NEWS
AWARDS SUPPORT
TV star Sara ‘ thrilled ’ to back businesswomen awards event
Dragons ’ Den and now Strictly star Sara
Davies MBE says she was 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 were again being organised by Tees Business – Aycliffe Business ’ sister publication – in association with Northern Skills Group , the training and apprenticeship arm of Middlesbrough College .
They were held in Hardwick Hall ’ s Grand Marquee at the end of September .
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
Crafter ’ s Companion is celebrating receiving its Queen ’ s Award for
Enterprise for International Trade .
The global craft retailer was presented the accolade by County Durham ’ s Lord Lieutenant , Sue Snowdon , at its UK head office in Newton Aycliffe .
The Queen ’ s Awards for Enterprise are for outstanding achievements by UK businesses in the categories of innovation , international trade , sustainable development and promoting social mobility .
Crafter ’ s Companion ’ s significant growth throughout the past six years was acknowledged with the award , which was announced in April 2020 .
However , the reception was put on hold due to the national lockdown during the pandemic .
Sara Davies said : “ The Queen ’ s Awards for Enterprise are the most prestigious business
Sara Davies with Tees Business directors Dave Allan ( right ) and Martin Walker , who ’ s also editor of Aycliffe Business .
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 .”
CRAFTER ’ S RECEIVE QUEEN ’ S AWARD FOR ENTERPRISE
Simon and Sara Davies receive their Queen ’ s Award from Sue Snowdon , HM Lord Lieutenant of County Durham .
awards in the UK . “ We were overjoyed and honoured to win the award for International Trade last year and the celebration has been a long time coming .
“ It ’ s been amazing to officially receive the beautiful trophy and to congratulate our incredible team .
“ A huge thank you to HM Lord Lieutenant Mrs Sue Snowdon for such an amazing day .”
BEWARE COVID CLAIMS
ADVICE
Employers should be on their guard for Covid-related discrimination accusations , following reports of a flurry of legal claims .
Several employment tribunals have been launched by staff with long Covid , or who are immunosuppressed , claiming that a physical return to work is not appropriate for them .
This comes after government advice changed , abandoning the ‘ work from home if you can ’ mantra and encouraging employees to return to the office .
A recent report found that many employers have chosen to financially settle these cases outside of court , rather than engaging in lengthy legal battles .
Employers should communicate openly with their teams before completely removing the opportunity to work from home , to avoid facing potential tribunal action .
Legally , some people with long Covid are considered to have a disability , so failing to accommodate them could raise issues under the Equalities Act .
Employers should also consider the mental health of their staff . Some will have been working from home for more than 18 months and returning to the office full time without any transition could come as a shock .
I would recommend being particularly mindful when dealing with staff members who had Covid or are clinically vulnerable .
It is worth having an open conversation with staff , rather than issuing a diktat by email , and explaining your rationale for coming back to the office , taking questions and concerns as required .
While I ’ m in no way suggesting that employers should be held to ransom by staff who want to work from home , taking the time to discuss returning to work could buy you some good favour , rather than costing a fortune .
Nicky Jolley Owner / managing director , HR2day
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