Forensic Science Workshops wins #SBS
Jacqui Thompson has a “second encounter” with BBC Dragons’ Den Entrepreneur, Theo Paphitis
East Midlands businesswoman Jacqui Thompson – who hit the headlines locally and nationally after braving BBC TV’s Dragon’s Den – has once again found herself face-to-face with one of its stars.
Jacqui, who appeared on the show in September, met-up with Theo Paphitis at a champagne reception for the winners of his Small Business Sunday (#SBS) initiative (run on the social media platform Twitter).
This time she was far less nervous and she also struck lucky – coming away with a certificate and a treasured photograph of herself and the Dragon!
Despite all the Dragons declaring “I’m Out” when Jacqui - who takes Forensic Science Workshops into primary, secondary and special needs schools in her home county of Lincolnshire and the wider UK – appeared on the show to ask for cash backing to develop her new CSI team building events aimed at Businesses, ‘’it was a surreal, terrifying and absolutely brilliant experience’ and I am grateful for the opportunity’ said Jacqui.
Now it has been crowned by her attendance at the inaugural SBS Winners’ Conference in Birmingham.
“Since appearing on Dragons’ Den, my business has gone from strength to strength. This is as a result of hard work, fantastic referrals, testimonials and, of course, three fabulous minutes courtesy of the BBC, which ultimately proved invaluable!,” said Jacqui.
“It was fantastic to get a second opportunity to meet Theo. The premise of his initiative is to encourage UK Small Businesses to send one “Tweet” to @TheoPaphitis promoting their individual business, including the hash-tag #SBS. In return, Theo Paphitis then carefully selects ‘6’ winners every Sunday and re-tweets the winning ‘Tweets’ to his 235,000+ Twitter followers.
Additionally, as a winner you are automatically, given access to the SBS Website where you are able to upload your companies profile and update it as many times as you like! http://theopaphitissbs.com.
“I actually won #SBS in March 2011 prior to my audition on BBC Dragons’ Den. Below, is my winning ‘Tweet’ which was re-tweeted by Theo Paphitis to his, then, 181,000+ Twitter followers.
After months of speculation, Theo Paphitis announced the inaugural SBS Winners’ conference, would be held at Edgbaston Cricket Stadium on Friday, March 30, 2012.
“A champagne reception was put on for all 250+ SBS Winners, giving us all a chance to network with each other, prior to Kypros Kyprianou – Ryman’s CEO taking the stage, followed by Theo Paphitis. Fuelled by a couple of glasses of beer for medicinal purposes, a fantastic sense of humour, loads of charm and empathy, Theo generously and amusingly gave us two-and-a-half hours of his time, during a mammoth Q & A session which incorporated the launch of the new Theo Paphitis SBS website which was developed and designed by a fellow SBS Winner, Metalfrog based in Norwich.
“Finally, as if that wasn’t enough, all 250+ SBS Winners were all told that they would each receive a SBS Certificate signed by Theo Paphitis. The icing on the cake was him presenting the certificates to everyone individually as part of a photo shoot, ensuring we all received an individual photograph,” said Jacqui.
“What a fantastic day for British Small Businesses, Theo Paphitis has put #SBS well and truly on the map!”