Thame photographer impresses ‘dragon’ Theo

A Thame based photographer has received a business boost from Retail Entrepreneur Theo Paphitis. Last week, Mark Hewitson, owner of Mark Hewitson Photography, tweeted Theo about his business during ‘Small Business Sunday’ and was one of six weekly winners to gain a retweet by Theo to his 500,000 Twitter followers.

Photographer, Mark Hewitson

The weekly initiative, set up by Theo in 2010, now has 1700 Small Business Sunday winners and supports small businesses all over the UK.

Business and retail entrepreneur and self-confessed Shopkeeper, Theo re-tweeted Mark’s message to his almost 500,000 followers and as a result, Mark Hewitson Photography  has over 150 more Twitter followers as well as a constant influx of phone calls and website enquiries about their photography services. They are also profiled on the #SBS website (www.theopaphitissbs.com) that is exclusive to all Small Business Sunday winners.

Mark explained: “I create family, pet and commercial images at my studio in Thame and it is great to have support from Theo in raising my profile. I am delighted that Theo has recognised my hard work and has helped spread the word about what I do to his following. Since winning the phone has not stopped ringing and the emails are coming in thick and fast, I am absolutely delighted with my win.”

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 and shop #SBS will also give a valuable profile to the winners chosen and I wish Mark Hewitson Photography every success.”

#SBS Winners also have access to the exclusive members’ selling platform www.shopsbs.co.uk where hundreds of winners are already selling thousands of products, from unique gifts and bespoke furniture to pet toys or jewellery. It is another opportunity for the #SBS winners to turn tweets into sales.

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.