The corporate sector has continued to drive solid growth for the UK’s gift card and voucher industry in the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2011, according to the latest statistics from The UK Gift Card & Voucher Association (UKGCVA).

The report, compiled independently by consultants at Ernst & Young, has revealed a sharp increase in the business-to-business market of 22% during Q4, with the business-to-business online channel performing exceptionally well, with like-for-like voucher sales up by 12.1% during this same period.

The report also revealed that, whilst corporate direct sales remain the largest sales channel for vouchers, the online channel showed signs of recovery – rising by 46%.

Andrew Johnson, director-general of the UKGCVA, says: “The festive season provided a welcome boost for consumer sales in the last quarter of 2011. Arguably, this was to be expected, but growth nonetheless outperformed that of previous year figures over the same period.

“This reflects how seemingly unaffected the industry has been by the wider economic conditions. As we see businesses continuing to invest in newer, innovative types of gift card schemes, better technology and new channels, we remain cautiously optimistic for Q1 2012.”