North East entrepreneur and TV Dragon Sara Davies has been appointed as Avon UK’s chief inspiration officer in moves to help more women build and run their own businesses.

Ms Davies, founder of Newton Aycliffe based papercraft company Crafter’s Companion, is set to host masterclasses with reps at the beauty brand to give them tips on being their own boss. Ms Davies appointment comes as Avon publishes research showing 33% of women believe men are favoured more than women in setting up their own business, and 23% feel they have fewer choices than men when it comes to starting their own ventures.

While women are keen to change working circumstances, 31% of women surveyed by the beauty company said they have barriers to overcome on their journey. A total of 53% said the biggest barrier was money and finance, 40% said they didn’t knowing where to start and 39% cited a lack of confidence.

Ms Davies - who started her own business at university and has developed to a have a turnover of more than £30m - said one of her greatest passions is helping women in business achieve their dreams. She has appeared at Avon UK’s annual conference, and led monthly mentoring masterclasses and one-to-one sessions with reps.

The first cohort who attended het masterclass said they saw an 18% growth in their sales.

Ms Davies said: “I am thrilled to join Avon UK as its first chief inspiration officer. It’s a brilliant opportunity to work with new and existing Avon reps who have the hunger to build and run their own business, on their own terms. The research reflects so many of the barriers I came up against when starting up my own business.

“I know that it still impacts women today, who have that drive, but face the same issues. I have always been passionate about entrepreneurship and helping people to realise their ambitions so having the opportunity to share my own knowledge and experience to inspire others is incredibly exciting.

“The world of work has changed. The rigid 9-5, which is notoriously difficult for mums, has been replaced by more flexible work and being an Avon rep offers women the option to put the hours in whenever suits them. The country is filled with women from all walks of life, who have amazing entrepreneurial spirit and ambition. So unlocking all this potential should benefit them and beyond, it would be such a boost for business and the wider economy.”

Tracey Powers, UK sales director at Avon, said: “We need to do more to help women overcome the barriers they often face when setting out to start their own business and embracing a working pattern which works for them. Avon’s business model enables reps to have greater choice, flexibility and freedom to take control of their finances and realise their potential.

“Sara is such an inspiration to female entrepreneurs and her knowledge of business and entrepreneurship has already proved extremely valuable in supporting our reps in their personal development. We are thrilled to have her join the team and continue this crucial work.”