An enterprising mum-of-one is hoping to save people cash and promote local business with her new business.
Kelly Whiting, who lives in Westgate with partner Steve and 16-month-old daughter Angelica, has launched The People’ Card.
The discount card, which cists £30 for the year, gives access to offers, deals and special discounts on services such as restaurants and trades.
A percentage of each card sold is donated to Louie’s Helping Hands charity which provides life-changing support to children aged 2-11 living in Kent with multi-sensory impairments and physical difficulties. The charity is raising money for the build of an expanded Llewellyn School & Nursery at Quex.
Starting out
Kelly, 42, moved from London to Margate five years ago. She spent 20 years working as a dresser and wardrobe assistant for theatres including The RSC at The Barbican and for popular shows in the West End.
But becoming a mum spurred her into setting up her own business, meaning time could still be spent with Angelica.
She said: “Angelica is my world and as an older mum, I didn’t want to miss a thing so I decided to set my own business up.
“I wanted to help others as well as earn money so I came up with an idea that can help local businesses get their name out there. It’s so surprising how many small Thanet companies are out there and the locals don’t know about them. Also, I wanted to help families save money on everyday things like eating out, buying gifts, treating yourself to beauty treatments or even getting a trade in for a repair or house maintenance service.
Get onboard
“I have just over 60 businesses onboard. It is free to local businesses and I advertise, promote them, share and get people to like their social media pages, posts and pictures. We are currently doing a 2000 flyer drop to promote the card.
“My aim to get the small local businesses noticed more, local people to save money and to help build this amazing school.”
The People’s Card currently covers Thanet but Kelly, who admits she is the ‘annoying person at the tills rummaging in her bag for that £1 off coupon,’ is hoping it will grow. She said: “I would love to make it national one day. “
Find The People’s Card on facebook here and find the website here