You might not be aware of this, but the residents of Bristol have actually had their very own small business currency for almost a year now.
The Bristol Pound is the first independent city-wide currency of its kind and is now accepted as a form of payment by over 600 businesses in the region.
The idea is a scheme designed to keep money local and boost the takings of family-owned businesses within the city. By all accounts the first year has been a great success, with over £B70,000 (which is equal to £70,000) being spent in local Bristol retailers.
Bristol is now planning to celebrate the anniversary with a number of events marking Local Currency Week.
Do you think a similar scheme would be useful in getting people to support the High Street in your area too?