Sara Davies wins Great British Entrepreneur of the Year for the North East

Sara Davies has been named as the Great British Entrepreneur of the Year for the North East as part of the NatWest Great British Entrepreneur Awards.

The businesswoman, who founded craft retail site Crafter’s Companion, is also the newest addition to the judging panel on the BBC’s Dragon’s Den, where other budding entrepreneurs pitch their ideas in the hope of picking up investment.

She launched Crafter’s Companion in Newton Aycliffe 14 years ago, and the firm now employs 200 staff and operates in over 40 countries globally.

The awards are now in their seventh year and aim to celebrate the hard work of the entrepreneurs themselves, rather than a business’ balance sheet.

It’s the first time the North East has had its own finals, with the winners going on to represent the region at the National Final of the NatWest Great British Entrepreneur Awards in London later this month.

The entrepreneur was also successful in another category at the ceremony, as she won the North East Creative Industries Entrepreneur of the Year prize.

Sara said: “To be named as NatWest’s first North East Great British Entrepreneur is amazing. It is so important to celebrate the wealth of entrepreneurial talent that we have in the region and there were so many worthy winners in the room.

“I am truly grateful to have received the award and look forward to representing the North East at the national finals in London.”

Francesca James, founder of the NatWest Great British Entrepreneur Awards, added: “From parents running small businesses to family members exploring different crafts, Sara has taken inspiration from her childhood to build something special.

“She’s truly deserving of the title of the first North East Great British Entrepreneur of the Year.

“It’s the first time we’ve held a final for the North East as its own region, and it has been fantastic to see the quality of entrepreneurs in the area.

“I want to congratulate all of our winners in North East and wish them the very best of luck for the National Final in November.

“With over 3,000 entries this year across the UK, it really is a great achievement in itself to get to the regional final.”