A HAMPSHIRE bag maker has received support from a retail entrepreneur and former Dragons’ Den star.

Joanne Melton, who runs The Seaside Sew, received a twitter business boost from Theo Paphitis as part of his ‘Small Business Sunday’ (SBS) project.

Joanne, who makes bags to order using materials she collects on Hillhead beach, tweeted Theo about her business concept and was one of six weekly winners to gain a retweet by Theo to his 500,000 followers.

Joanne, from Stubbington, said: “We’ve only been in business two years and I still work out of my garden shed. 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 spread the word about what we do to his following.

Explaining the concept behind her business, Joanne said: “Everything is handmade to order. I do all of the work myself. It’s a great feeling to make unique handmade products using materials that come from the seaside, which I love.”

Joanne has customers as far afield as Ibiza and Los Angeles for her bags which are made of jute or vegan “leather”.

Theo started his weekly initiative in 2010 and now has 1,700 #SBS winners.

Theo Paphitis said: “We are thrilled to welcome new #SBS members every week and highlight just how important it is to support our small businesses here in the UK.

“My vision is that everyone who has ever won a #SBS re-tweet from me becomes part of a friendly club; like-minded individuals who can share successes and learnings. I wish The Seaside Sew every success.”

Joanne will now be attending a conference where she will meet Theo and hopefully gain some advice on how to achieve her ambition of selling her bags in Selfridges and Liberty.