Local and community currencies are an effective way to encourage spending within local economies, which strengthens independent businesses and supports regional growth. Whether launched by business improvement districts, community organisations, or even local authorities, well-thought-out, well-designed local currency is the perfect tool to keep money circulating within a specific area while promoting greater community engagement.
Integrity Communications Group helps organisations bring these initiatives to fruition through secure local-currency printing solutions based in the UK. ICG draws on the specialist expertise of companies within the group, including Orion Print, to deliver bespoke security print solutions that combine exceptional print quality, advanced anti-counterfeit protection and secure fulfilment. From the drawing board to production and distribution, every project is managed with security and trust at its core.
Introducing a community currency can create lasting value for residents and the wider local economy, especially the businesses. This is due to the spending remaining within the local community; organisations can encourage economic resilience while building stronger connections between consumers and local businesses.
As local currencies are intended to circulate repeatedly between businesses and consumers, security and durability of said currency are essential. Every single note should be designed to withstand frequent handling while incorporating advanced security measures that protect the integrity of the scheme and prevent any fraudulent activity.
Depending on the project requirements, local currencies can incorporate a range of banknote-style security features. These include watermarks, UV inks, holographic foils, microtext, intricate guilloche patterns and unique sequential numbering. These features help to prevent fraud while providing local businesses and users with confidence.
Integrity Communications Group provides specialist capabilities through the companies within the group, such as Orion Print, who deliver secure printing solutions that meet the highest standards of confidentiality and quality. Every stage of the production is carefully managed within a secure environment, ensuring each local currency project benefits from precise and consistent print quality and rigorous quality assurance.
From producing a limited community issue to large-scale local currency programmes, every print run is tailored to the specific requirements of the organisation while maintaining the highest levels of protection throughout the process.
Our range of barcode labels is designed to suit every business need. High-volume thermal labels are ideal for rapid printing environments, available in both Direct Thermal and Thermal Transfer formats. Sheet labels offer a convenient alternative for inkjet or laser printers. All labels are made from durable A4 White 90gsm PEFC paper with strong adhesives to ensure reliability in transit.
Community currency schemes can be adapted to support a wide range of organisations looking to strengthen local economies, deliver social value and encourage spending, from local authorities and community organisations to retailers and financial services.
Local currency, also known as community currency, is a form of exchange designed to be used within a specific town, city or region. It works alongside national currency, and it encourages people to spend at local businesses. This keeps money circulating within the local economy.
There are many benefits to using local currency, such a the increase spending within local communities, supporting independent businesses, strengthening economic resilience, encouraging community engagement and contributing towards more sustainable purchasing habits by promoting local trade.
No, local currency is not legal tender in the same way that national currencies are. Instead, it operates as a voluntary medium of exchange which is accepted by participating businesses within an agreed-upon local currency scheme.
Integrity Communications Group provides bespoke local currency printing through the specialist security print expertise of Orion Print. From secure design and advanced anti-counterfeit features to production, fulfilment and distribution, the group delivers complete local currency printing solutions tailored to each organisation’s requirements.
Security features can include holographic foils, watermarks, UV inks, microtext, guilloché patterns, specialist security papers and unique sequential numbering. These measures help protect community currencies against counterfeiting while maintaining confidence in the scheme.
Yes. Every local currency project can be fully customised to reflect the organisation, region or initiative it supports. Designs, denominations, branding, security features and print specifications can all be tailored to create a unique and secure community currency.
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