A Helsby-based business has earned the support of TV dragon Theo Paphitis.

Big Vinyl Art won the retail magnate’s Small Business Sunday initiative – a Twitter competition which invites enterprises to tweet him in the hope of being one of the six retweeted by Theo.

Big Vinyl Art’s details have been added to the Small Business Sunday website which offers advice and networking opportunities to winners.

Co-owners Gary Faulkner and Jon Lowe have also been invited to attend the Winners’ Event in Birmingham next year, where they will be presented with an award by the Dragons' Den star himself.

Jon said interest in their business has since soared.

“I was thrilled that we were chosen by such an inspirational businessman,” he said.

The company, which sells vinyl artworks through its website and local craft fairs, was former commercial designer Gary’s brainchild.

Gary Faulkner, joint owner of Big Vinyl Art which recently won Theo Paphitis' Small Business Sunday competition
Gary Faulkner, joint owner of Big Vinyl Art which recently won Theo Paphitis' Small Business Sunday competition

Jon said: “A few years ago, Gary decided to return to his artistic roots and he started to make portraits using the techniques and materials involved in his day job.

“The resulting project took his small pen and ink drawings and transformed them into immense artworks.

“Initially, he only made these large-scale vinyl artworks, but he has diversified to make smaller works in the form of Giclée prints.

“The use of digital printing has introduced a lot more subtlety into his work, with a limitless palette of colour to compliment the black lines of his drawings.”

Big Vinyl Art also offer a range of bespoke cards, handmade gifts and Christmas products.

Jon said they hope to secure business premises in Chester in the new year and develop a range of artwork for interiors.

For more information about Big Vinyl Art, visit www.bigvinylart.com or email Jon at jonlowe@bigvinylart.com.