How two young entrepreneurs from Kenilworth have taken matters into their own hands to help others during the lockdown

Two young Kenilworth entrepreneurs were concerned that their key worker mum could not buy hand sanitiser at the outbreak of the coronavirus - so they took matters into their own hands.

Ciara (20) and Seanna (17) Hamill set up their own company which has been helping people across the community.

It started when they set about trying to source hand sanitiser to help their mum but discovered inflated prices and dubious products.

After talking to their dad, he spoke with friends in a distillery in Ireland that had pivoted their business to supply hand sanitiser for the UK.

Both women attended Kenilworth Sixth Form and one of the sisters utilised her graphic design skills to create the brand SanHanzUK, selling the hand sanister at a reasonable price and giving 20 per cent back to the local community.

Nearly 200 bottles were handed out free of charge to health workers and other key workers.

Not content with that, they then turned their attention to the food banks.

On discovering our food bank was 40 per cent down on food donations and 15 per cent up on demand, along with Kenilworth Rugby Club, they established a drive through 'pop up shop' at the club's Glasshouse Lane car park from 4-6 pm every Saturday, with 20 per cent of proceeds would go to the food bank.

A spokesperson for the rugby club said: "They have created a brilliant initiative with us and would like to thank them in particular for their support.

"On Wednesday they delivered over 20 bottles of much needed hand sanitiser to the brave heroes that support our whole district at the Warwick District Foodbank.

"As it happens they needed sanitiser and asked if they could convert the cash raised into free bottles, so that's exactly what they did and added a few extra.

"Going further they offered free delivery to those that needed the product but for whatever reason couldn't get out to buy.

"This initiative came from the heart and was totally self funded we asked for no donations and wanted to build a social enterprise based on principles of conscious capitalism that gave back to the community it was bought in."

Andy Bower, manager at Warwick District Foodbank, said: “Being gifted this hand sanitiser means so much for the peace of mind of our galant volunteers, feeding the needy in our district. The staff are over the moon!

"It’s been almost impossible to source.

"It’s a brilliant initiative from Seanna, Ciara and Kenilworth Rugby Club.

"Thank you so much and thanks to those that bought from the SanHanz pop up shop”

The girls say that SanHanz is made to the precise recommended formula of the World Health Organisation and that the feedback has been 'brilliant'.

They now supply local businesses, care homes, schools and individuals all the while ensuring that 20 per cent returns to the local community.

You can find our more on Twitter: @SanHanzUK IG: @SanHanzUK and Facebook @SanHanzUK

The next pop up/drive through at Kenilworth Rugby Club, Glasshouse Lane, will be on Saturday May 16 (4-6pm).