RETAIL magnate and Dragon's Den star Theo Paphitis has given a Reading businesswoman a boost on social media.

Hester Grainger, founder of Mumala Club, was one of six people to get a retweet from the entrepreneur, who has a distinguished network of nearly 500,000 followers.

Mumala Club is a networking hub for like-minded women and has been hugely successfu since launching last July.

Mrs Grainger said: "I launched Mumala Club, last year after I was made redundant from my role in PR.

"I started doing freelance PR and realised how lonely working for yourself can be.

"I thought other women who are their own boss, must be in the same position and I was right.

"Online networking is great but it’s so important to actually get out there and meet people which is why I set up the monthly networking group.

"It’s not just for mums, but all women. It is great to have support from Theo and that he has recognised my hard work and helped spread the word about what I’m doing at Mumala Club to his huge following.”

The weekly ‘Small Business Sunday’ initiative was started in 2010 by the Dragon's Den tycoon and is aimed at supporting small businesses across the UK.

Mr Paphitis added: “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 retweet from me becomes part of a friendly club; like-minded individuals who can share successes and learnings. I wish Hester and Mumala Club every success.”