Smart Works North East welcomed the return of one of its most anticipated events, In Conversation With Sara Davies.
More than 100 women, along with a few men, gathered at Crowne Plaza Newcastle on Wednesday 16 September 2026, raising funds to help unemployed women into work.
The North East has one of the highest unemployment rates in the country. Since its inception in 2018, Smart Works North East has supported over 3,700 women across the region with high-quality interview clothing and one-to-one coaching. 68% of the clients Smart Works supported ahead of an interview secured employment and 95% felt more confident they would succeed at their next interview.
Sara, who has served as an ambassador for Smart Works North East for close to five years, shared reflections on her career, her businesses and balancing life as a working mother, alongside stories from her time on Dragons’ Den. She spoke candidly about her current focus on helping businesses grow, and left guests with a memorable philosophy on mindset: choosing, every day, to show up at your best- something she described as approaching each day as a “10 out of 10.”
Sophie Milliken MBE, Chair of Smart Works North East, said:
“Sara is a wonderful ambassador for Smart Works North East and we’re very grateful for her continued support. Our events with Sara are always a highlight in the calendar, bringing together our supporters for a brilliant evening while helping us raise the funds needed to support more women into employment.”
Ahead of the event, guests had the exclusive opportunity to submit questions for Sara to answer as part of the panel. There was welcome drinks offered on arrival as well as the chance to browse a Smart Works pop-up shop and win prizes in an exciting raffle. All before settling in for the highlight of the evening: an in-depth panel conversation between Sara Davies and Smart Works North East’s Chair of Trustees, Sophie Milliken MBE.
Smart Works North East is grateful to Chaser Communications for sponsoring the event, helping make this special evening possible.
The evening raised an incredible £7,700, which will go directly towards supporting women across the region with interview clothing and one-to-one coaching. Smart Works North East extends a huge thank you to everyone who bought tickets and supported the event on the night.
The post Sara Davies Shares Career Insights at Smart Works North East Fundraiser appeared first on Newcastle Magazine – Your source for inspiring Newcastle news.
