Dragons’ Den star Sara Davies MBE says she’s thrilled to back this year’s Tees Businesswomen Awards after playing a big part in last year’s event.
The founder and creative director of Newton Aycliffe-based Crafter’s Companion was due to be the keynote speaker for the 2020 Tees Businesswomen Awards, which had to go online due to the pandemic.
Sara delivered an online speech for the event which amassed thousands of digital views.
The 2021 Tees Businesswomen Awards are again being organised by Tees Business – Aycliffe Business’s sister publication – in association with Northern Skills Group, the training and apprenticeship arm of Middlesbrough College.
The awards ceremony is due be held in Hardwick Hall’s Grand Marquee on the evening of Monday, September 27.
And Sara decided to get involved this year – sponsoring the Small Business of the Year category – after being so impressed with the 2020 event.
Sara – pictured above with Tees Business executive editors Dave Allan (right) and Martin Walker, who’s also editor of Aycliffe Today – said: “The Tees Businesswomen awards highlight and celebrate the achievements of the amazing female businesswomen making a difference across Teesside.
“I was honoured to be asked to give a keynote speech at the virtual Tees Businesswomen awards ceremony last year, and was amazed at how fantastic the event was, despite us not being able to celebrate together in person.
“This year, Crafter’s Companion and I are thrilled to be sponsoring the Small Business of the Year award.
“Celebrating and sharing in our successes is extremely important, and the Tees Businesswomen awards are a perfect way to champion female business owners, leaders and professionals for the amazing work that they do.”
Dave Allan added: ”It goes without saying we’re delighted to have the support of Sara Davies and her amazing business Crafter’s Companion.
“Sara is one of the North-East and UK’s best-known female entrepreneurs – most notably, of course, through her appearance on the BBC’s Dragons’ Den show – so to have her endorsement is a real coup for our awards which are growing year-on-year.
“Sara has shown great enthusiasm towards the awards and has undoubtedly played a major part in helping us to surpass more than 100 entries for this year’s event, which is just fantastic.”
One sponsorship opportunity remains – for the Best New Business award. See the award categories and sponsors below. To enquire about sponsorship opportunities, email [email protected] or call 01642 450255.
Individual Awards
Businesswoman of the Year – sponsored by Teesside University
Lifelong Inspiration – sponsored by Faithful + Gould
Breaking the Mould – sponsored by Steel Benders UK
Inspiring Others – sponsored by PD Ports
Best Newcomer – sponsored by Durata
Student of the Year – sponsored by Learning Curve Group
Company Awards
Business of the Year – sponsored by Punch Robson Solicitors
Small Business of the Year – sponsored by Crafter’s Companion
Training & Apprenticeships – sponsored by PX Group
Charity/Voluntary – sponsored by ITS
Best New Business – sponsorship available
2021 Programme Sponsor: Teesside High School
Film sponsor: Square One Law
Wine sponsor: FW Capital
Reception drink sponsor: VAS Group
