A NEW player in the online raffle sector in Cumbria is aiming to benefit the community, by 'focusing on reinvesting profits and supporting businesses'.

The county is home to other raffle websites - where players stand to win a range of prizes - but Cloud Competitions claims it aims to work on a local level. 

One of these aims is to promote Cumbrian businesses during the cost-of-living crisis. 

George Bean, one of Cloud Competitions’ founders said: "When we hit the drawing board, our goal was to achieve something that doesn’t just benefit ourselves, but that also helps others in our local community.

"Business can bring greed to strive and survive but that is the opposite of our near future plans.

“Our plan is to source and buy local, keeping everything we do locally. Why give large companies nationwide our funds for prizes when that can help a local business selling the same product?

"We already have a few local businesses on board ready to work alongside us helping us source the prizes we need for raffles.

"With the ever-rising prices of energy and cost-of-living post-Covid, we need to help our locals as much as we can.

"As a business what we aspire to achieve is a sense of community again, with also having fun and chances to win great prizes."

Their website is 'almost complete' and undergoing final checks before going live.

The business said it is aiming to create 'a sense of community and enjoyment whilst also promoting responsible gambling'. 

Companies already signed up include Brooks Whitehaven, Jenna’s Dog Grooming, Elite Pet Feed & Animal Supplies, The Pour House, and IT Fine Detailing Ltd. 

Cloud Competitions plans to sponsor local individuals, and activities, and contribute to local charities. The platform envisions a future where it can make a significant difference beyond its own success.

George added: "The future of Cloud Competitions is bright and we cannot wait to get started."