03 February 2020

The Lloyds Bank National Business Awards frequently celebrates the roles of exceptional, entrepreneurial women—we think this is one of the awards’ most important roles, because women are regularly undervalued and underappreciated within the business community both at home and abroad.

Sara Davies is one of those women. Over the last decade she has become a true titan of UK business and a nationally recognised figure, particularly since becoming one of the latest business leaders to join the BBC’s Dragons’ Den. She’s also a member of a very exclusive club: two-time winners of the Lloyds Bank National Business Award.

Her first came in 2010 when, aged just 26, she picked up the Small-to-Medium-Sized Business of the Year Award for her role as the founder of Crafter’s Companion, a crafting supply company. She founded the business in 2005 while a student at the University of York, selling her own device for creating bespoke envelopes for handmade cards—by the time she graduated the business had a turnover of £500,000.

Today, Crafter’s Companion exports to 40 countries worldwide, having recently opened an office in California. Despite this increasingly international outlook, the firm remains firmly rooted in Sara’s own County Durham origins.

Her astonishing achievement—as well as her important work supporting women in business—was recognised in her second award, the Outstanding Achievement in Business Award in 2019.

Speaking after accepting her award last year, Sara said:

"It doesn't matter how old you are, what sex you are or where in the country you are from, what matters is if you have a fantastic business idea and the drive, energy, passion and enthusiasm to make a success of it, you will go on to do that. I am beyond thrilled to be in the next chapter of my life and to get this recognition."

Simon Parker, Executive Vice President of the Lloyds Bank National Business Awards said:

“We know that these awards set a powerful benchmark for excellence and entrepreneurship across the country and it’s clear that Sara has used the momentum behind winning our SME award back in 2010 to rocket forward on her journey of success.

“It is only right that nine years on she graces our stage once more in recognition of her continued drive, passion for excellence and inspirational leadership that has seen her boost trade and skills across the country. I could not think of anyone more deserving of this honour.”

Sara is an inspiring figure, and her rapid rise to prominence should serve as encouragement for a business community that’s becoming increasingly open and diverse—not just among women, but in the North of England, too.

The Lloyds Bank National Business Awards has embraced a diverse, inclusive outlook. It’s keen to promote women in business from across the United Kingdom, not just London. To join us in celebrating the achievements of a diverse, progressive, inclusive business community, register your interest in the 2020 event today.