The owners of a Chester-based online company were not intimidated at all when they met TV dragon Theo Paphitis.

Having won Theo’s Small Business Sunday – #SBS – competition on Twitter, Big Vinyl Art co-owners Gary Faulkner and Jon Lowe were invited to a winners’ event at the ICC in Birmingham.

The pair had the opportunity to network with competition sponsors Ryman Stationery, Red Letter Days, Robert Dyas, iLaw and DHL Express.

Gary and Jon pitched their range of vinyl artworks, bespoke cards and handmade gifts to buyers and attended a question and answer session with industry experts including retail magnate Theo and the founder of St Tropez Tan, Judy Naake.

Big Vinyl Art co-owners Gary Faulkner and Jon Lowe presented Theo Paphitis with a vinyl portrait of himself
Big Vinyl Art co-owners Gary Faulkner and Jon Lowe presented Theo Paphitis with a vinyl portrait of himself

Jon said: “Our #SBS win has been a wonderful opportunity for our business.

“Theo Paphitis was as approachable as he always appears on Dragons’ Den.

“We made Theo a Big Vinyl Art portrait and presented it to him at the winners’ event.

“He seemed genuinely pleased with the likeness – which was a huge relied for Gary and myself!”

Jon added that their work has been featured in national magazines such as Horse & Hound since their #SBS win.

Big Vinyl Art creations
Big Vinyl Art creations

Big Vinyl Art products are now stocked locally in And Albert in Chester, The Hollies Farm Shops and Burleydam Garden Centre.

They are also collaborating with nationwide company Wagging Tails UK to offer customers deals on pet portraiture.

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