Vimeo logo LinkedIn logo

News

npif stripes
Back to News Dreamtex team

17th January 2024

Growth continues for Chorley firm Dreamtex

Tags

Northern Powerhouse Investment FundNPIF FW Capital Debt FinanceLancashire LEP

A Lancashire business is focused on fast growth after securing investment from NPIF – FW Capital Debt Finance which is managed by FW Capital and is part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund.

Dreamtex, a Chorley supplier of children’s bedding products, works with brands such as Xbox, Bluey, Jurassic World, Gabby’s Dollhouse and Disney, and is growing the business with the backing of the investment  which is supporting the development of a range of new products and licences.

The company, which employs 11 people at its Chorley base, was established in July 2012 by Anthony Duckworth, Andrew Downie, and Jo Duckworth.  Dreamtex agrees licences for its products with a wide range of children’s brands before they are manufactured abroad and delivered to retailers including Smyths, Amazon, Asda, Sainsbury’s, Next and Argos.

Dreamtex is the holder of a series of industry awards and is a Guinness World Record Holder alongside DHX brands after manufacturing the world’s largest polar fleece blanket featuring In the Night Garden character Iggle Piggle.

Last year, the company launched Dreamtex Earth, an in-house sustainability project featuring Better Cotton Initiative sourced cotton for popular brands Bluey, Xbox and Among Us in retailers such as Next, Asda, Tesco and Argos.

Anthony Duckworth, Managing Director at Dreamtex explains how the funding is driving future growth:  “We’re very excited for the future and this investment is helping us to extend our product range and introduce new licence agreements. The working capital gives us the platform to drive investment in new stock which will in turn support our retail partners and the end consumer.

“I was introduced to Andy Traynor at FW Capital by Mark Critchlow at Clearwater and I’ve enjoyed working with him. He has delivered the funding smoothly and have been professional throughout the process, taking the time to understand our business.”

Andy Traynor, Senior Investment Executive at FW Capital said: “Dreamtex has a great track record of success, with a very experienced management team. They have a healthy pipeline of new products and licences which will support their growth strategy. This is a great example of how the NPIF funding can assist ambitious companies seeking expansion which will benefit the local economy and help new job creation in the future.”

Debbie Sorby, Senior Manager at the British Business Bank said: “Partnering with industry giants such as Xbox and Disney, Dreamtex stands out as a major player in the industry. We’re proud to accompany Dreamtex on its journey, fostering success, excellence, and growth as it expands to develop new ranges that champion sustainability.” 

The current NPIF investment phase has now completed with the British Business Bank launching the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II in March 2024.

The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund project is supported financially by the European Union using funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020 and the European Investment Bank.

FW Capital Limited is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority as a small authorised UK Alternative Investment Fund Manager under firm reference number 506719.

Editors Notes

 

Find Out More

If you would like to meet with one of our appointed Fund Managers to talk in more detail please go to 'Funds Available' to find the Fund Managers operating in your area

Signpost microfinance icon

Microfinance

£25k – £100k

Microfinance page
Learn More
Debt finance icon of a road map

Debt Finance

£100k – £750k

Debt Finance page
Learn More
equity finance icon

Equity Finance

£50k – £2m

Equity Finance page
Learn More

For the latest news and views join our mailing list

Join our mailing list

Just add your details below to receive the latest Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund news and information