Gift shop hangs out the bunting after winning national contest

18th September 2013

Carl and Deb Smith of Southbourne Cards won the business customer section of the 'Big Break' competition after opting to pay their water bill by Direct Debit.

The couple, who only acquired the business in March, say they'll invest the money in new stock and other improvements.

"It couldn't come at a better time and we're absolutely delighted," said Deb.

The Big Break competition was run by Bacs Payment Schemes Ltd (Bacs) in association with more than 90 organisations including Sembcorp Bournemouth Water (SBW).

The aim of the initiative was to encourage people to pay their bills by Direct Debit with 2,706 SBW customers choosing to transfer during the five month campaign.

Roger Harrington, SBW's Managing Director, said: "Direct Debit is an increasingly popular way of paying bills. It's safe, convenient and allows our customers to spread the cost of their water bills.]"

He added: "We're very pleased that one of our business customers, Southbourne Cards, has won £2,000 in the national Big Break competition and congratulate them on their success."

This year's Bacs' Big Break campaign has been declared as the most successful yet.

Apart from SBW other organisations involved across a range of sectors included housing associations, local authorities, utility companies and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).