Founded in November 2024 by Lee Budworth, DDG holds the authorised UK and EU distribution rights for BOGS Footwear, part of NASDAQ-listed Weyco Group Inc.

The investment will support seasonal working capital and stock purchasing ahead of DDG’s key Autumn/Winter trading period, helping the business fulfil its growing forward order book across the UK and Europe.

Lee previously represented the BOGS brand for around 12 years through his agency business, before relaunching UK and European distribution when Weyco stepped back from the territory.

The relaunch draws on that long-standing relationship, along with established retailer connections and market knowledge built up over more than 26 years in the footwear, apparel and sporting goods industry.

Since launching, DDG has built out UK and EU ecommerce platforms, established wholesale relationships with retailers including Avenue 85, Welly Warehouse and Hirst Footwear, and secured a confirmed AW26 wholesale order book of around £80,000.

The business operates through third-party warehousing and fulfilment partners in the UK and Netherlands, keeping overheads lean while it scales.

The NPIF II funding will support one new full-time role at the business, alongside safeguarding existing employment, as DDG expands wholesale distribution across the UK and Europe, grows its direct-to-consumer ecommerce channel, and onboards additional marketplace partners.

Jonathan Nelson, Investment Manager at River Capital, said:

“DDG has done the hard work of building solid operational foundations across two markets in a short space of time. This funding is about giving the business the stock and working capital headroom it needs to capitalise on a strong forward order book heading into its busiest trading period.”

Lee Budworth, Director of Dynamic Distribution Group Ltd, said:

“Rebuilding UK and European distribution for a brand I know inside out has been a great opportunity, and this funding from River Capital comes at exactly the right point as we gear up for Autumn/Winter. It gives us the flexibility to meet demand from our retail partners and keep building momentum across both markets.”

Sue Barnard, Senior Investment Manager at the British Business Bank, said: “This latest investment from the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II highlights its ongoing commitment to supporting established businesses, enabling them to expand, protect and create jobs, and drive long-term economic growth. By backing companies such as DDG, NPIF II is helping ambitious Northern businesses scale and compete on a global stage, while showcasing the strength and potential of the region’s business community.”

The £660m Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIFII) covers the entire North of England and provides loans from £25k to £2m and equity investment up to £5m to help a range of small and medium sized businesses to start up, scale up or stay ahead.

The purpose of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II is to drive sustainable economic growth by supporting innovation and creating local opportunity for new and growing businesses across the North of England. The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II will increase the supply and diversity of early-stage finance for the North’s smaller businesses, providing funds to firms that might otherwise not receive investment and help to break down barriers in access to finance.

ENDS