A Richmond-based start-up has received a business boost from Retail Entrepreneur Theo Paphitis. Sophia Procter, founder and CEO of Munchy Play®, tweeted Theo about her innovative kids’ tableware business during ‘Small Business Sunday’. She was one of six weekly winners to gain a retweet by Theo to his 500,000 Twitter followers, and join his prestigious #SBS club.

Munchy Play was launched in lockdown, after three-years in research and development. The children’s plate range is the first of its kind anywhere to feature a built-in track for toy cars and trains, helping to solve mealtime struggles.

Small business champion and Ryman Stationery, Robert Dyas and Boux Avenue Chairman, 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 an #SBS re-tweet from me becomes part of a friendly club; like-minded individuals who can share successes and learnings. The website will also give a valuable profile to the winners chosen and I wish Munchy Play every success.”

Business and retail entrepreneur and self-confessed Shopkeeper, Theo, re‐tweeted Munchy Play’s message to his entourage of followers, resulting in; greater awareness, publicity and business growth to the fledgling start-up. Munchy Play, now also gains access to the #SBS website and community (www.theopaphitissbs.com) exclusive to all Small Business Sunday winners.

Sophia Procter, CEO of Munchy Play, said: “Theo Paphitis has long been a hero of mine. To be recognised by him as one of the UK’s brightest start-ups’ is a real accolade. We are already on Amazon’s Launchpad programme, and have just been shortlisted for a Junior Design Award, so it has been a very exciting month all-around.

“Being part of the #SBS alumni is an honour and great opportunity to help level-up our business, especially at this challenging time. I’d also like to thank the local community in Richmond. During the early stages of product development, I took our prototype to the streets in Richmond, St Margret’s, Twickenham and Teddington to gain their feedback – I have a lot to thank local parents in helping us shape our product to what it is today!”

Made in Britain, Munchy Play kids tableware was designed by Sophia, as a result of mealtime challenges with her son. Experimenting with ways to bring him to the table, and keep him there, the entrepreneur fashioned a track around his plate, and that’s where it all began.

There’s three kids’ plates in the range, including; a train-theme ‘Choo-Choo’ plate, car racing ‘Vroom-Vroom’ plate and picnic inspired ‘Tea Party’ plate, all available on Munchy Play, Amazon, Etsy and The People Hive in Twickenham, for £14.50.

Anyone looking to join #SBS, should tweet Theo about their business on Sunday between 5 PM and 7.30 PM and include the hashtag #SBS. Six lucky businesses are re‐tweeted every Monday at 8 PM and then invited to enter their profile on the new website, attend the annual #SBS networking event and take advantage of the networking opportunities.

The weekly initiative, set up by Theo in 2010, now has over 2,500 #SBS winners and supports small businesses in the UK.

To learn more about Munchy Play, please visit munchyplay.com and @munchyplay on social media.

ENDS