Retail magnate picks Isle Of Man indie store as latest SBS winner
Celebrating Mantons’ 36th birthday had an extra kick for owner Chris Beards at the weekend as the indie retailer was also picked as one of entrepreneur Theo Paphitis’ Small Business Sunday winners.
The independent store got the shout for re-tweeting on the social media platform X and Chris is invited to Theo’s next annual #SBSEvent for all this year’s winners.
Businesses can enter via Twitter, where they should tweet Theo on @theopaphitis between 5-7.30 pm on a Sunday using the hashtag #SBS, then he picks six small businesses a week to retweet to the growing network.
On Instagram companies can enter by posting on their feed or commenting under the #SBS open Instagram post, and need to follow and tag @theopaphitis with the hashtag #SBS.
“I’m extremely proud to have been able to have been chosen by such a successful and respected retailer as Theo Paphitis,” Chris commented, “I have long admired him, not just for his success but also for the ethical way he runs his businesses. I’m very much looking forward to meeting with Theo in Birmingham next year.
“As well as thanking Theo for his support I’d also like to thank all our amazing team members and fantastic customers who have helped to make this possible.”
As well as meeting the retail magnate and former Dragons’ Den star, who owns Ryman Stationery, Boux Avenue and Robert Dyas, with his 330 High Street stores employing over 4,000 people, at the annual #SBS event, Chris and the wider greeting card and gift industry will have the chance to hear Theo’s wise words at Spring Fair.
The show runs over Sunday to Wednesday, 4-7 February, and Theo will be appearing on the Inspiring Retail Stage on the Tuesday, 6 February, plus 12 small companies have won free stands to showcase their designs in the #SBS Village, including Libra Fine Arts with its artwork and gifts, and homewares and gifts from Sally Tettersell Designs.
“The #SBS and Spring Fair partnership has gone from strength to strength,” Theo said, “and I’m delighted to have had nearly 50 businesses receive a free stand at Spring or Autumn Fair over the last few years – that’s a lot of support for some brilliant SMEs.
“Spring Fair 2024 will once again be a staple part of my diary and I will be sharing my thoughts on the opportunities and challenges of 2024 for retailers and, of course, visiting the #SBS Village on the day.”
Mantons is the latest greeting card business to be acknowledged by Theo and Small Business Sunday – at this year’s #SBSEvent, indie retailer and publisher Janet Ross-Jordan attended having been picked for tweeting her paper tape and describing her Cards And Gift Wrap company that she runs from her Isle Of Lewis home.
The latest #SBSEvent marked the 10th gathering since Theo started his Small Business Sunday movement in 2010 and almost 1,000 of the 3,750 businesses now in the network were in attendance – including publisher Nicole Elders who is also a former winner for her designs with pictures made using calligraphy.
