In a shining example of strategic collaboration, Robinson Young, a leading UK distributor of health and beauty products, partnered with Solar Buddies, creators of the world’s first child-friendly sunscreen applicator, to propel the brand into mainstream retail success.
Solar Buddies gained national attention after a successful pitch on BBC’s Dragons’ Den, securing investment from Peter Jones and Deborah Meaden. Recognising the brand’s potential, Robinson Young stepped in to provide the commercial expertise and retail network needed to scale the business. Their partnership quickly bore fruit, culminating in a major milestone: securing Solar Buddies’ first national listing with Boots, one of the UK’s largest health and beauty retailers 1.
Through Robinson Young’s efforts, Solar Buddies launched in 47 Boots airport stores—covering approximately 75% of the retailer’s sun care business—and gained a prominent online presence on Boots.com. The product was also featured on the homepage and holiday landing pages, significantly boosting visibility and consumer engagement.
This partnership exemplifies how a well-aligned distributor can accelerate a brand’s growth by leveraging retail relationships, market insight, and operational support. For Solar Buddies, it meant transforming from a niche innovation into a widely accessible, eco-friendly solution for families seeking safe and easy sun protection for children.
