BBC Two has unveiled its youngest ever Dragon as a replacement for Jenny Campbell in the new series of Dragons’ Den.
Entrepreneur Sara Davies, the 35-year-old founder of worldwide crafting company Crafter’s Companion, will begin filming the 17th series this spring and air on BBC Two later this summer.
She replaces Jenny Campbell, who stood down from the programme in February, and will join Deborah Meaden, Peter Jones, Tej Lalvani and Touker Suleyman. Originally from County Durham, Davies set up Crafter’s Companion 13 years ago from her bedroom while still at university.
Award-winning businesswoman, Sara Davies MBE, is appearing on UK TV screens later this year, as she becomes the youngest person to join the team of mentors on the hit BBC series, Dragon’s Den. Sara founded Crafter’s Companion from her university bedroom in 2005 and became an overnight success story with her cult craft tool, the Enveloper. Now aged 35, Sara is still one of the main creative driving forces behind the Crafter’s Companion brand and has been awarded over 25 national and international accolades and an MBE for her achievements in the craft industry.
Crafter’s Companion is now worth more than £34 million, employing almost 200 staff and exporting products to Europe, Asia, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and North and South America. With its range of innovative tools and multi-craft products selling through various trade streams including TV shopping exposure, its own e-commerce platform and its presence in retail stores globally, Crafter’s Companion is now one of the leading players in the craft industry. Sara’s infectious enthusiasm for promoting the craft industry knows no bounds and is a key factor behind the company’s recent record growth.
New ’Dragon’ Sara Davies said:
“I’m absolutely delighted to join the other Dragons for the new series of the show. I’ve always been very passionate about investing time in and sharing my expertise with other entrepreneurs and hopefully I’ll be able to help some of the contestants to really take their businesses to the next level.
“I’ve been a fan of the show since it started, I was even invited to pitch on the show 13 years ago so it feels like I’ve come a full circle.”
Patrick Holland, Controller of BBC Two, added:
“Combining great aspirational opportunity with the promise of really challenging encounters with the Dragons, the show is going from strength to strength. Sara is a formidable business woman and I can’t wait to see her start in the Den.”
Away from crafting, Sara’s various roles involve her supporting, mentoring and investing in other businesses and entrepreneurs to promote business growth, export and job creation in the UK. Sara has strong ties with AFCI.UK, as a Founding Head of the Board of Directors at CHA UK (now AFCI.UK) and member of the CHA US. Her desire to educate and inspire, both in the business world and the craft industry, has led to her new role on Dragon’s Den, and Sara is keen to share her unique skills and knowledge with a new set of entrepreneurs.
The programme has been running since 2005 and will soon be entering into its 17th season. Produced by BBC Studios, Dragons’ Den is filmed at Dock 10 in MediaCityUK. The Executive Producer is Chi Ukairo and the Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Sarah Clay
At One Big Show 2019, 7-8th July, attendees have a unique opportunity to pitch their creative products, concepts and business ideas to experts from Multi-Channel Stores, TV, Publishing, Design, Media and Business. Helping you get invaluable advice from industry experts. You will have 15 minutes to showcase your products and ideas with each Dragon making comment, give feedback and help you progress forward.
