A BUSINESS which donates gift hampers to good causes has been honoured at an event hosted by a retail magnate.

Maldon-based business Secret Hamper was invited to the tenth anniversary of the Small Business Sunday event in Birmingham.

The initiative was founded by Dragon’s Den star Theo Paphitis to help give support and promote small businesses in the UK.

Since it was created in 2010, more than 400,000 businesses have engaged with Mr Paphitis’ scheme.

Founder Nigel Richardson said: “This was my 4th SBS event, something I look forward to the most each year - this year was no exception.

“I had already been invited to give a 20-minute presentation on how I founded Secret Hamper, on winning SBS and the opportunities it’s given me and the business and to talk about our ThankYouNHS initiative and the importance of kindness in business.

“I was gobsmacked to learn that I was one for four SBS winners who had been nominated by other winners for a new award, the SBS Way award, which recognises those who have helped fellow winners, gone above and beyond to get a good result, helped to bring the community together and is an all-round good egg!”

Nigel won the inaugural award after bringing together 160 businesses along with TV co-star Deborah Meaden to raise enough money to sponsor 70 hampers, which were delivered on Theo’s behalf as part of his 60th birthday celebrations.

Mr Paphitis was so pleased, he took to Twitter and recorded a video thanking everyone for their efforts.

Nigel’s new goal is to unite businesses in Essex to deliver 280 hampers in just one day to four hospitals across the county as a thank you to the NHS staff.

Nigel added: “I know it’s possible, from the people I’ve met in business and those that have supported our campaign so far, they’re very proud of their Essex roots.

“I’m offering businesses the opportunity to stand out from the crowd and show others what kind and caring businesses they are.

“The NHS gets a rough ride and it must be hard for those who are there 24/7 caring for others, who knows when our life or the life of a loved one may be in their hands.

“What better way to pay it forward and help show we care to those who care.”

For details, visit secrethamper.com/nhs-70.