Peterborough technology start-up launches Active app to reward users for taking exercise

Active Orbit, which operates from the Allia Future Business Centre, in London Road, has created a community-based activity and rewards platform.

The new app tracks time spent running, walking or cycling and gives points for the exercise undertaken and which can then be spent in participating shops and businesses.

It seeks to use the rewards to encourage its members to become more active and connected and to enjoy a healthier and happier lifestyle.

Now Active Orbit has teamed up with Peterborough City Council and Opportunity Peterborough to encourage local businesses to sign up to its ‘Active Directory’ that will direct customers to their outlets to redeem their rewards.

Business which sign up are known as Community Reward Partners and will be able to join the initiative for free.

Rachel Flower, Active Orbit’s Co-Founder and Chief Optimism Officer, said: “We identified that the main reason people don’t stick with good habits around exercise over time is a lack of ongoing motivation and incentivisation.

“Yet the social benefits of exercise are well known.

“So we have devised a unique solution – our clever ecosystem connects people with a directory of Reward Partners in their local community who have agreed to gift them rewards for every active minute they do – so that over time members’ activity efforts are rewarded with free items, discounts and loyalty incentives.

“Members simply use their app at the time of the transaction and their Orbits are swapped for real world rewards.

“This also means that the cost of being a subscriber with Active Orbit is easily exceeded by the value you are able to redeem on everyday spend within your community.

“We support you to swap your car for a bike or walk for local journeys such as the school run or visiting friends, so that you are also helping reduce C02 emissions and fuel consumption.

She added: “We know that many local businesses are struggling post-Covid and this is a way to boost their marketing at no additional cost to their business.

“Being listed in the directory will increase their visibility and direct customers to their store or business to take advantage of their various offers – which may well be included as part of their existing marketing efforts – making this a low or no-cost way of attracting more customers.”

The app costs £2.99 a month and members can access support, information and guidance about how to lead a more active and healthy life.

Businesses can sign up for a series of webinars that Active Orbit is running to explaining how the scheme works and how to make the most of becoming a Community Reward Partner.

Tom Hennessy, chief executive of Opportunity Peterborough said: “Local businesses are the lifeblood of our city’s economy, and we’re really pleased to be working with Active Orbit and in turn, supporting the Reward Partners.

“We are extremely excited by the launch of the Active Orbit app which will not only help people get fitter and lead healthier lives.

“It will also help boost our local economy as businesses recover from the lockdown – and beyond – to establish viable and thriving communities for everyone to enjoy.”

Councillor Wayne Fitzgerald, deputy leader and cabinet member for adult social care, health and public health, said: “This is a great example of a community initiative that could help boost the health of our residents by offering an incentive for doing so, while at the same time supporting our local businesses.”

To register your interest as a Reward Partner please visit: www.activeorbit.co.uk/RewardPartners