Sustainable skincare is revolutionising consumer choice, with customers increasingly drawn to brands that prioritise environmental and ethical responsibility. The Goodwash Company, a social enterprise founded in 2018 in Barry, exemplifies this trend. Goodwash has carved a niche as a luxury, sustainable brand that channels its profits into improving the lives of animals, humans, and local Welsh communities.
With the support of the Business Wales Accelerated Growth Programme (BWAGP), Founder Mandy Powell and her team have achieved remarkable growth, contributed significantly to their community, and set an ambitious course for a greener future.
Here, Mandy reflects on the company’s journey and the critical role the Business Wales Accelerated Growth Programme has played.
Tell us about Goodwash Company.
Our products range from soaps and sanitisers to lotions and doggie paw balms with a luxury vibe for retail and ethical commercial clients. In many ways, we still feel like a young business, but I am incredibly proud of the impact we have already had.
Since 2018, we have donated thousands to charities, helped volunteers and supported adults with learning difficulties.
The Goodwash Company is a genuinely ethical luxury brand. Our social mission is deeply rooted in Welsh values, and our products and purpose embody this, from using local ingredients to prioritising sustainability and ethical practices.
How has support from the Business Wales Accelerated Growth Programme helped your business?
The Business Wales Accelerated Growth Programme has been integral to our success at every growth stage. Recently, BWAGP has supported us in preparing for B Corporation certification, a natural next step for a social enterprise like ours. The guidance has been invaluable, helping us align our practices with the rigorous B Corp standards, which will further validate our commitment to people, planet, and profit.
Also, BWAGP has helped us enhance our digital presence by bringing in an expert coach to optimise our SEO strategy. This has been crucial as we’ve expanded our online sales and reached new audiences.
The programme has also provided broader strategic support, including workshops and coaching that have helped us refine our sustainability goals and operational practices.
What are your proudest moments in business so far?
There is so much to be proud of! In 2020, Goodwash was included in the UK Social Enterprise Roll of Honour, and last year, I had the honour of being invited to Downing Street as one of the top ten female founders of sustainable businesses in the UK.
Winning a Wales Startup Award and being a finalist at the Cardiff Life Awards were significant highlights. However, we are most proud of our impact on our local communities.
From paying a living wage to our ongoing charity efforts, I’m passionate about leaving a lasting legacy of social and environmental good. Our aim isn’t just to create a luxury product. We are determined to ensure that success translates into positive change for our community and beyond #onewashatatime.
My most recent moment of pride came when our products were featured in the Gavin and Stacey Christmas finale. This was especially meaningful to me as an avid fan of the show and a proud Barry resident for over 15 years. I launched my business from my garage in Barry over six years ago and opened our first shop at Barry Goodsheds in 2020. So, seeing our ‘Sebon Dwylo’ handwash on screen in Pam and Mick West’s Billericay bathroom was a special moment for me!
Can you share more about your sustainability journey?
Sustainability is central to everything we do. Support from the BWAGP has been instrumental in establishing clear steps toward achieving net zero, we’ve confirmed that our carbon footprint is significantly lower than many comparable businesses. However, as the Welsh saying goes, we firmly believe, "Nid da lle gellir gwell"—"it’s not good if better exists."
With BWAGP’s help, we’ve set ambitious goals, including transitioning to hybrid or electric vehicles and reducing freight-related carbon emissions through operational changes. We are also strengthening our packaging approach with low-carbon materials in collaboration with Swansea University.
Working towards B Corp certification will ensure we remain accountable for these targets as we grow.
How important is the Welsh language to The Goodwash Company?
The Welsh language is central to who we are and what we stand for as a business. We are proud of our roots in Wales, and the language reflects our commitment to preserving and celebrating our culture. Welsh is integrated across our brand, from our product packaging to our messaging and customer communication.
- What advice would you give to other businesses starting out?
- Start now - you will find the way
Surround yourself with good people - lose the bad earlier! - Always believe something wonderful is about to happen
Click here to learn more about The Goodwash Company.
Click here for further information on the Business Wales Accelerated Growth Programme.