A GROUP of North-East businesswomen are hoping for success after investing in a growing maternity brand.

Bibee has received support from seven angel investors at Newcastle-based Gabriel Investors.

Entrepreneur Sara Davies, who runs crafting firm Crafter’s Companion, in Coundon, near Bishop Auckland, is a lead investor.

Business adviser and former senior partner at Newcastle law firm Watson Burton, Gillian Hall, will become non-executive chairman and a Bibee shareholder.

They said the six-figure investment will help accelerate the company’s growth and expand its products.

Mrs Davies, who set up Crafter’s Companion from her student bedroom, said: “Having become a mother, I recognised very quickly the need for this type of range among expecting and new mothers.

“With the funding in place to make some investments, we hope Gillian and I can add some value from an expertise, support and mentoring perspective that will help take Bibee to the next level.”

Bibee was founded in 2011 by Nicola Norris, who, after falling pregnant, spotted a gap in the market for more stylish maternity dresses.

She added: “I wanted something more as the high street offered very little and online designer collections were beautiful but impractical.”

“As soon as I met the angels at Gabriel Investors, I knew they were the right fit for my business.

“Furthermore, with Sara on board, they offered someone who is not only a new mother who can relate to the mind-set of our target customer, but has also successfully grown her own online business over the past decade.”

Watson Burton provided legal support to help secure the deal.