Acorne plc...

our history

1980's

Our founder pioneers the use of gift vouchers on a national scale for flying lesson experiences.

1988

We launch the innovative 'Nationwide Flying Gift Tokens' for Christmas.

1989

Success leads to the launch of Acorne and we are soon selling flying, gliding and parachuting gift vouchers via national media advertisements.

Early 1990's

Acorne now serves the staff incentives and sales promotions market. Our range expands again to include motor sports, health spas and relaxation days.

1992

We develop the revolutionary concept of a retail gift box in 1992 and achieve the first High Street sales via Whiteleys and Harrods.

1993

National gift box distribution follows, via major mail-order and retail catalogue chains.

1995

Acorne's association with Virgin began and we become the first non-Virgin company approved to redeem the newly launched Virgin Voucher.

2000

Having worked closely with Acorne, Virgin set up their own experiences division.

2003

Acorne takes over this business from Virgin, rebranding it Virgin Experience Days and securing future growth. We also take on management of the cash-denominated Virgin Voucher.

2007

Having turned around the Virgin Voucher business, Acorne acquires the 'Leisure Voucher' business from Whitbread PLC, plus management of the TGI Fridays gift voucher scheme.

2008

Acorne becomes a public limited company, and buys established experience provider Exhilaration from lastminute.com. We now supply lastminute.com's experience days offering.