THE WYE Valley firm behind a new type of eco-friendly soap dispenser has cleaned up with a business boost from a former Dragon’s Den star.

Lisa Hicks, owner of Monmouth-based SNOAP, tweeted retail entrepreneur Theo Paphitis about her business during ‘Small Business Sunday’ and was one of six weekly winners to gain a retweet by him to his half a million-plus Twitter and Instagram followers. 

The weekly initiative, set up by Theo in 2010, now has more than 3,500 #SBS winners and supports small businesses in the UK.

Business and retail entrepreneur and self-confessed Shopkeeper, Theo retweeted Lisa’s message to his over 500,000 Twitter and Instagram followers and as a result, www.SNOAP.com now has 200 per cent more followers and extra orders for their solid soap and solid shampoo dispenser. 

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

Lisa said: “We are changing the way people wash their hands, hair and body, giving a kinder, more gentle wash, removing the 1.8 billion single use plastic bottles we use in the shower annually in the UK alone and saving people money. Our business started less than a year ago.

“So to have someone as business savvy and respected as Theo Paphitis, endorse, and promote our business his amazing.

“It really is great to have Theo’s support because it’s been tough trying to raise our profile with such an innovative product.

“Theo has recognised our hard work and the difference we are making to not only the climate crisis but also the cost-of-living crisis and is helping to spread the word about what we do and why we do it to his loyal following.”

Small business champion and Ryman Stationery, Robert Dyas and Boux Avenue Chairman, Theo, 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 SNOAP every success.”

Anyone looking for a retweet from Theo should tweet on Twitter or do an Instagram post to him about their business on Sunday between 5pm and 7.30pm and include the hashtag #SBS.

Six lucky businesses are retweeted every Monday at 8pm and then invited to enter their profile on the new website, attend the annual #SBS networking event and take advantage of the networking opportunities.