ONE of the North East's most successful young entrepreneurs has been invited by the Government to help inspire UK companies grow internationally.
Sara Davies, who founded County Durham business Crafter’s Companion, will work with UKTI sharing her knowledge and experience of doing business by giving practical support and mentoring companies in the region and beyond to assist with their international growth strategies. In addition, she will support UKTI by speaking at various local, national and international business events.
Davies started Crafter’s Companion working from her bedroom while studying at university in 2005. Designing and manufacturing many of the products it distributes, the company employs around 40 staff across its two UK-based sites and an additional set-up in California.
She said: “I am very proud to be working for the UKTI and representing the interests of UK businesses. I am incredibly passionate about the export potential we have in the UK and my aim is to help as many companies as possible to realise their potential.
“We’ve learnt a huge amount from exporting and also setting up an operation in the US at Crafter’s Companion, so I hope by sharing my experiences I will be able to benefit other businesses in the UK.”
UKTI is the Government department helping UK-based companies succeed in the global economy, one of its key aims is to work with more small and medium-sized enterprises to encourage them to export and support them until they are able to confidently trade overseas without assistance.
Crispin Simon, managing director of UK Trade & Investment, said: “Sara is an ideal addition to the UKTI Catalyst group, which comprises influential business figures established in international markets who are supporters of the UK as a place to do business.
“We are delighted to welcome her on board given her track record of supporting other entrepreneurs and of course taking her brand overseas. UK businesses looking to take their first steps into international markets are likely to gain real practical advice from Sara and from UKTI.”
This is the latest honour for the 28-year old who was appointed as head of the board of directors at the Craft Hobby Association UK (CHA-UK) earlier this year, which looks after the interests of the booming British craft industry.
