New factory for popular custom-made sleepsuits

Sep 7 2009 by Karen Dent, The Journal

Miss Dawson, whose father came from Ashington, was brought up in Oxfordshire but spent childhood holidays in Northumberland. She decided to move permanently to the area almost two years ago.

A qualified nursery nurse, she started her own nanny agency from home in Oxfordshire when her children were small and sold it when she moved to Northumberland – to a woman who was moving down from Alnwick.

Miss Dawson said she opened the business because she was disappointed in the lack of choice she found when she was looking for sleep garments for her children Lilly and Henry.

She designed the original products herself and brought in her family as her guinea pigs to test how practical they were.

“The children tried on all the prototypes. They have been a huge help,” said Miss Dawson. “I’m proud that I’ve developed a quality product that people can design themselves and feel comfortable in.

“It’s such a happy, lovely business and I’m very pleased to be able to put a lot of fun into my work.”

Although originally targeting children, the business started to receive requests from adults who wanted the suits to lounge around in at home, at music festivals and on camping trips. The team is now also producing matching hot water bottle covers and blankets.

Miss Dawson received advice from Go Wansbeck Enterprise coach team manager Jan Grieveson. He said: “Kate is a remarkable example of how a simple idea can be turned into a thriving business. She really has an entrepreneurial spirit.”