BBC Dragons' Den star Sara Davies admits 'it's been a rough couple of years'

Dragons' Den star Sara Davies has confessed that it's been a 'rough couple of years' as her company grapples with losses.

Sara's arts and crafts business, valued at £37million, is feeling the pinch from the cost of living crisis and Brexit repercussions. Despite being known for offering financial aid and advice to struggling businesses on the show, her own online firm, Crafter's Companion, which exports products to over 30 countries, reported a loss of £1million last October and is expected to announce further losses this month.

In response to these challenges, Sara, 39, is bringing in specialists as part of a multi-million pound restructuring plan, including a new CEO with expertise in digital retail. Speaking to the Mirror, she said: "I'm just going to be really honest, it has been a rough couple of years. And I kind of don't want to shy away from that because I always feel, especially with my role on Dragons' Den, I've got that responsibility of being a bit of a role model. I've had to work harder than I ever have in my life."

Despite the difficulties, Sara revealed that her company, which she founded 18 years ago, experienced a surge during the pandemic and the craft industry has continued to expand. However, she acknowledged: "We've been navigating all the other difficulties the cost of living crisis, the raw materials cost increases, the energy crisis, war in Ukraine, plus the effects of Brexit."

Following a company restructure, investor firm Growth Partner will become the majority shareholder of the Darlington-based business. However, Sara Davies will retain her roles as owner, founder and director, reports the Mirror.

In addition to managing her business, she is also focusing on her investments from Dragons' Den, her new BBC show 'Making It', and spending time with her husband Simon and their two sons, Oliver, 10, and Charlie, seven. Sara expressed her full confidence in the new CEO David Stern and investor Growth Partner, stating: "It's a really exciting time for the company."

Sara Davies, star of Dragon's Den, entrepreneur and businesswoman, shared these insights during an interview with The Sunday Mirror's Invite Only podcast team at her offices in Darlington.