The award-winning businesswoman from County Durham, who has been an investor on BBC’s Dragons’ Den since 2019, has been appointed as an ambassador for Smart Works Newcastle.
The charity helps unemployed women across the region to get back to work by providing interview coaching and clothing.
Sara, originally from Coundon, near Bishop Auckland, founded her crafting business, the Crafter’s Companion 15 years ago.
The craft business, now based in Newton Aycliffe, reported a turnover of £34 million last year and the company employs more than 200 staff in the UK, US and Europe.
She has won more than 25 business awards and in 2016 was recognised for services to the economy with an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.
Sara, who is the youngest ever female investor to appear on Dragon’s Den, will be figure-heading the charity to support its plans to increase the number of women it helps to gain employment through its coaching and dressing service.
She said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to join the Smart Works family and honoured to represent the charity as a North-East ambassador.
“Smart Works does a tremendous job of helping women gain confidence and realise their true potential.
“Their dressing and coaching service, and additional network of support, are invaluable to the women who are trying to re-enter, or have newly entered, the world of work.
“I’m proud to play a part in helping women to achieve their employment aspirations by raising awareness of the incredible, life-changing services that Smart Works offers.”
Sophie Milliken, chair of Smart Works Newcastle, which was set up in 2018, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Sara as ambassador for our charity – she is joining us at an exciting time as we plan to increase the number of women that we help in our region.
“We are planning a big volunteer recruitment drive to find more trustees, coaches and stylists, and we are also looking to recruit a marketing and fundraising lead and a referral and outreach lead to support these aims.
“We look forward to working with her.”
Visit smartworks.org.uk/newcastle-smart-works