The Va, the trade body representing players in the UK’s gift card, gift voucher and prepaid card market, has changed its name to the UK Gift Card & Voucher Association (UKGCVA), to reflect changes in the industry.

Commenting on the name change Andrew Johnson, the association’s director-general, says: “The growth of contactless, digital and online payments together with the increased use of gift cards in the consumer market and the continued widespread usage of paper vouchers as corporate incentive rewards, means that our trade association now represents a far broader industry.”

The new branding is meant to encompass “the diversity of organisations that now operate and service this industry,” Johnson adds.

The body changed its name from the Voucher Association to the Va in August 2006.