THERE can't be many ways to rent office space without paying a penny in cash, but for Romford-based cleaning company CA Support Services, the business-to-business trade exchange Bartercard has allowed them to do just that.
Bartercard is unlike a normal debit or credit card because it allows businesses to preserve cash resources by paying with goods or services.
Michael Pritchett, managing director of CA Support Services, said: "This means if a Bartercard member spends £100 in trade on having their office cleaned, CA Support Services will be able to spend this amount with other members of the trade exchange.
"We do a job as normal then the money we charge goes on a credit on the Bartercard, which we can then use to buy services.
"We use it to pay rent – so we haven't had to pay direct rent for about seven months.
"The main benefit is we don't have to use cash to pay rent. We can offset the work we get to pay for services."
As well as paying the rent for its own offices, the company, which has more than 23 years' experience, currently uses Bartercard to cover the cost of cleaning products and printing business cards and leaflets.
Mr Pritchett, added: "Bartercard was a brand-new concept to us before joining.
"We had never heard or used anything like it. It has definitely proved to be worthwhile.
"The current economic conditions mean it's even more vital that we take advantage of a service that allows us cover the cost of our rent without making a dent in our cash reserves.
"Ultimately, it really helps put money back into the CA Support Services Ltd and improve the business."
If you would like to find out more about Bartercard and how you can join the trade community, go to www.bartercard.co.uk
