The Benefits of a British-Made Cycling Helmet & Why Sustainability Matters
Dashel has had a tough start to 2025. Our beloved manufacturer in Plymouth, Magma Mouldings has closed down for good. It had a visionary owner and so was the first B Corp plastics manufacturer in the world. It had dedicated, talented staff and the carmaderie was infectious.
However, that hasn’t been enough to guard against the difficult economic times that we are in. Magma’s largest customer (not us) was sold to new owners, who took the decision to move manufacturing to China. British Manufacturing has been labouring under extremely high energy costs for years and the recent national insurance hike proved too much on top. Dashel now moves to a factory in the Midlands, which has years of experience in moulding and assembly. As competitors close down, the remaining UK manufacturers have the opportunity to consolidate and grow. At the moment it feels a bit like moving house to a new area, you miss your old friends, but you are hopeful that you will make new ones.
As a founder, who has to find capital to cope with yet another UK factory move, it has lead me to question my commitment to manufacture in the UK. Especially as the Research & Development grant is no longer available to businesses like ours. But we have proved that you can have style, safety, and sustainability in one lightweight package, so here’s why we are staying a British-made cycling helmet:
1. Craftsmanship You Can Feel
There’s something special about products made with care. Each Dashel helmet is hand-finished by our team of trained assemblers, ensuring it not only looks good but lasts. Details matter.
2. There’s a love for British made products abroad. We Brits don’t half do ourselves down, but there’s a real affection and admiration abroad for our manufacturing. Especially if it is paired with a unique design.
3. Supporting Local Makes a Big Difference
Every Dashel helmet helps keep jobs, skills, and small businesses alive right here in the UK. The webbing factory that we use in Derbyshire has been weaving since the 1700s!
3. Less Air Miles = Happier Planet
Local production means fewer carbon emissions. Our factory is in the UK, so your helmet doesn’t clock up thousands of travel miles before it reaches you - providing you are purchasing in Europe!
5. Ethical Every Step of the Way
Choosing British-made means fair wages, safe working conditions, and knowing that what you buy has been made responsibly.
The Bottom Line
When you choose Dashel, you’re choosing thoughtful design, local craftsmanship, and a brand that puts people and the planet first. We’re proud to be part of a community of cyclists who care and we are proud to be a B Corp brand.
Thanks for all of you who have submitted reviews telling us why you love your Dashel helmet. It has meant the world to me and my team and we will continue to share these with everyone who makes them.
Best, Catherine.
