AN award-winning North-East entrepreneur, who launched a global business from her bedroom, will be guest speaker at a charity lunch this week.

Sara Davies MBE, who grew up in Coundon, Bishop Auckland, will tell her inspirational story at the County Durham Community Foundation Women’s Spring Lunch this Thursday.

The event, at Ramside Hall, near Durham, will be attended by 163 women and is the eighth spring lunch to be organised by the foundation, which has handed out more than £33m on behalf of its many fund-holders since 1995.

Sara launched Crafter’s Companion from her bedroom while she was at university in 2005 and has gone on to grow the business so that it now has offices in the UK, USA and Europe.

The company designs, manufactures and sells craft-related products across the world through retail stores, on-line and TV shopping channels. Sara now holds more than 25 national and international business awards.

Crafters companion recently set up a fund after raising money for Derwentside Mind through a craft day. County Durham Community Foundation (CDCF) matched the amount raised so Brenda Greener, from Derwentside Mind, will be at the lunch to collect a cheque for £1,470.

The event, which will have a craft theme, is supported by Taylor Packaging, Haines Watts and Handelsbanken.

Raffle prizes include a Barbour Jacket, Afternoon Tea for two at Jesmond Dene House, an overnight stay at Ramside Hall, a meal for two at Finbarrs in Durham, a bottle of Durham Gin and two tickets to see comedian John Bishop at the Metro Arena in Newcastle.

CDCF chief executive Barbara Gubbins said: “The Women’s Spring Lunch is always one of our most eagerly anticipated events of the year and this year promises to be another memorable occasion with an inspirational speaker.”