Harrogate-based business gets amazing Twitter boost from Theo Paphitis of Dragon's Den

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Based in Killinghall, the husband-and-wife team behind Glawning Ltd found themselves in the limelight when director Sarah Martin tweeted Theo about the glamping business she owns and operates with her husband, James, during his renowned event, Small Business Sunday.

Glawning 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 to support small business across the UK, now has more thwan 2,500 #SBS winners.

Business entrepreneur and self-confessed Shopkeeper, Theo, re‐tweeted Glawning’s message to his large following.

As a result, interest in the extensive range of camping and glamping products available on their website (www.glawning.com) has spiked, as has their social media follower count (@glawning).

They are also profiled on the exclusive #SBS website (www.theopaphitissbs.com) dedicated to Small Business Sunday winners.

Sarah Martin said: “When you get retweeted by business tycoon Theo Paphitis you know it’s going to be a good week!

We were thrilled to receive this badge of honour and bask in the social media spotlight that it brings. Our Twitter account has gone crazy.

"I have arm cramp from replying to all the lovely congratulations we are receiving."

“When you get retweeted by business tycoon Theo Paphitis you know it’s going to be a good week!

We were thrilled to receive this badge of honour and bask in the social media spotlight that it brings. Our Twitter account has gone crazy.

"I have arm cramp from replying to all the lovely congratulations we are receiving."

The couple set up Glawning Ltd seven years ago with the aim of revolutionising camping holidays worldwide with its flagship product ‘the glawning’ which provides a cosy glamping alternative to a nylon awning for leisure vehicles.

Sarah Martin said: "We are a husband and wife team working from home running everything ourselves. We have managed to steadily grow the business organically, so we are the epitome of a UK small business.

"It is great to have support from Theo because it is always tough trying to raise the profile of such a niche business. Theo has recognised our hard work and helped to spread the word about what we do to his audience.

"We are ecstatic to be a part of #SBS and can’t wait to see the opportunities that it brings.”

Small business champion and own

er of many businesses himself, 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 Glawning every success.”

Anyone looking Theo’s recognition should tweet him (@theopaphitis) between 5pm and 7.30pm on Sunday explaining why you feel that you’d be a good candidate for ‘Small Business Sunday’ along with the hashtag #SBS.

Six lucky businesses are re‐tweeted every Monday at 8pm and thereafter invited to feature on the new website (www.theopaphitissbs.com) as well as attend the annual #SBS networking event and more.

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