For independent businesses
Get your business in front of Essex.
Join 317+ independents who use The Essex Card to win new local customers — and keep them coming back.
New local customers
Members actively look for independents to support — and your offer gives them a reason to choose you.
Free promotion
Your own listing with photos, opening times, map and links, shown to every member.
Independents only
No chains competing for attention. Just you and other brilliant local businesses.
Packages
Start free. Grow with us.
Basic
Freeforever
- Your own listing on theessexcard.com
- Your offer shown to every member
- Contact details, map and opening times
Partner Monthly
£9.99per month
- Everything in Basic
- Your own Essex Card membership (physical + digital card)
- Social media support from our team
- A spot in our printed Essex Card catalogue
- A chance to feature in “Today’s picks” on our homepage (rotates daily between Partners)
Partner Yearly
£109.99per year
- Everything in Partner Monthly
- A personalised promo video for your business
- Save £9.89 against monthly
Apply
Sign your business up today
Takes about five minutes. We’ll review it and be in touch.
Business questions
Who can join?
Any independently owned business based in Essex. We don’t accept supermarkets, franchises, chains or corporations.
What offer should I give?
Anything genuine that members will value — a percentage off, a free extra, or a special price. You choose it and can change it any time by letting us know.
How do I check a member’s card?
Members show their physical Essex Card, or the digital card on their phone if they’ve forgotten it. The digital card shows their name, photo, a ticking clock and a pulsing green “Active” light — if it says Suspended, the offer doesn’t apply.
What do Partner packages include?
Partners get their own Essex Card membership (physical and digital card), social media support from our team and a spot in our printed Essex Card catalogue. Partners are also featured in “Today’s picks” on our homepage, which rotates daily between all our Partners, so your business appears there regularly rather than every day. Yearly Partners also get a personalised promotional video.
How long until my listing goes live?
We review every application by hand and usually publish within a few working days. We’ll be in touch if we need anything else.