A TALENTED Warrington illustrator who creates handmade cards and gifts for her small artisan brand was given a business boost by well-loved TV dragon, Theo Paphitis.

Kate Hendry, from Birchwood, founder of Finbo illustrations, had her business shared to Theo’s half a million Instagram followers during his weekly ‘Small Business Sunday’ (SBS) post on the platform.

The wealthy retail entrepreneur who was a regular on the BBC’s hit show, Dragon’s Den, picks six winners every week to share their business, after they pitch their small businesses to him.

In February Kate was able to attend the annual SBS event, meeting Theo and collecting her coveted #SBS certificate.

A former Birchwood High School student, Kate was chosen in the lucky six recently and immediately saw a growth in her audience and online interest towards her illustration brand.

“I started my illustration business in 2019, it started out as me just making illustrations for my new baby’s nursery but after being made redundant I decided to turn it into something bigger,” she said.

“Theo’s shoutout introduced my business to a bigger new audience and I’ve started to see a steady increase in sales since then.”

Finbo Illustrations deliver creations based around British wildlife and wildflowers and include art prints, cards, stationery and unique gifts.

Kate’s business was not only showcased on both Theo’s Twitter and Instagram platform, but its profile was shared on the Small Business Sunday website.

“I was over the moon when we won, and the event was absolutely fantastic.

“Hearing all of the expert advice from many different speakers and meeting my fellow #SBS winners, and of course meeting Theo himself,” she added.

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

Speaking on his latest batch of SBS winners, 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 Finbo Illustrations every success.”

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

Six lucky businesses are re‐tweeted 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.