A Dorset-based website which was initially developed as a local, bespoke rival to Groupon has been sold for an undisclosed sum.

Elite Living – eliteliving.club – was launched by Joshua Simons and Steve Crawford nine years ago.

Members are offered exclusive deals, experiences and event tickets.

The site went on to forge relationships with hundreds of independent businesses, selling thousands of vouchers every month and, in turn, generating more than £7m for the local economy.

Elite Living, which claims a membership of more than 50,000 subscribers, is now owned by entrepreneurs Mandy Dowley and Marnie Brown.

They acquired the website earlier this year, becoming directors of Elite Living Club Ltd.

After the pandemic forced them to put growth plans on hold they’re now ramping up activity and inviting businesses to join the platform.

Marnie, who first met Mandy when they were pupils at Bournemouth’s Glenmoor School for Girls, said: “We’re excited to get the ball running with our new business.

“We have plans to grow the already successful site.

“We’ll be working with many of Elite Living’s existing clients as well as introducing many new local businesses to the platform, this year and beyond.

“The message is: get in touch and let’s drive new customers to your business, together.”

Joshua, who co-founded Chicken & Blues with Steve, pictured, in 2013, said: “Myself and Steve enjoyed launching and building Elite Living over the years in the local area.

“We have now taken a different direction in our business journey and have worked hard to find the perfect buyers.

“Marnie and Mandy are ambitious entrepreneurs with local knowledge and an eye for detail.

“We’re confident that they will take Elite Living to the next level.

“The business is in very capable hands.”

As well as Co-Owner of Elite Living with Mandy, Marnie, 31, is also the Managing Director of Bang Tidy Cleaning South.

She founded the cleaning business in 2013.

Mandy, who is also 31, is a franchisee with Smiley Booth.

Businesses interested in running a deal on Elite Living’s platform should email [email protected]