Kelly Banthorpe is the founder of HelloKind, a new competitions with purpose business which aims to support local businesses and raise funds for charities. Here, Kelly explains more
What led you to start HelloKind?
The idea for HelloKind began with a chat with a good friend who talked about starting a competition business. Initially, I wasn’t keen – the market felt saturated, and the concept of a standard competition business didn’t excite me. Yet, I couldn’t get the idea out of my head.
While on holiday, the thought kept circling in my mind. Then it came to me: What if the prizes came from local businesses, and local charities benefited too? Suddenly, it was an idea I could get excited about – a way to make a real difference in the community.
When I got home, I started researching how to run competitions, brainstorming names, and figuring out what I’d need to have in place to make it work. It started as a passion project, and I wasn’t sure if it would lead anywhere, but I loved the process and kept moving forward.
Before I knew it, a couple of months had passed, and I realised I had everything in place ready to launch. Suddenly, it felt very real!
I have been open with my employers at Salhouse Broad, where I work as a manager. They’ve been so supportive and encouraging, and I feel incredibly lucky to have their backing as I balance my job and this exciting new venture.
Are you Norfolk born and raised?
I was born in Norwich and grew up in Great Yarmouth, where I lived until I left for university. After graduating, I returned to Norwich and lived there for several years, with some time spent traveling in between.
Later, my partner and I moved to the French Alps, where we lived for six years and welcomed our daughter into the world. While life in the Alps was incredible, returning to Norfolk felt like coming home. Being closer to family was wonderful, but I also saw Norfolk with fresh eyes – its stunning beaches, scenic Broads, and fab independent businesses stood out in a way I hadn’t fully appreciated before.
Living here also reignited my desire to make a difference locally. It took some time to figure out how I’d do that, but the result is HelloKind—a way to celebrate and uplift this incredible community that I’m so proud to be part of.
So, when did you launch HelloKind and how does it all work?
HelloKind officially launched at the end of November, so it’s still very new. Every time a new follower joins our social media, it’s a cause for celebration – it’s amazing to see people getting behind the idea!
We started with a free competition with The Lions Den and currently have two paid competitions running. One with Love Norwich Food with a self-guided food tour of Norwich, including lots of discounts and offers on food along the way; all proceeds from this competition will be going to charity. The other competition is with Hustle Gym, the winner will receive a voucher to use against a four-week beginner boxing or HYROX course.
Looking ahead, we’ll be running more competitions, with all prizes sourced from local Norfolk businesses. It’s exciting to think of the diverse prizes we could offer. The only requirement is that the businesses must be Norfolk-based and independent.
Norfolk Community Foundation, with their Nourishing Norfolk network, is our charity of choice. They are doing great work ensuring communities have access to affordable and healthy food. It’s inspiring to see how much good we can do, and participants can see the tangible difference their support makes.
This way, we’re supporting local businesses, helping local charities, and giving people the chance to win unique Norfolk experiences. Along the way, I hope HelloKind will also shine a spotlight on the incredible businesses and causes in this county that we’re so lucky to call home.
How can people get involved/find out more?
You can follow us on Instagram or visit our website at hellokind.co.uk. Be sure to sign up for our mailing list on the website to be the first to hear about our competitions and how you can support local businesses and charities while taking part!
If you’re a business interested in getting involved, I’d love to hear from you! Please email me at hello@hellokind.co.uk.
What are your hopes and dreams for HelloKind?
In my wildest dreams, HelloKind becomes a household name across Norfolk. I imagine us running regular competitions that not only spotlight the incredible local businesses our county has to offer but also create a ripple effect of positive change.
My dream is to have a long list of charities we’ve supported, with tangible outcomes that have genuinely improved lives in Norfolk. Whether it’s a competition winner, a local business we’ve partnered with, or a charity that’s used the funds to transform lives, I want HelloKind to leave a meaningful impact on everyone involved. Ultimately, my hope is that HelloKind becomes a force for good, celebrating the best of Norfolk while helping our community thrive.
Visit Hello Kind (@hellokind) on Raffall, to enter Raffle to Win Walking Food Tour of Norwich (ends today, Tuesday January 14, 2025) and to enter Enter Raffle to Win Beginner HYROX or Boxing Course with HUSTLE Gym (ends Thursday January 23, 2025.
Featured images supplied by HelloKind
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