Aycliffe Today Business Aycliffe Today Business Issue 43 | Page 7

The magazine for Aycliffe Business Park | 7 /NEWS /NEWS NEW MANAGER – NEW ERA! T Sara Davies is honoured with national Outstanding Contribution award S ara Davies, founder and creative director of Crafter’s Companion, was awarded the Outstanding Contribution award at the 2019 Lloyds Bank National Business Awards. The awards, which were held at Grosvenor House in London and are in their 18th year, celebrate the best of British business. Sara was one of 16 winners on the night, with other accolades being presented for Exporter of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year, Employer of the Year and more. Since launching her business from her university bedroom 14 years ago, Crafter’s Companion has scaled to become an employer of 200 staff. The company exports to more than 40 different countries and expects to turnover £44m this year. Sara said: “To be presented with the Outstanding Contribution award is such an honour and to share this title with previous winners like Helena Morrissey, who strive for diversity and parity in everything they do, is very humbling. “I can’t quite believe that it has been 14 years since I started Crafter’s Companion. I was at university and I ended up launching a business from my bedroom. “I roped in my best friend’s mum as my first employee, she’s still with us today and we now have 200 staff and a head office in America. It’s completely overwhelming and surreal. “This award has reminded me of the things I have achieved in a relatively short space of time and is also the incentive I need to make more ambitions and dreams a reality.” Crafter’s welcome first lead TV presenter C rafter’s Companion is expanding its in-house TV team with the appointment of its first lead presenter. In what has become a huge area of expansion for the business and a vital part of its ecommerce strategy, Joe Remblance has joined Crafter’s Companion to host the schedule of shows on its channel, Crafter’s TV. Joe’s role will involve guiding his craft expert co-stars and viewers through the programme, driving the social conversation and interacting with the audience live on air. With nine years’ experience in the TV shopping industry, Joe brings a wealth of expertise to his new position. Prior to this, the presenter worked in the hospitality industry as a chef and general manager and for his family’s catering company. Crafter’s Companion currently produces six weekly shows and employs nine craft experts to present product launches, inspirational projects, demonstrations, giveaways and special live offers. In the past 12 months, Crafter’s Companion has invested in an expansion of its studio space, which has included the creation of two studios and a control room. To support the surge in demand for its TV division, the company has also bolstered its in-house production team, recruiting an online video content producer, a graphics and video editor, an assistant producer and a manager for the TV division, in addition to promoting an existing team member to production manager. Crafter’s TV is available on crafterscompanion.co.uk, YouTube and Facebook. his is an exciting time for Aycliffe Today and our business magazine. As you’ll see from the welcome notes on page 3, I’ve appointed Sharon Hutchinson as our new business manager. I’ve known Sharon a number of years. We’ve worked together on many projects and campaigns over the years – and she helped me set up the Aycliffe Today Business magazine over seven years ago. Sharon is a lifelong resident of Newton Aycliffe, she knows the business park well and is already well connected. So when I was looking for someone to help me drive forward the Aycliffe Today brand, Sharon was the perfect fit. Sharon is now the first point of contact for all Aycliffe Today matters – so anyone wanting to promote their business, either in print or through our wide-reaching web and social media channels, can contact her either on 07940 870310, or by email to [email protected]. You can read more about Sharon’s appointment on page 13. But it isn’t quite goodbye from me just yet, you’ll be delighted to hear, I’m sure. I’m still helping Sharon on editorial matters only while she works hard to develop the business and lead the brand. And I’m still involved as a voluntary board member of the Aycliffe Business Park Community board, which is not directly linked to Aycliffe Today, but something which I remain very passionate about – creating a local community which all businesses, large and small, can benefit from. Meanwhile, Sharon is already making her mark! We’re planning to relaunch Aycliffe Today Business, giving it a new look and feel, and we’re launching that with a high-profile free business event at Redworth Hall hotel on Tuesday March 24 (9-11am). You can read more about that on pages 14-15. So 2020 promises to be an exciting year for Aycliffe Today – come and join us! Martin Walker Editor (for now!) Aycliffe Today