Retail entrepreneur and former TV Dragon, Theo Paphitis has provided a big boost for two ethical Suffolk businesses.
The millionaire businessman who owns a number of businesses, highlights small and growing businesses through his popular Small Business Sunday website.
Ipswich-based enterprises, Where Does It Come From? clothing and Arya Candles, were both chosen by Theo Paphitis to feature as winners of his Small Business Sunday competition - producing an enormous boost in national publicity as he has thousands of social media, internet and Twitter followers.
He has 500,000 Twitter followers and is known as a small business champion.
Jo Salter runs Where Does It Comes From? from her Ipswich home, sourcing handmade clothes and scarves direct from the individual makers in India. As a result customers can have confidence they are buying Fair Trade goods and every items is fully traceable.
Jo Salter said: “I am very pleased. I wore a Where Does It Come From? shirt and scarf for the photo.
‘We were so delighted to be chosen by Theo – as an ethical business we focus on creating quality products that have a social and environmental benefit too, so it is wonderful to be recognised when up against so many more mainstream businesses’
Arya Candles is run by mother and daughter team Lina and Jenny Hogg, also from their home, providing a range of luxury, essential oil soy candles.
The business also provides funds, via a charity, to help women in crisis in war-torn countries to develop their own businesses and independence.
Jenny Hogg, said, “We are over the moon. From some of the proceeds of our candles we sponsor women in war torn countries to help them rebuild their lives through the charity Women for Women International.”
Lina Hogg added “This has come at just the right time as we are about to launch a crowdfunding initiative. It is great to have support from Theo because it’s been tough trying to raise our profile and Theo has recognised our hard work and helped spread the word about what we do to his following.”
Ryman Stationery, Robert Dyas and Boux Avenue chairman, Theo Paphitis, said: “We are thrilled to welcome new #SBS members every week and highlight just how important it is to support our small businesses here in the UK. My vision is that everyone who has ever won an #SBS re-tweet from me becomes part of a friendly club; like-minded individuals who can share successes and learnings. The website and Shop #SBS will also give a valuable profile to the winners chosen and I wish Arya Candles every success.”
www.aryacandles.com
www.wheredoesitcomefrom.co.uk
www.theopaphitissbs.com
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