A NEW Maldon start-up is celebrating after scooping an award and getting a social media shout out from business magnate Theo Paphitis.

Secret Hamper, which was set up by friends Nigel Richardson and Paul Barmby, picked up a Small Business Sunday title.

The business allows people to send a hamper of essentials to friends or family.

It was named as one of six weekly winners of the scheme set up by former Dragon’s Den star Theo Paphitis.

The scheme was started in 2010 and supports small businesses in the UK.

Following Secret Hamper’s win Mr Paphitis re-tweeted the business’ message to his 500,000 followers. Founder Nigel Richardson said: “We’ve only been in business a few months.

“We are busy building foundations and forming new relationships.

“It is great to have support from Theo because it’s involved a lot of hard work trying to raise our profile.

“Theo has recognised this and helped spread the word about what we do to his following.

“This is fantastic timing for us.”