Member Spotlight: Splash About MD named Yorkshire Businesswoman of the Year 2026
10/03/2026
Lesley Beach, Group Managing Director of Grimsby-based Splash About and Bambino Miohas been named Yorkshire Businesswoman of the Year 2026.
The award recognises outstanding female leaders who demonstrate exceptional entrepreneurship, innovation and economic impact across the Yorkshire region. Lesley’s vision, resilience and leadership have positioned Splash About as a global authority in early-years swim development while maintaining strong investment in local talent, distribution and logistics operations.
In 2025, Lesley led the acquisition and turnaround of Bambino Mio, returning the sustainable nappy brand to profitability within eight months after purchasing it from administration. Lesley’s strategic direction and commercial acumen have resulted in a refreshed brand identity, which is not just aesthetic; the focus is significantly on technical improvement positioning the products as the best in class to support babies and toddlers throughout their nappy journey and to strength the brand’s position on reusables.
Under Lesley’s leadership Splash About has become synonymous with innovation in baby swimwear and is widely recognised as the global benchmark for reusable swim nappies, with an ergonomic design that has become the industry standard for baby swim schools worldwide.
Lesley has also pioneered innovative commercial models beyond traditional retail. Splash About now supplies 85% of UK holiday park operators, including Haven, Center Parcs and Butlins, helping to transform poolside retail spaces from cost centres into profitable revenue streams.
On accepting this award, Lesley commented, “This recognition is incredibly special because it reflects the hard work, commitment and belief of everybody working across the Splash About and Bambino Mio brands.”
“From designing and packing, to shipping and customer support, every member of the team plays a vital role that has transformed Splash About from a brand that started life at the kitchen table into a global authority.”
“Thinking globally, while remaining firmly committed to investing in the local economy has always been important to me. Innovation, purpose, adaptability and a customer-centric service-led approach have provided the foundation for our growth and will continue to drive us forward in 2026 and beyond,” Lesley concluded.
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Splash About on joining UKFT membership:
“We joined UKFT to be part of a dynamic organisation which directly supports businesses operating within the UK fashion industry. It’s beneficial in giving us the opportunity to collaborate and network with businesses within the same space and the UKFT’s expertise in UK, EU and International textile regulations is invaluable, helping us to navigate this ever-changing area.”
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