Barnsley’s Own: Vamoosh™ Celebrates a Decade of Innovation

It’s time to fly the flag for local brilliance! This March on the 16th, a Barnsley based global business celebrates a major milestone. Cares Laboratory, the innovative team behind the world-famous Vamoosh™ brand, is officially turning TEN years old on 16th March this year.

The Vamoosh journey is a true "One of Our Own" tale. It all began in 2016 when founder Tom Abbey was faced with a relentless household struggle, the shedding of his beloved black Labrador, Mr Chips. Finding that no product on the market could effectively remove pet hair from fabrics in the wash, Tom and co-founder Dave Toms set out to create their own solution right here in South Yorkshire.

After years of meticulous development at their Barnsley base, the Vamoosh Pet Hair Dissolver launched in 2017. It didn’t just fill a gap, it created an entirely new category in laundry care. What makes Vamoosh stand out is the science. It remains the world’s first and only patented laundry product proven to dissolve hair using an active oxygenated reaction. This homegrown breakthrough was so impressive it earned the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise: Innovation in 2022.

Today, the business is a global powerhouse:

• 10 Million Sachets Sold: A massive commercial milestone reached in January 2025.

• Global Reach: From a single patented idea inspired by one Labrador, their technology is now recognised in 43 countries.

• Retail Giants: You can find Vamoosh on the shelves of over 5,000 UK stores, including Asda, B&M, and Pets at Home.

Despite their international fame and a recent move to a larger site at Dodworth Business Park, Cares Laboratory remains fiercely committed to its roots. They continue to innovate from Barnsley, recently expanding their range to include everything from dishwasher cleaners to rapid stain wipes. Alongside commercial success the team also gives back, the business has built strong community connections and maintains a long-term charitable partnership with Support Dogs, raising over £20,000 to date.

Happy 10th Birthday to the Vamoosh team! You’ve proven that with a great idea and a bit of Barnsley grit, you can take on the world.