There are certain obvious benefits that come from investing in businesses
Hopefully over time the value of the stocks and shares that you’ve picked up go up, allowing you to sell later on at a profit.
What’s more, the payment of dividends can provide you with an income for as long as you hold the stock.
However, some businesses go even further and hand shareholders exclusive perks and treats.
Here is just a selection of the best.
Bloomsbury Publishing
This is an independent worldwide publisher with offices in London, New York, New Delhi and Sydney. Its broad range of books includes titles for children, adults and professionals.
Investors with at least one share in the company can receive a special discount of 35% off the RRP on the print-only books it publishes.
For further information, check out the Bloomsbury website.
Chapel Down
Chapel Down is the producer of a world-class range of sparkling and still wines, as well as the award-winning range of Curious beers & cider.
Investors with at least 500 shares receive a 25% discount voucher that can be used for a one-off purchase, as well as early access to new vintages.
A wider range of discounts is available for those holding at least 2,000 shares, including discounts from the Winery shop, a third off wines and an annual tour for two.
For more information, check out the Chapel Down website.
BT
The communications giant offers a range of special deals just for its shareholders.
These cover everything from smart TVs and baby monitors to Fitbits and smart doorbells.
You can see more on its special shareholder store.
Carnival
You can get a little extra on your cruise if you are a shareholder in Carnival.
Investors benefit from onboard credit that you can spend as you like. The exact level of credit you get will vary based on the length of your cruise and which of its brands you’ve booked with.
But to give you an example, book with its UK brand for a cruise of 14 days or longer and you’ll enjoy £150 credit.
Irish Continental Group
If you have more than 1,000 shares in ICG then you can help yourself to discounts on the firm’s ferries.
These range from a 20% discount on services between Ireland and Britain to a 5% discount on Irish Ferries inclusive package holidays.
You can get more details on the ICG website.
Legal & General
Investing in Legal & General (L&G) means you qualify for discounts on a host of L&G financial products.
For example, you get 10% off over-50s life insurance, while taking out a lifetime mortgage will see you receive a £250 Love2shop voucher.
For more, check out the L&G website.
Moss Bros
Good news for those looking to save a few quid on a suit ‒ if you own any shares in Moss Bros, you qualify for a 20% discount.
This voucher is posted out to shareholders every year and can be used by the shareholder or an immediate family member. The voucher lasts for 12 months.
Mulberry
Mulberry shareholders get a 20% discount on up to £5,000 of spending each year. The discount doesn’t apply to online purchases, or sale items though.
What’s more, you won’t get the discount if you own the shares through a SIPP.
Next
Another retailing giant Next gives shareholders a 25% discount against most purchases at any one time on full-price NEXT merchandise in its retail stores.
There is no limit on the value of goods that can be purchased at that time and the voucher expires on 31 October of the year in which it was issued.
Find out more about the Next shareholder discount here.
Safestore
Backing the storage business Safestore means you can save some big money on your own storage needs.
Shareholders save 25%, and get 20% off on merchandise to boot.
You can find out more on the Safestore website.
Telecom Plus
You’ll know Telecom Plus as the Utility Warehouse, and investors in the firm can save a few quid on their utility needs.
Shareholders get access to unique energy tariffs which the firm argues are 10% cheaper than its standard tariffs, while each December you’ll also get credit worth 10% of your total spend on non-energy services with the firm over that year.
Big Yellow
Big Yellow shareholders get a 10% discount on self-storage and flexi-office rental, as well as the purchase of boxes and packing materials, along with insurance at both Big Yellow and Armadillo stores.
To claim it, you will need to show proof of your shareholding, while the name on the share certificate must match the name of the person taking the storage.
Fuller’s
If you invest in the pub chain Fuller’s, then you will be sent a personalised ‘Inndulgence Card’ in January each year.
That card entitles you to a 15% discount on food and drinks at any of Fuller’s managed pubs and hotels.
Adnams
Another pub chain that offers investors an extra perk is Adnams.
Shareholders can register for the loyalty scheme, which means they get a 10% discount on purchases in person or online, as well as on accommodation, on meals and tour bookings.
Brewdog
If you have backed the Brewdog brewery through its Equity for Punks scheme, you can enjoy a host of tasty extras.
These include discounts in shops, a free beer on your birthday, and even your own tree planted in the Brewdog forest (yes, really).
Bigger investors can unlock a host of additional extras, like limited edition crates of beer, water bottles and t-shirts.
The brewery has closed its schemes to investors for now, but existing investors can still enjoy those perks.