Sara Davies wins international industry award

Sara Davies MBE has been acknowledged with an international industry award at the Association For Creative Industries’ Industry Awards (AFCI).

The founder of Crafter’s Companion was presented with the Industry Achievement Award, which recognises individuals within the sector that have done great things for the community, industry and humanity.

She was acknowledged with the accolade at international trade show, Creativation+ featuring Art Materials World, which takes place virtually from 15-19 March.

Based in the US, AFCI is the premier trade association for the global creative arts products industries. As an organisation, AFCI strives to deliver innovative high value services as it supports its members who provide products and services to educate, entertain and inspire creative consumers.

In addition to the Industry Achievement Award, AFCI’s awards recognises individuals with its Special Recognition Awards, Hall of Fame Award, Brick and Mortar Retail Award, Meriorious Award of Honor and Emerging Leaders Awards, which recognises excellence in industry service and philanthropy.

Sara Davies “When I started Crafter’s Companion 15 years ago, I knew that I wanted to take the business to the US and beyond, and that journey started for me with the Craft and Hobby Association (CHA), known today known as AFCI, so to receive this accolade 15 years later means so much to me.

“Speaking from personal experience, when you’re trying to grow a business and make a name for yourself in the industry, organisations that provide resources and networks of support are so important and being able to connect with like-minded people is invaluable.

“I was honoured to serve on the board of CHA for two consecutive terms before I had my family, and in that time, I also founded the UK chapter of the association and became our founding board chair there. The work that CHA then, and AFCI now do in our industry is still very close to my heart, and I'm extremely proud and grateful to receive this award.”

Sara Davies named among ‘10 Most Admired Businesswomen to Watch in 2021’

Sara Davies MBE has been named as one of the ’10 Most Admired Businesswomen to watch in 2021’ in an international publication.

The entrepreneur and Dragon investor featured on the front cover of US-based CIO Views magazine to celebrate 10 businesswomen to watch throughout the year. Sara was the only UK-born leader to be included among nine other businesswomen operating in a multitude of industries including childcare, security, communications and PR, retail, technology and finance.

CIO Views magazine keeps its readers up to date with informative insights on business, technology and innovation. The publication referred to Sara as a "multifaceted leader who inspires the generation with her creative ideas".

In addition to her childhood and entrepreneurial beginnings, the piece focused on how Sara has revamped the art and craft industry with innovation and community, in addition to her definition of success and the future of Crafter’s Companion.

Sara said: “I am honoured to be included in CIO Views’ 10 Most Admired Businesswomen to watch in 2021. It was great to discuss the evolution of the company and my journey as an entrepreneur with an international publication.

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