Northern Irish The Good Food and Wine Company gets a Twitter boost from Theo Paphitis

The Good Food and Wine Company, the Northern Irish gourmet food and drink supplier, received a business boost from TV Dragons' Den star Theo Paphitis.

Michelle Lestas, joint owner of The Good Food and Wine Company, based in Coleraine, county Londonderry, recently tweeted Theo about their small business during 'Small Business Sunday'(www.thegoodfoodandwinecompany.co.uk).

Theo re-tweeted her message to his 260,000 followers and as a result, the company has experienced a sharp rise in interest in its gourmet portfolio. The company is also profiled on a new website (www.theopaphitissbs,com) that is exclusive to Small Business Sunday winners.

Michelle Lestas, commenting on the unique internet initiative, says: "We've recently established the business. It is great to have support from Theo because it's been tough trying to raise our profile. Theo has recognised our hard work and helped to spread the word about what we do and our range of artisan products to his very extensive following."

Anyone looking for a re-tweet from Theo should tweet him about their business on Sunday from 5-7.30pm and include the hashtag SBS. Six lucky businesses are re-tweeted every Monday at 8pm and then invited to enter their profile on the new website.

This is provided free of charge and the new website is sponsored by Ryman Stationery, where Theo is chairman.

The Good Food and Wine Company specialises in high quality artisan products. It recently secured business with Harrods in London for its non-alcoholic Hot Toddy drink. It also produces local jams, chutneys, seafood and ciders.

Business consultant Nicholas Lestas formed The Good Food and Wine Company in 2011 with wife Michelle.

The business with Harrods also follows the small company's success in winning UK Great Taste Awards for several products. Other recent business includes a pop-up shop selling its range of Christmas hampers in the Departures Lounge at the George Best Belfast City Airport and in stores at the iconic Titanic Signature Building close to the city centre.

The company has developed a range of artisan food hampers and is discussing business opportunities for its premium products.

Pic caption:Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster pictured with Michelle & Nick Lestas.