A ROMSEY business has been publicised by a former Dragon.

Retail entrepreneur Theo Paphitis, best known for his time on the BBC business programme Dragon’s Den, gave K&B Sewing Machines a boost on social media.

Owner Katie Matthews pitched her sewing hub, in Romsey Industrial Estate, to Mr Paphitis on ‘Small Business Sunday’ (SBS) and was one of six weekly winners to earn a retweet or repost by Theo to his more than half a million followers on Twitter and Instagram.

The weekly initiative, set up in 2010, supports small UK businesses and has announced more than 3,500 champions.

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Since the retweet Katie has been inundated with followers and demands for sewing machines and servicing.

Hampshire Chronicle: Katies MatthewsKaties Matthews (Image: Katie Matthews)

Ms Matthews said: “We’ve only been open a year. 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. I can’t wait to meet Theo next year at his exclusive event."

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.

Hampshire Chronicle: Small Business Sunday winnerSmall Business Sunday winner (Image: Katie Matthews)

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“The website will also give a valuable profile to the winners chosen and I wish Katie Matthews every success.”

Anyone looking for a re‐post from Theo should tag him on Twitter or Instagram on a post about their business on Sundays between 5pm-7.30pm using the hashtag #SBS.

Six businesses are re‐tweeted every Monday at 8pm and then able to enter their profile on the new website and attend the annual #SBS networking event.