John Lewis plans a vouchers push

Store group John Lewis plans to increase its share of the billion pound corporate gift voucher market by forming a dedicated sales division.

The standalone service will make it easier for business customers to buy gift vouchers in bulk.

John Lewis Direct head of business development Phil Hullah said the gift voucher proposition was perfectly suited to the incentives market.

'We are keen to utilise the capabilities of the direct selling division to significantly expand this aspect,' said Hullah.

The UK voucher marketplace is expected to be worth£1.5 billion this year, with corporate sales accounting for more than half of that figure.