AN Urmston firm have been chosen as one of 12 lucky winners to feature at Small Business Sunday created by Theo Paphitis.

The Smokey Carter is run by Howard and Samantha Carter and they produce an award-winning range of world inspired BBQ rubs and sauces which have also been incorporated into their unique gift tube range.

Theo Paphitis created the Small Business Sunday (#SBS on Twitter) concept in October 2010, inviting small businesses to tweet at him with a description of their venture to secure his endorsement. Every Monday, six of these businesses are then invited to become part of the now 2,500 strong #SBS community, benefiting from boosted publicity and attendance at a yearly conference.

#SBS community members entered a competition to win one of the 12 spaces in the #SBS Pavilion at Autumn Fair.

Theo Paphitis, said: “This year’s winners represent the very brightest and boldest of the UK retail sector.

Their free space at Autumn Fair will provide an invaluable opportunity, offering them access and exposure to some of the retail sector’s most important and influential buyers. Presence at the show can have a significant impact on sales and leads – it’s an opportunity that can’t be wasted. Hopefully they’ll also be able to inspire visitors with their abundant entrepreneurial spirit!”

Julie Driscoll, ITE regional director, said: “Whittling the original 36 down to just twelve has been no easy task. Each of the shortlisted businesses should be incredibly proud of what they’ve achieved.

“They’re an exceptional cohort of businesses that reflect the current state of incredible entrepreneurialism in the retail sector.

“We’ve selected the absolute crème de la crème of the shortlisted to come to Autumn Fair this September. On behalf of Autumn Fair I’d like to extend my congratulations to each of the winners.

The Smokey Carter has won various awards for their products including nine Great Taste Awards which is deemed the Oscars of the food industry.

The couple also were also chosen as a winning business at the eBay for Business Awards 2018 in the ‘Expert Seller’ category, described as ‘a business that specializes in a niche product that they have created and know inside out.’

Howard said: “We’re honoured to have been selected to showcase our products at this years Autumn Fair.

“Our products are already stocked in over 50 independent butchers, deli’s and farmshops across the country and this opportunity will help us reach a bigger audience.

“The next few months are going to be busy, we’ve got a lot of preparation to do as we have already received a large order from one of the UK’s biggest distributors for Christmas 2019.”