A Cotswold based glamping initiative has recently received a ‘Small Business Sunday’ award from former ‘Dragon’ Theo Paphitis. Small Business Sunday #SBS was set up by former Dragon, Theo Paphitis from his kitchen, back in October 2010 and ‘Ali Parker’ owner of The Glamping Orchard, received the award by tweeting Theo about her glamping business during ‘Small Business Sunday’ 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, now has 1700 #SBS winners and supports small businesses in the UK.
The #SBS event held at the ICC in Birmingham, in February, where The Glamping Orchard received their award showcased the very best of small business with workshops, networking opportunities and the chance to speak with business experts throughout the day.
Businesses were also able to question a panel of experts to find out invaluable information during the event with a question panel consisting of Theo, Dragon’s Den Deborah Meaden and JML founder John Mills.
Upon winning, THE GLAMPING ORCHARD has seen a surge of more followers and bookings for their 1950’s The Warwick Knight, one of the world’s rarest caravans recently starring in a role on George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces, and their cosy Bell Tent, Belle, both welcoming family and friends to enjoy short breaks this year. They are also profiled on the #SBS website (www.theopaphitissbs.com) that is exclusive to all Small Business Sunday winners.
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 The Glamping Orchard 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.