Charlotte Dawson, known for her TV appearances and lively presence on social media, is going through a tough time. Her clothing and footwear business, Dawsylicious, has officially shut down. The company has gone into voluntary liquidation, meaning it can no longer afford to continue operating or pay its debts.
This news comes just a few months after Charlotte gave birth to her third child with fiancé Matt Sarsfield. The couple has already faced plenty of challenges recently, including a public relationship scandal. Now, they’re facing financial problems too, with a tax bill of £88,000 and very little left in the business to pay it.
What happened to Dawsylicious?
Dawsylicious launched in May 2020, in the middle of the pandemic. It sold clothes and shoes, promoted mainly by Charlotte herself on her social media platforms. While it had a promising start and plenty of fans, things started to go wrong financially.
According to official records, the business only has around £15,000 worth of assets. Once that’s taken into account, there’s still more than £73,000 left unpaid. In addition to the financial troubles, the company also failed to meet key filing deadlines. Its annual accounts were due to be submitted back in February 2024, and the latest confirmation statement was due by June 2nd; however, neither has been filed.
This isn’t the first sign of trouble either. Dawsylicious received three warning notices from Companies House over the last few years, the most recent one in April 2024. These are serious red flags that suggest the company has been struggling for some time.
The pressure of business and personal life
Running a business is challenging, and even more so when your personal life is in the spotlight. The couple recently welcomed their daughter, Gigi, and they already have two sons, Noah and Jude. Charlotte has been open about the emotional challenges they’ve faced and how hard it’s been to balance everything.
On her podcast, The Naughty Corner, the couple has discussed their problems and been upfront about their business and financial issues. While fans have appreciated their honesty, it’s clear that all this stress may have also contributed to the problems in their professional lives.
What does liquidation mean?
When a company enters ‘voluntary liquidation’, it means the people who run the company have decided it can’t pay its debts and needs to close down – a licensed insolvency expert steps in to help with this process.
Everything the company owns is sold to pay off as much debt as possible. After that, the business is officially shut down. It might sound scary, but for many struggling companies, it’s the best way to address serious financial problems in a legal and organised manner.
Charlotte’s company, Dawsylicious, couldn’t afford its tax bill and other debts, so she and Matt decided to shut it down properly rather than let things get worse.
Lessons for other business owners
While Charlotte’s celebrity status draws attention, her situation isn’t unusual. Many small business owners across the UK are facing similar challenges, particularly in the current economic climate. Missed deadlines, unpaid taxes, and falling behind on bills can quickly lead to serious trouble.
If you run a business and things are starting to slip – maybe you’re struggling to pay suppliers or owe money to HMRC – don’t wait until it’s too late. There are solutions available, but they work best when you seek help early. Consulting a qualified insolvency expert can make a significant difference.
Sometimes, you can arrange a new payment plan. In other cases, restructuring your debts or entering a formal process, such as liquidation, might be the best choice. The key is to act early and get the right advice.
What about Dawsylicious Tanning?
Although Dawsylicious Clothing is now closed, Charlotte also runs a tanning brand under the same name. It’s not yet clear how the tanning side of her business is performing, but for now, that company isn’t listed in the same liquidation documents.
Many business owners go on to start fresh after closing one company. With the experience she’s gained, Charlotte may choose to focus her efforts on Dawsylicious Tanning or other ventures in the future.
Bouncing back from business closure
Closing a company can feel like a failure, but it’s not the end of the story. It can be a smart, responsible move if things aren’t working out. Many successful entrepreneurs have had businesses that didn’t go as planned. What matters most is how you deal with it and what you learn from the experience.
Charlotte and Matt are focusing on rebuilding both their family and their future. By choosing to close Dawsylicious the right way, they’ve taken a difficult but honest step in the right direction.
In summary
The Dawsylicious liquidation shows how fast things can change in business. Even with fame, followers, and a strong start, financial problems can hit anyone. What’s important is how you respond.
Charlotte Dawson has taken steps to close her business correctly and now has the chance to move forward and focus on what comes next. If your business is facing difficulties, don’t struggle alone. There are experts ready to help you find the best solution for your situation.
Need help with your business?
If you’re worried about your company’s finances, we’re here to help. Our experienced and friendly Insolvency Practitioners, fully licensed by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, can guide you through the best options for your unique situation. We offer free, confidential advice to help you close your business in the most affordable and stress-free way. Get in touch using the form below, our live chat, email us at mail@Simpleliquidation.co.uk, or call us on 0800 246 5895 – we’re here to support you.
