could help customers spend money again without breaking the bank, which in turn would help independent retailers generate business. The idea of Townvoucher is for businesses to offer discount vouchers online, which customers then download, print off and use in the shops.

Since launching in July, Sascha believes about 20 town centre businesses have shown an interest, with 13 taking the chance to offer customers new deals.

Sascha explained: “So far, it is working best for the restaurants. We need businesses such as craft shops and other little enterprises and we are also aiming at the tourist attractions as well.

“That way, people visiting Colchester can also download vouchers to use at museums and events. It could give Colchester a big boost.”

National figures from the British Retail Consortium revealed the excitement that consumers were spending again on the High Street in June and July was short- lived, as people kept a close watch on their spending again.

Sascha hopes his initiative will help people spend and in turn help businesses retain custom.

In March, Colchester Council launched a campaign to encourage residents and businesses to shop locally and source goods from around the town.

There have even been discussions about introducing a loyalty card for Colchester residents, but nothing has yet come to fruition.

Sascha said: “The Townvoucher scheme is aimed at small independent businesses who don’t have the marketing power of national outlets, but who need to offer something extra.

Firms including the Lemon Tree, the Old Seige House, Marks Tey Hotel and Prested Hall have signed up and those interested just need to visit the Townvoucher website to register for free. It is free for businesses to offer vouchers and free for shoppers to download vouchers from the website and use them.

Steve Cant is equally confident his scheme, Smartercard, will help businesses as its members spend more than £2million with businesses in Colchester and Basildon each year.

Established ten years ago by Steve and his wife Sasha, Smartercard, like Townvoucher, offers shoppers discount vouchers to restaurants and entertainment venues in the two towns.

In this case, people pay to become members, but one membership can cover a whole family.

Born in Colchester but now living in Ipswich, Steve, 39, said: “Colchester offers diversity. I find local traders offer a far better customer experience and not always for any more expense.”