Ingleton-based Dales Distribution is the new incarnation of Daleswear Ltd, a company that produced and sold outdoor clothing from the village for 37 years. Changes in the retail landscape prompted the company’s managing director, Tom Lambert, to rethink his business strategy. After securing the exclusive rights to sell the innovative ‘Shewee’ female urinating device and ‘Peebol’ portable toilet and sick bag around the world, he turned to the accountancy firm Haworths, to help put his plans in place.
Tom said: “The Shewee may have been rejected by the investors in the BBC’s Dragons’ Den, but I can see the huge potential the product has. It’s great for campers, walkers, outdoor enthusiasts and festivals – anywhere where a woman may need to spend a penny without having to find a toilet! The Peebol is a similarly innovative solution from the same inventor that helps people answer a call of nature on the go.
“Moving to a new business model where we assemble the product under license and handle all sales globally is a fantastic opportunity that will enable us to remain in Ingleton and continue to employ a local workforce in the Dales. It will also capitalise on our four decades of experience in the outdoor leisure market. However, it’s a complex transition financially so we have needed some expert advice along the way.”
To establish Dales Distribution, Tom first had to wind up the Daleswear Ltd business and worked with the team at Haworths for support in selling the company’s assets as tax efficiently as possible. He also looked to the company for advice on the tax and duty implications of trading on a global basis to ensure that the new company has robust systems in place to calculate pricing and profit.
Tom continues: “Our accountancy needs have changed as the business has expanded. We have worked with the team at Haworths and they have always been proactive in helping us manage our business finances as efficiently as possible.
“The complexities of winding up one business and starting a new company with a global reach on a completely different business model would be a tough ask for any accountancy firm but Haworths have used the network of professionals in their offices in Settle and Accrington to bring in the right expertise. They have also signposted us to other companies for legal and export help.
“With the help of Haworths Accountants we’re now Shewee Ltd and are ready to unleash the patented Shewee and Peebol on the world!”
Mark Schofield, director at Haworths Chartered Accountants added: “This is a great example of how a flexible approach to business can ensure a viable future for local employment. The products may raise a smile but the tax implications of a global business are no laughing matter and Dales Distribution has been set up to handle sales on a worldwide basis from day one.”
