Entrepreneur promotes Martlesham business on Small Business Sunday

Businessman and TV Dragon Theo Paphitis (Image: Archant)

An Ipswich daycare-for-dogs business has been singled out for recognition by entrepreneur Theo Paphitis.

EADT/EDP Future50 firm Suffolk Canine Creche, based at Martlesham, is among the latest companies selected to feature in the former Dragons’ Den panel member’s Small Business Sunday initiative.

Each week, Mr Paphitis, who is chairman of businesses including Ryman Stationery, lingerie firm Boux Avenue and home and garden products company Robert Dyas, rewards small firms that tweet him @TheoPaphitis and describe their businesses in one tweet including the hashtag #SBS.

As he has more than 450,000 followers his recognition provides a big boost to the chosen businesses, ranging from increased Twitter followers to positive media publicity.

Suffolk Canine Creche owner Candace Rose said: “It is a fantastic accolade to be recognised by Theo.

“He does an enormous amount for small business and it was a lot of fun to enter. I encourage any business to participate.”

In another development, the business has just appointed Josh Caley to the role of apprentice champion.

Josh has finished an apprenticeship in animal management with the firm and will continue his own personal development while undertaking ambassadorial duties to promote apprenticeships at schools and other venues, locally and across the UK, as the business expands into new locations.

“Josh is an incredible ambassador; he has had an interesting personal journey and is dedicated to bettering himself and developing both professional and soft skill sets,” said Ms Rose.

“I believe his story will inspire the future generation of animal carers who will take this changing industry into the next century.”