Hot Topics Right Now in Incentives, Gift Cards & Branded Payments

In 2025, striking the right balance amid economic challenges is key

In 2025, HR leaders will face increasing pressure to support a workforce that is fatigued, financially stretched, and frustrated. Research released by BHN in early 2024 revealed that nearly 90% of UK employees had concerns about their current employment. The ongoing cost-of-living crisis and slow economic growth will require businesses to find innovative ways to help employees feel valued while improving productivity. Employers must go beyond traditional voluntary benefits and incentives, exploring creative approaches such as salary-stretching initiatives, meaningful recognition programs – think birthday recognitions and shared success - and flexibility in work arrangements to engage their teams and drive performance.?

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The BHN Hawk Select feature has landed?

Did you know........we offer an automated reward solution for busy HR leaders? With Hawk Select, HR managers can now reward staff automatically with the new Scheduled Birthday Rewards feature. Managing multiple birthdays across large teams shouldn't be stressful.

With the feature, HR managers can schedule a year’s worth of rewards in minutes and schedule rewards to arrive any day—even weekends and bank holidays.

Automated doesn't have to mean impersonal! Find out more here.

Will Local Authorities bear the brunt of the budget?

The biggest budget in a generation was unveiled this year by the Labour party and it included a raft of changes that are set to significantly impact people and businesses over the coming parliamentary term. The media and politicians on all sides of the house continue to pick over the budget details to see what the new measures mean. However, the impact of the budget is also going to be closely examined by the public sector and in particular Local Authorities, who have the responsibility to provide support for people in need in their communities. So, will the budget mean that more people will be asking for this support? The answer is almost inevitably yes.??

Even before this budget, research showed that the demand for social care – just one of the components of support that councils have to provide – was set to grow.? But of course, Local Authorities are tasked with more than social care. Educational needs, support and cost of living help also needs to be factored into finances. Government policy seems to be placing the onus on more social care being provided in the community and at home by carers and relatives. This would suggest that Local Authorities will have to disburse support funds on a wider, more flexible scale than ever before - something BHN are experts at delivering through a range of payment and voucher solutions.

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It’s time to enter the BHN Awards 2025

The BHN Awards are back for the 7th consecutive year! What better way to celebrate our partner’s fantastic achievements and standout campaigns over the past 12 months.?

Our panel of judges look for campaigns that showcase the height of creativity and innovation in the gift card industry, and that are grounded with a clear strategic direction and unquestionable results.??

Last year saw New Look , 亚马逊 , 特易购公司 , Cryptonow , Woolsocks - The money app , and The Co-op crowned as winners. Categories are open to all European retail partners at BHN, who are attending the 2025 Summit, closing on Friday the 31st of January 2025.?