Sawtry thatcher is scaling new heights after winning Dragons’ Den star’s backing

Chris Dodson, who runs Chris Dodson Thatching Services, in Newton Road, Sawtry, was selected by retail entrepreneur Theo Paphitis for national recognition.

He was chosen by Theo as one of six to be championed as part of his Small Business Sunday campaign (#SBS) on the social media site Twitter.

It came after Mr Dodson, a fourth generation master thatcher, had taken to Twitter to tweet Theo about his business and his family which has been involved with thatching for about 100 years.

Theo retweeted his message to his 502,000 followers.

Mr Dodson said: “Since winning SBS it’s been an exceptionally busy time, the increase in the business profile has been prolific.

“We are carrying out a huge amount of specialist reports and surveys, as well as continuing to be exceptionally busy thatching.

“The support from Theo really has help expand into different areas.

“We are coming up to nearly 100 years of thatching within the Dodson family and this recognition from Theo means a great deal to us.”

As a result of securing Theo’s backing, Mr Dodson was invited to meet the entrepreneur at his annual #SBS gathering in Birmingham.

Theo told guests that he was thrilled to welcome his new Small Business Sunday members and highlighted the importance of supporting small businesses.

He said: “My vision is that everyone who has ever won an #SBS retweet from me becomes part of a friendly club; like-minded individuals who can share successes and learnings. I wish Chris every success.”