History of the GCVA
From the Voucher Association to today’s Gift Card & Voucher Association — three decades of representing the industry.
Before the GCVA – the VA
In 1996 the association began life as the Voucher Association (VA) — the trade body for players in the UK’s corporate gift vouchers, cards, and stored-value market.
From the start its role was familiar: promote vouchers and gift products to businesses and consumers; offer networking, training, events, and best practice; and represent members to government and other trade bodies.
A broader industry, a broader name
As membership grew, so did the sector. Consumer gift cards, contactless and digital payments, and online gifting expanded alongside traditional paper vouchers used as corporate incentives. The association rebranded as the UK Gift Card & Voucher Association (UKGCVA) to reflect that wider prepaid gift market.
Through the UKGCVA years the association strengthened its voice: a growing mix of retailers, processors, and agencies on the executive board; research for members; and recognition as the authoritative industry forum.
Incorporation and today’s GCVA
On 10 November 2015 the association was incorporated as a private company limited by guarantee — UK Gift Card & Voucher Association (Companies House 09864515) — giving the trade body a formal legal foundation.
Since then the GCVA has continued as a not-for-profit, growing with the industry: a member-elected executive board that expands as the sector evolves, a professional team delivering events, research, advocacy, and PR, and a community of high-value member organisations shaping the future of gift cards and vouchers.
