Dragons' Den star visits Sunderland for launch of new free parking scheme

Jenny Campbell, a former Business Woman of the Year who made her fortune through providing ATM machines, has backed North-East contestant Chris Reed’s ParkingPerx phone app with £80,000 after his appearance on the 2019 series.

Sunderland will be the first place nationwide to trial the loyalty scheme – which offers discounted and even free parking for customers of participating businesses – with the idea also attracting international interest from as far away as Brazil.

Several city centre chains and independent firms have already signed up following a launch event on Thursday night and a business lunch on Friday.

Speaking before the lunch at Sunderland College’s main campus, Mrs Campbell said: “I am confident that it is going to succeed, just like I am confident that any business I invest in is going to succeed.

“That’s why I left the show after two series so that I could concentrate on my businesses.

“I also have confidence in Chris, I am impressed by the idea, he has received plenty of backing and I will offer him plenty of support.

“I have come to Sunderland for events like this and I will be available if he needs my advice.”

Mr Reed, from Ashington, said: “The room for the launch was full of city centre businesses and the feedback was really positive with a large number of sign ups. We are looking to launch it in the city in the spring.”

ParkingPerx gives users the opportunity to earn online rewards from participating businesses which can then be used to pay parking charges.

Mr Reed and his ProxiSmart company have been backed locally by Sunderland City Council, The Bridges shopping centre and Sunderland Business Improvement District (BID) group.

Sharon Appleby, the BID’s head of business operations, said: “Parking is an issue generally and particularly in Sunderland.

“While it is unrealistic for a city centre to offer free parking in its entirety, businesses in the city have said they want solutions which drive footfall and loyalty.”

Further information is available from www.parkingperx.com.