Yorkshire cycling skincare brand announces buyout and new sponsorship deals

Andrew Banks and Chris Iredale have bought out the company’s other partners, co-founders Chris and Tanya Bairstow along with minority shareholder Paul Roper, following a period of rapid growth for the brand.

The sale has been handled by Chris Jones, a partner at GunnerCook LLP.

Halifax-based VeloSkin’s Chamois Cream is now the best-selling product of its type on Amazon, having overtaken two previous market leaders during the summer.

A spokesman said: "Online sales have been driven by e-commerce specialist Andrew, with a global uplift in demand for products both through the VeloSkin website and Amazon. A former head of e-commerce for Matalan, Andrew runs the ecommerce business Venture Forge, that specialises in growing sales for brands on Amazon.

"Business coach and mentor Chris, meanwhile, has developed partnerships and sales through cycling shops in the UK and international distribution outlets both in Europe and the US, as well as securing many partnerships for VeloSkin including their sponsorship of cycling teams. Chris also runs business growth consultancy Thriven."

VeloSkin creates products designed to protect cyclists’ skin and has attracted a following among professional and amateur cyclists.

Since launching in 2017, VeloSkin has added four other premium products to the range, including recovery gel and moisturiser.

The company has renewed its commitment to sponsor British cycling team Ribble Weldtite throughout 2021.

The business has also signed a new one-year sponsorship deal with Canyon DHB, which like Ribble Weldtite competes at UCI continental level across the UK, Europe and worldwide.

Mr Banks said: “These sponsorship commitments represent a significant step up from us as a company and signify the confidence that Chris and I have in buying out the business.

“We’re absolutely delighted that VeloSkin continues on its impressive growth trajectory and we thank Chris, Tanya and Paul for all their hard work on the brand. When the opportunity arose to buy out our other partners, we felt it was too good a chance to miss.

“We have always believed in the quality and potential of the brand and our rapidly growing customer base illustrates that customers globally appreciate and buy into the VeloSkin offering. It’s a very exciting time for everyone associated with the brand and we’re now 100% focussed on growing this even further and are looking for new partnerships with distributors and online retailers.”