A COLCHESTER-based firm has received an enormous business boost from retail entrepreneur and Dragons’ Den star Theo Paphitis.

Kerrie Masters, owner of Art By Kerrie, tweeted to Theo regarding her business during Small Business Sunday and it was reposted by Theo to his 500,000 Twitter and Instagram followers.

Kerrie runs a mudlarking business, which sees her sift through mud and marshy areas, turning her fascinating finds into jewellery, giving customers a tangible piece of history to wear.

The weekly initiative, set up by Theo in 2010, now has over 3,500 #SBS winners, boosting the reach of small businesses all over the UK, with six lucky winners chosen each week.

Theo's repost catapulted Kerrie's business into the spotlight and gaining her vital exposure.

She said: “I just can’t quite believe it – my business is quite niche although I have been creating for a while.

"I have only been pushing the business for around a year - I’m still using space where I can find it at home to create my pieces.

Gazette: Fascinating - Kerrie sifts through marshes to find pieces of history, which can then be turned into jewelry.Fascinating - Kerrie sifts through marshes to find pieces of history, which can then be turned into jewelry. (Image: Art by Kerrie)

“I’m so passionate about the pieces I create and the images of our rich history that they invoke, but even though you believe in something yourself, to have the backing of someone as experienced as Theo and the wider SBS is a huge confidence boost.”

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 Art By Kerrie every success.”

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