Sara Davies MBE, entrepreneur, investor, and star of BBC’s Dragons’ Den, will be a headline speaker at MAD//North 2026, which is taking place in Manchester at Aviva Studios on 25 + 26 February next year.

As one of the UK’s most dynamic business figures and founder of Crafter’s Companion, Sara brings an inspiring perspective on entrepreneurship, creativity, and scaling a brand from the North East to global success. She’ll be talking about how bold ideas, community spirit, and resilience can drive business growth in fast-changing markets.

Sara said, “I’m really excited to be part of MAD//North 2026 and to shine a light on the North’s incredible spirit of innovation. It’s a real privilege to share my journey and explore how creativity, resilience, and community can fuel business growth. I can’t wait to connect with fellow entrepreneurs and marketers, to exchange ideas, and to inspire, and be inspired.”

Content Director for MAD//North, Luke Wilcox added, “Sara perfectly embodies the entrepreneurial energy that defines the North. Her story proves that innovation doesn’t just live in London it lives beyond the capital and thrives in the North. We’re thrilled to have her headlining MAD//North 2026 to inspire marketers and founders to think bigger, bolder, and with that unmistakable Northern soul.”

Centred around this year’s theme of Northern Soul, MAD//North 2026 will bring together the brightest minds in marketing, advertising, disruption and media, and celebrate the talent, tenacity, and creative energy of the North.