All-in-one go of it for mum.

Byline: CHRISTOPHER KNOX

AN enterprising mum who started her own business because she was unable to find quality lounge and sleep wear for her children has opened a factory and launched a website that has generated orders from all over the world.

Kate Dawson's Ashington-based business, The All in One Company, creates custom made all-in-one sleepsuits for children and adults.

Each suit is made to order and internet buyers can choose from a wide variety of fun colours and designs to complete the order.

Many people even choose to have different colours on the different parts of the suit, as well as fun-towear hoods, ears and mittens, making each design unique. And there have been orders that have come from as far afield as Australia, New Zealand and Canada.

Mrs Dawson, from Ellington, Morpeth, trained as a nanny in her native Oxfordshire and was looking for quality children's wear for her two children, Lilly and Henry.

Increasingly, she found that she was disappointed with the quality and range available.

As a result, she researched the market and decided to create her own design of sleepsuit.

The popularity of the garment caught Kate by surprise and she decided to invest in a new factory unit, where she now employs three staff.

With the help and guidance of Go Wansbeck Enterprise Coach Team manager Jan Grieveson, Kate was able to grow the business quickly and efficiently, with regular orders coming in via the internet.

Jan and his team of business coaches provide free, confidential and professional advice to local entrepreneurs and offer tailored one-to-one support to individuals who want to start or grow their business.

Mr Grieveson was able to provide valuable advice on matters, such as funding, growing a customer base and marketing.

"Kate is a remarkable example of how a simple idea can be turned into a thriving business," said Mr Grieveson. "Although the all-inones were originally designed for children, Kate is getting orders from adults who use them to lounge around at home, at pop festivals and on camping trips, she really has an entrepreneurial spirit."

As well as designing the suits, Kate and her team are now also producing matching hot water bottle covers, blankets and add-on accessories.

"I'm proud that I've developed a quality product that people can design themselves and feel comfortable in," said Mrs Dawson. "It's such a happy, lovely business and I'm very pleased to be able to put a lot of fun into my work."

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SUITS YOU - Kate Dawson launched her own business, The All in One Company, with expert guidance from Go Wansbeck Enterprise Coach Team manager Jan Grieveson