A Dumfries‐based firm has received a business boost from Retail Entrepreneur Theo Paphitis. Artist Julie Hollis, owner of Cloud 9 Studio Gallery, tweeted Theo about her business during ‘Small Business Sunday’ in November and was one of six weekly winners to gain a retweet by Theo to his 500,000 Twitter followers. The weekly initiative, set up by Theo in 2010, now has over 2000 #SBS winners and supports small businesses in the UK.
Business and retail entrepreneur and self-confessed Shopkeeper, Theo re‐tweeted Julie’s message to his almost 500,000 followers and as a result Julie saw a huge increase in trade. The gallery is also profiled on the #SBS website (www.theopaphitissbs.com) that is exclusive to all Small Business Sunday winners.
Julie said, “After six years of building up my business here in Dumfries, in what has been the toughest time for start-ups in many years, I was delighted that Theo not only saw what a good little business I have, but also chose it to be one of his winning businesses. Coming hot on the heels of my Small Business Saturday #smallbiz100 award it just shows to show that you don’t need a high street shop to be successful or a huge name to attract attention.”
On Friday 23 February Julie travelled to Birmingham’s ICC to attend Theo’s annual #SBS conference and collect her winners certificate from him in person. Says Julie, “Actually meeting Theo and my fellow #SBS members has been incredibly inspiring. Theo made it clear in his conference address that he believes that small businesses, like mine, have a huge part to play in the re-emergence of Britain as a trading nation. What he also made clear is that we have to stop moaning about how things are and just get on with it! I feel that this is very relevant to Dumfries especially. We have some wonderful small businesses in the town, which deserve the support of locals.”
Small business champion and 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 will also give a valuable profile to the winners chosen and I wish Julie at Cloud 9 Studio Gallery every success.”
Anyone looking for a re‐tweet from Theo should tweet him about their business on Sunday between 5 PM and 7.30 PM and include the hashtag #SBS. Six lucky businesses are re‐tweeted every Monday at 8 PM and then invited to enter their profile on the new website, attend the annual #SBS networking event and take advantage of the networking opportunities.
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