https://www.suffolknews.co.uk/business-news/business-owner-s-profile-boosted-by-former-dragon-theo-9355261/

A small business owner who designs and makes handcrafted jewellery has been presented with a prestigious award by a renowned entrepreneur and television personality.

Justine Jarman, founder and sole owner of Chilli Designs Jewellery in West Wickham, near Haverhill, received the Small Business Sunday (SBS) Award at its annual event at the International Convention Centre (ICC), in Birmingham, last Friday.

The award was created by former Dragons’ Den star and business owner Theo Paphitis on Twitter in 2010 as a platform to support and recognize small businesses across the United Kingdom.

Justine Jarman receives her Sunday Business Award from its creator, businessman and former Dragon's Den judge, Theo Paphitis. Picture: Submitted
Justine Jarman receives her Sunday Business Award from its creator, businessman and former Dragon’s Den judge, Theo Paphitis. Picture: Submitted
 
 
 

Each week, Theo selects a group of outstanding small businesses to be featured and promoted to his extensive network of followers.Justine, a former chartered surveyor who launched Chilli Designs in 2016, was thrilled to be among the chosen few to have received the honour – which is only given to about four per cent of those that apply.

She said: “It’s probably the biggest award I’ve had so far.

A hare with packaging, one of the pieces of jewellery produced by Chilli Designs. Picture: Submitted
A hare with packaging, one of the pieces of jewellery produced by Chilli Designs. Picture: Submitted

“It’s really good because you end up having a lot of help from him and his team but also because you end up talking to other people who have won. It was a very good networking event.”

During the ICC event Susan Bonnar, who runs The British Craft House, was a guest speaker, alongside television presenter Stacey Solomon.

The British Craft House is an e-commerce platform that houses handpicked British artisans who sell their handmade products. Justine’s business, which is located just across the Suffolk border with Cambridgeshire, is one of just 22 that is both an SBS winner and featured on The British Craft House website.

Chilli Designs Jewellery was selected by Theo Paphitis to be one of its Small Business Sunday (SBS) award winners. Picture: Submitted
Chilli Designs Jewellery was selected by Theo Paphitis to be one of its Small Business Sunday (SBS) award winners. Picture: Submitted

Last September, Justine messaged Theo about her business during ‘Small Business Sunday’ and was one of six weekly winners to gain a retweet or repost by the Ryman Stationery, Robert Dyas and Boux Avenue chairman to his over half a million X (formerly known as Twitter) and Instagram followers.

The weekly initiative now has more than 4,000 members, 80 per cent of whom are female and 53 per cent sole traders.

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 Chilli Designs Jewellery every success.”

 

Anyone looking for a retweet from Theo should tweet on X or do an Instagram post to him 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.