TAXI firm Value Cars is a great believer in keeping trade local, says its boss, Adrian Sainsbury.

Mr Sainsbury is a member of the Salisbury branch of the Federation of Small Businesses, and a supporter of its and the Journal’s Keep Trade Local and Shop Local campaigns.

He decided to do his bit for the cause by establishing a discount club called Eat out for Less.

The club’s members are restaurants, hotels, pubs and clubs that offer a discount to customers on presentation of a Value Cars’ business card.

Mr Sainsbury has now extended the club to businesses providing other services, such as golf clubs, retailers and financial advisers.

To promote it, he has had one of his eight-seater minibuses covered in graphics advertising the club and the participating businesses.

“We think the discount club encourages local people to spend their money in the area,” he said.

“We have 25 businesses so far and we’re nearly ready to do a second vehicle – we are looking for more members.

“It’s not unique to any one type of business – any business can be involved.

“It has been very well received by the public, and the pub and club fraternity, who have really struggled this year.

“It’s all about investing in the community.”

He added that anyone can visit the Value Cars’ website to find out which businesses are participating and the company’s vehicles contain a supply of flyers explaining the scheme.

Driver Lee Higgins, dubbed by Mr Sainsbury “the PR in a car”, will be promoting the scheme to tourists and locals.

“When I pick people up, they are often going out for a meal,” said Mr Higgins.

“I ask them what sort of food they like and can take them to one of the pubs or restaurants in the scheme where they can get a discount on production of one of our cards.”

For more information visit www.salisbury-valuecars.co.uk.