Waterlooville small business wins award from Dragons' Den star

Waterlooville-based Strength Cards has received a business boost from retail entrepreneur Theo Paphitis.

Owner Debbi Wood tweeted Theo about her 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 in 2010, now has over 2500 #SBS winners and supports small businesses in the UK.

As a result, www.strengthcards.co.uk has gained more followers and extra orders for their products which include resources used in schools and at home to help a child with personal social emotional development, products to help adults to deal with stress and self awareness and providing mental health first aid kits for the workplace.

Debbi said: ‘I’ve been in business two years and now won several awards including being named one of 100 top UK female entrepreneurs in 2019.

‘It is great to have support from Theo to raise my businesses profile particularly in the present situation as my resources are also ideal for home schooling and Theo has recognised my hard work and helped spread the word about what I do to his following.

‘It also came at a great time, as I’m in the shielding group and home for 12 weeks so it was the perfect moral boost.’

Mr Paphitis, who appeared on the BBC's Dragons’ Den between 2005 and 2012, 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. The website will also give a valuable profile to the winners chosen and I wish Strength Cards every success.’

The 61-year-old from Waterlooville has also been named among f:Entrepreneur’s debut Top 100 list of female business owners for her range of ‘Strength Cards’.

Made from PVC, the tiles exist to give a ‘positive affirmation' to anyone going through a difficult time – especially those doubting their personal abilities.