Simona Ceple with Theo Paphitis
A Nottingham‐based firm has received a business boost from Retail Entrepreneur Theo Paphitis. Last year, Simona Ceple, owner of Exdi Furniture, messaged Theo about her business during ‘Small Business Sunday’ and was one of six weekly winners to gain a repost by Theo to his over half a million Twitter and Instagram followers. The weekly initiative, set up by Theo in 2010, now has over 3,500 #SBS winners and supports small businesses in the UK.
Last month Simona met Theo Paphitis at the annual event and accepted her winner’s certificate. “It was an amazing opportunity to meet Theo Paphitis himself and so many other like-minded business owners. Being part of a supporting community is crucial for small businesses. We not only had access to the best of team of experts, listened to inspirational stories from small businesses who got recognised nationally but also had a Fireside Chat with Stacey Solomon.”
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 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 Exdi Furniture every success.”
Small businesses are often the lifeblood of local economies, and awards such as the Theo Paphitis’ one can make a world of difference. For Exdi Furniture, this recognition has been motivation to introduce new service. “Any recognition or award motivates me to do more and be better,” says Simona Ceple. “I recently had the idea to introduce a furniture hire service, and after connecting with the right people and benefiting from the amazing platform of supporting community, it’s all becoming possible.”
With this new venture, Exdi Furniture aims to fill a crucial need in the market, providing stylish and premium quality furniture for local estate agencies, property developers, and photo studios. This innovative service not only offers convenience but also helps these businesses save both money and time.
Theo Paphitis’ award has not only validated the vision of Exdi Furniture but has also empowered Simona to bring this vision to life, benefitting the local community and contributing to a more sustainable future.
Anyone looking for a re‐tweet from Theo should tweet on Twitter or do an Instagram post to him about their business on Sunday between 5 PM and 7.30 PM and include the hashtag #SBS. Six lucky businesses are re‐tweeted every Monday at 8 PM and then invited to enter their profile on the new website, attend the annual #SBS networking event and take advantage of the networking opportunities.
