18 December 2014

Discount Card Helps Service Personnel get more for their money this Christmas

Public Services Minister, Leighton Andrews is encouraging more people in Wales to sign up to a discount card offering service personnel savings on a range of goods and services this Christmas and New Year.

Over a thousand high street companies and businesses across the UK have already signed up to the Defence Discount Service.

Leighton Andrews said: “As well as saving people money, this card acknowledges and rewards Wales’ brave armed forces community, past and present.

“This week marks the first anniversary of all twenty-two local authorities in Wales signing Community Covenants and this discount scheme is an important part of our ongoing commitment to develop and deliver on the pledges agreed last year.”

Community Covenants encourage local communities to support the armed forces community in their area and also promotes public awareness of issues affecting the armed forces community.

However, the Minister believes more can be done to support the armed services community in Wales. He added “I thank everyone who has already signed up to this discount scheme but would encourage more businesses in Wales to get on board.”

Ex-serviceman, Tony Morris, 65, from Pontymister, near Newport, echoes the Minister’s sentiments saying he uses his card “whenever possible” but would like to see more local shops involved.

Tony served with the Royal Navy for twelve years, including two eighteen month tours in the Far East. He signed up to his discount card shortly after the scheme launched.

“I heard about the card through my British Legion and found it really easy to sign-up.

“I travel a lot and use my card at service stations to get exclusive deals and money off food and stuff – up to 25%.

“I receive regular emails from the Defence Discount Service telling me what offers are available and would be more inclined to shop somewhere if they accepted the card.

“I would like to see more local shops and businesses in Wales supporting the scheme and what it stands for.”

The Defence Privilege Card is available to current and ex service personnel and gives card holders discounts on a range of goods and services.

14 January 2014

Defence Discount Service - Car provider involvement details

DDS Cars powered by Griffin creates a new exciting opportunity for all members of the Defence Discount Service to save on new cars.  Importantly this offering allows members to save directly with manufacturers up and down the country using military discount terms.  With dealership pickup and dealership purchase available with some manufacturers (for example Renault), we feel this allows members to receive the service and support normally associated with buying a new car but also includes the discount for being part of the Armed Forces Community.  

The DDS Cars website is open to all members who qualify for the Defence Discount Service and hold a Defence Privilege Card or MOD90.  The car brands available is growing already with a 12th Manufacturer being added in the next two weeks. 

Manufacturers wanting to participate

We do understand there are a number of manufacturer ran or similar companies providing discounts on cars.  These companies are welcome to join the Defence Discount Service however the deals available must be available to all the Defence Discount Service Community: Serving Forces Members, Veterans, MOD Civil Servants, Armed Forces Spouses and Partners, Reserve Forces, Bereaved Family Members, War/Service Widows(ers) and Cadets.

(Before Inclusion) Most manufacturers have their own military car rates and to ensure the Defence Discount Service is acting in the manufacturers interest we therefore request the following for the inclusion of a car brand on the website:

- Please provide a written letter from the manufacturer (not individual dealer/franchise) acting on behalf of the whole brand, confirming the inclusion of the Defence Discount Service members and that the rates available are above that of a normal retail deal and open to all member of the Defence Discount Service / holders of the Defence Privilege Card or MOD90.  

We acknowledge a number of manufacturers will not be able to provide an offer to this large user group only being able to provide an offer to serving members (such as BMW Park Lane).  In such circumstances we will be happy to discuss the inclusion of point of sale etc that can be provided to serving members directly to bases again with the relevant brand permissions.

Local dealers

A number of local dealers have expressed interest in joining the service but do not provide the military sales for the manufacturer and therefore we encourage alternative ways to support the service.  Some dealers provide offers such as Used Cars, Servicing, MOT testing and repairs to be listed on the service without restriction in their respected local areas.  

For more information or questions about the Defence Discount Service please do not hesitate to contact us: [email protected] or call 01509 233446 (mon-fri 9am-5pm)

References:

DDS Cars - Powered by Griffin www.ddscars.co.uk
BMW Park Lane - www.bmwparklane.com