Mother hopes to pitch craft business in front of Dragons (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

Mother hopes to pitch craft business in front of Dragons

11:28am Friday 29th January 2010

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A MOTHER-OF-TWO who set up her own business last year hopes to take part in Dragons’ Den to help it expand in the region.

Vicky Lloyd, of Darlington, plans to open new franchises of NE Day Crafts less than a year after founding the children’s craft business.

She hoped to open up to three new franchises in the region but needs new funding and advice to do this.

She has approached the producers of BBC’s entrepreneurial television programme Dragons’ Den.

Mrs Lloyd would like £60,000 from the panel, which includes North- East-based Duncan Bannatyne, for a share in the firm.

She is through to one of the final stages of the competition and is awaiting a phone call which could lead to an appearance on the show.

She said: “Because the business is so unique and because of the company name, it would great to franchise it across the North-East.”

Mrs Lloyd set up her business last May, holding creative workshops for children and selling creativity kits for parents.

She came up with the idea after struggling to find crafts for her two children, Ellie, seven, and Dylan, four, but had no idea how successful it would prove to be.

During the summer, she attended several workshops at children’s centres in Darlington and Castlegate Shopping Centre, in Stockton.

On January 16, she also held a launch event at her new premises in Hurworth Grange.

She has even had orders come in from France and Germany for her kits.

She added: “I’ve really enjoyed running the business so far, so fingers crossed that I have a great year and get the chance to pitch it in front of the Dragons.”

For details, visit nedaycrafts.co.uk.

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