TANCREAM Ltd, based in Easingwold, manufactures what it calls ‘the ‘world’s first’ premium sun cream that includes SPF 50, UVA five-star protection, instant bronzer, anti-ageing benefits and is also a luxury daily moisturiser with added self-tan”.

After being diagnosed with skin cancer, company co-founder Gillian Robson noticed a gap in the market for a product which offered an all-in-one solution.

"Following my own diagnosis with skin cancer six years ago it led me to have a light bulb moment - I needed to wear sun protection but I also like to have a tan," said Gillian.

"Having been in the beauty business for over 20 years I knew I'd never come across an all in one product that did just that."

Gillian, together with co-founder and director Katy Foxcroft, worked with industry experts and the UK’s top sun-care specialists for more than three years to develop a solution before going to market in May 2017.

They launched their product in May 2017 for Melanoma month in Browns York and went on to sign deals with distributors in the UK and Ireland.

They are also stocked in a wide range of boutiques and department stores across the UK, Jersey and Ireland.

The pair campaign tirelessly to promote the use of UVA/UVB protection 365 days of the year to raise awareness of the harmful sun rays. They also encourage people to check their skin for signs of skin cancer as early detection is key to successful treatment.

Tancream is patent pending and is unique in offering an All-in-One solution for self-tanning, sun protection and luxury moisturising skincare.

Tancream utilises innovative ingredients and methods to enable the product to be compatible and stable as SPF and Self Tan actives have been previously impossible to combine.

The company has won numerous awards for innovation, business and beauty including the Global Award for best new Suncare & Tanning for 2018.

It is now in the running for three titles in The Press Business Awards - Business Innovation of the Year, Exporter of the Year and Small Business of the Year.

Gillian and Katy were successful winners in the 2019 series of Dragons’ Den securing £75,000 investment from two dragons: Touker Suleyman and Sara Davies.

This investment will be spent on new product development and innovation.