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North East craft entrepreneur scales empire with Worcestershire expansion

Crafter’s Companion, the popular North-East craft company founded by Sara Davies MBE, has launched a new store in Evesham, Worcestershire.

The new retail outlet, which builds on the business’ established offerings in Newton Aycliffe and Chesterfield, brought in crowds of more than 3,000 people in the first fortnight and generated over 800 sales of crafting products during the launch weekend.

The site, which opened in mid-August, marks a £270k investment for the firm and has created 27 new jobs.

As part of the launch activities visitors were treated to demonstrations by Sara herself as well as crafting masterclasses with TV stars Leann Chivers, Sheena Douglass and Lizzy Curtis.

Crafter’s Companion, which was founded in 2005 by County-Durham-born entrepreneur Sara is now a national and global success.

The business manufactures and sells craft tools and products via its website, on TV shopping channels, through independent retailers and through in its own retail stores.

Speaking about the latest store opening, Sara Davies MBE said: “Nothing pleases me more than seeing our new ventures launch successfully.

“Our team are doing a tremendous job and have worked very hard to get everything up and running.

“I loved spending time at the store over the grand opening weekend and look forward to visiting again soon.”

Located at The Valley Shopping Village, Evesham, the new store has its own coffee shop and themed product sections including haberdashery, knitting, papercraft, art and colouring, and home decor.

It also focuses on education, enjoyment and inspiration, and offers visitors the chance to take part in classes in dedicated education areas and watch live demonstrations.

Sara continued: “It’s great to see our classes are proving popular including the children’s crafting workshop, which was a sell-out in early September. As this has been a hit, we’re stocking more craft kits and puzzles suitable for our younger crafters in this store.”

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