From Student Innovator to Business Powerhouse
In 2005, while studying business management at the University of York, Sara Davies spotted a gap in the crafting market. She developed a tool called The Enveloper, designed to help crafters create custom envelopes. What began as a university project quickly evolved into a thriving business. Within months of its launch on a shopping channel, her product became a bestseller, paving the way for Crafter’s Companion, the company she founded from her university bedroom.
Today, Crafter’s Companion has grown into an international crafting powerhouse, with a product portfolio ranging from papercraft tools to art supplies. The company now employs hundreds of people and sells in more than 40 countries, firmly establishing Sara as one of the UK’s most successful female entrepreneurs.
A Milestone Year: Global Growth and Investment
Recently, Sara has shifted her focus to scaling Crafter’s Companion on a global stage. The business secured a £3.25 million growth investment from Santander, a deal aimed at boosting international exports and expanding the workforce. The company also launched a state-of-the-art global distribution hub in Newton Aycliffe, featuring 54,000 sq ft of storage and fulfilment space. This expansion will enable Crafter’s Companion to meet growing demand across Europe, the US, and emerging markets.
Licensing and Creative Partnerships
One of Sara’s latest strategic moves is partnering with global brands through licensing collaborations. At events like Brand Licensing Europe 2024, Crafter’s Companion unveiled partnerships that combine popular entertainment IPs with innovative crafting kits. This approach not only appeals to hobbyists but also opens the brand to new audiences, blending pop culture with creativity.
A Step Away from Dragons’ Den
In early 2025, Sara confirmed that she would be stepping back from filming Dragons’ Den to dedicate more time to her company’s growth. While she remains connected to the show through episodes already filmed, Sara made it clear that her priority is ensuring Crafter’s Companion’s continued expansion and innovation. Her decision underscores her commitment to leading her company through this critical growth phase.
Expanding Her TV Presence
Although she is taking a break from Dragons’ Den, Sara remains a familiar face on British television. She has recently signed up to host a brand-new ITV quiz show, Time Is Money, and is fronting a festive creative series, Christmas Craft Off, where she brings her expertise and enthusiasm for crafting to a broader audience. These projects demonstrate her ability to balance business leadership with her role as a television personality.
Awards and Recognition
Sara Davies’s influence as a business leader has been widely recognised. She was awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for her contributions to business and entrepreneurship. In addition, she frequently appears as a keynote speaker at major business conferences, where she shares insights on scaling startups, brand building, and staying innovative in a competitive market.
Why Sara Davies Stands Out
Sara’s success story is not just about building a business—it’s about creating a brand that resonates with a global community of crafters. Her hands-on approach, deep understanding of customer needs, and willingness to adapt have propelled her from a student entrepreneur to a household name.
Key lessons from her journey include
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Start with a niche idea: Her first product solved a very specific crafting problem.
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Leverage media opportunities: Early TV appearances fuelled brand recognition.
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Invest in infrastructure: The new global hub and funding show her commitment to scaling operations sustainably.
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Balance visibility and leadership: By stepping back from Dragons’ Den, she’s focusing on her company’s future growth.
Conclusion
Sara Davies’s recent achievements—from securing multi-million-pound investment to spearheading international expansion—showcase her evolution from a young innovator to a global business leader. With Crafter’s Companion poised for its next big growth phase and new TV projects on the horizon, Sara’s story continues to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs to think big, stay creative, and remain true to their vision.
