TRIBUTE: Founder of Cheltenham-based SLG Brands dies on day of major US deal
Summary
The founding father of Cheltenham-based global beauty business SLG Brands has died on the same day it sold two of its flagship haircare labels. Graham Dunkley passed away on June 24 at the age of 90. It was within hours of the ink drying on the deal to sell COLAB Dry Shampoo and Johnny’s Chop Shop to Cincinnati firm Thriving Brands.
Details
His son Miles Dunkley, who is founder and creative director at SLG, said it was a bittersweet day as he said goodbye to his father who dared to “flicked the business switch” 40 years ago and made its success possible. “I’ve never doubted that the bravest entrepreneurs are the ones who have the bottle to start something from zero.
That was my dad,” he said.” Miles said the “incredible significance” of the business milestone was naturally overshadowed by the personal loss of his father. “It has created a collision of emotions,” he said. “Conflictions of the wildest mix.
All in one day…within a few hours in fact.” The deal will allow SLG to focus on its core licensing business while unlocking capital for future growth initiatives. Miles said the company and all its success would not exist without his dad taking the first courageous steps.
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Based at The Brewery Quarter, the business began life in 1985 when Graham and wife Bobbie began cutting up latex makeup sponges with machines in the family garage. It expanded into outsourced cosmetic applicators, brushes, and the highly successful Velvotan self-tanning mitt, which Graham invented. In 1996 Graham called on Miles, who had a background in brand design, to take over.
Under the younger Dunkley’s guidance the business transformed from a £700,000 turnover manufacturer into a globally renowned, creative incubator. Synlatex later became the “S” in the SLG acronym when it rebranded in 1999 with the rest formed by Lambournes Group. Its first major milestone came in the early 2000s, when it secured a high-profile licensing deal with Cosmopolitan magazine.
Partnership followed with Sex & the City, influencers Zoella and Ruth Crilly, popstars Little Mix and brands Laura Ashley, Radley and Osprey. Today, the business specialises in brand creation and licensing, having partnered with the likes of Paul Smith, Superdry, Sweaty Betty and White Fox Boutique. Its growth has been supported by a total of £20million investment from private equity firm BGF.
“I am crazy proud to be the founder of SLG,” wrote Miles, “but the reality is that SLG only exists because of my dad and his earlier business creation – Synlatex Ltd. He added: “Like most ground zero founders, he dared to go for it. Give up the salaried job, borrow money, stake belief in an idea and the ability to deliver on it, hustle, sell, buy, sweat it and graft, 24/7.
Report source: Punchline Gloucester