Cares Laboratory, the South Yorkshire-based company behind award-winning household cleaning brand Vamoosh, has been shortlisted for the International Trade Award at the 2026 Sheffield Business Awards, following a period of significant global expansion.
The Barnsley-based business has been named as one of three finalists for the award, which recognises companies that have excelled in global import and export operations, expanded into new international markets and built successful overseas partnerships while contributing to the Sheffield economy. This nomination follows the brand winning the Kind’s Award for Enterprise for International Trade earlier in the year.
The recognition follows three years of exceptional international growth for Cares Laboratory, with overseas sales increasing by 440%. The company’s products are now sold across more than 30 countries spanning North America, Europe, Asia and Africa.
A major milestone in the company’s international expansion has been its entry into the United States, where Vamoosh secured a national listing with Target. Its renowned Pet Hair Dissolver and Washing Machine Cleaner launched to market across 600 Target stores, establishing the foundations for what Cares Laboratory aims to develop as its largest export market within three years. The expansion forms part of a landmark year for Vamoosh as the British brand also celebrates its 10th anniversary. In the last year export growth reached over 103% year-on-year, supported by an expanded distributor network and bolstered by the aforementioned retail listing with Target in the United States.
Cares Laboratory has also grown its network of specialist international distribution partners from four to twelve in just three years, creating access to markets around the world. These have included working Lumen Brands in the USA to secure the listing with Target. Additional partnerships globally include: Aldi (Australia), EDEKA (Germany) and DM across Europe, Retail Brothers across the Nordics, McLoughlins in Ireland and Movo Group in Turkey.
Cares Laboratory also works extensively with UK suppliers, manufacturers, designers, printers and logistics providers and maintains a longstanding relationship with Sheffield-based charity Support Dogs, raising more than £27,000 through fundraising, sponsorship and awareness initiatives. Members of the team also volunteer within Sheffield communities and charities, while the company supports apprenticeships, local education projects and community organisations across the region.
Innovation has remained central to the company’s growth. What began with Vamoosh Pet Hair Dissolver, the patented product inspired by co-founder Tom Abbey’s black Labrador Mr Chips, has developed into an expanding portfolio of specialist laundry and household cleaning solutions. Thirty per cent of current sales are now generated by products launched within the last 18 months.
Helen Parry, Managing Director of Cares Laboratory, said:
“We’re delighted to be shortlisted for the International Trade Award. Following our King’s Award for Enterprise, it’s fantastic to receive further recognition for the international growth of Cares Laboratory and the hard work of our team. We’ve made significant progress in expanding Vamoosh globally, including our recent launch into Target stores, and we’re excited to continue building on that momentum.”
The Sheffield Business Awards are now in their 25th year and celebrate businesses, organisations and individuals helping shape Sheffield’s business landscape. Cares Laboratory is shortlisted alongside Chesterfield Special Cylinders and Hothouse Beauty in the International Trade category, with the winners set to be announced at a black-tie ceremony at Sheffield’s Octagon Centre on 15 October 2026.
