A WIMBORNE‐BASED business has received a business boost from retail entrepreneur Theo Paphitis.

Dog trainer Kirsty Everard of Kirsty's Paws was presented with her winner's certificate by Theo Paphitis at his annual Small Business Sunday event.

Kirsty was one of six weekly winners to gain a retweet or repost by Theo to his over half a million Twitter and Instagram followers on Monday, January 29.

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 Theo retweeted Kirsty's Paws message to his over 500,000 Twitter and Instagram followers, and as a result, @KirstysPaws has gained more followers and extra orders for their online Dog Training Courses.

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

Kirsty Everard said: "I established Kirsty's Paws in 2018 because I have a passion for training dogs and preventing behaviour problems. It is incredible to have gained support from Theo.

"I hope this helps me to further promote kind, effective, ethical training methods and to help even more dog guardians."

"So far, I have worked with hundreds of dogs across our local area and won several awards, including dog trainer of the year 2022/2023, but this one was particularly exciting."

The SBS Event was held in Birmingham and was described as "their biggest and best yet."

There were talks from a variety of speakers, including Stacey Solomon, as well as lots of opportunities for networking with more than 1,200 other businesses.

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 a #SBS retweet 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 Kirsty's Paws every success."