Rebecca Dawson hailed in UK list of inspiring women

Rebecca Dawson, Founder of Vampire Outdoors and Co-Founder of Every Body Outdoors, has been named among the UK's 100 most inspiring female entrepreneurs in Small Business Britain's f:Entrepreneur #IAlso100 campaign.

Dawson founded Vampire Outdoors in 2021. The business operates as a specialist eCommerce retailer focused on plus-size outdoor clothing and equipment. Dawson also co-founded Every Body Outdoors, a community organisation for plus-size people who participate in outdoor activities.

Small Business Britain's #IAlso100 list highlights women running businesses across the UK. The f:Entrepreneur campaign launched in 2017 and focuses on the work of female founders and small business owners.

Dawson's inclusion reflects her work on sizing and representation in the outdoor sector. Vampire Outdoors positions itself around plus-size fit and product selection. The company describes its range as plus-size outdoor clothing and equipment for men and women, plus a range of women's outdoor hygiene products.

Retail focus

Vampire Outdoors launched as a specialist retailer that targets gaps in mainstream outdoor sizing. Dawson has spoken publicly about the difficulty plus-size customers face in finding outdoor gear that fits and performs as expected.

The business sells through an online shop. It serves customers across the UK who take part in hiking and other outdoor activities. Dawson has linked the retailer's product strategy to a wider view of who gets represented in outdoor marketing and product design.

The company sits in a market that includes major outdoor brands, specialist retailers, and newer direct-to-consumer operators. Dawson's business targets consumers who often report limited choice in technical clothing and equipment at larger sizes.

Community work

Dawson also works through Every Body Outdoors, which she co-founded as a plus-size outdoor community organisation. The group focuses on participation, visibility, and representation in outdoor spaces. Dawson has also undertaken work with The Ramblers, a UK walking charity and membership body.

Her profile combines retail with advocacy and community activity. Small Business Britain said the campaign recognises women who run businesses alongside work that affects their communities.

On her inclusion in the #IAlso100 line-up, Dawson commented on her aims for both the retailer and the community organisation.

"It's an incredible honour to be recognised. Building Vampire Outdoors and Every Body Outdoors has always been about making the outdoors more inclusive, and creating a supportive and joyful community, and this recognition reinforces why that work matters," said Rebecca Dawson, Founder, Vampire Outdoors.

Campaign details

Small Business Britain runs the f:Entrepreneur campaign. It said the #IAlso100 list features founders from across the country.

Michelle Ovens CBE, CEO and Founder of Small Business Britain, said the organisation wanted to highlight role models within the small business community.

"It is brilliant to feature Rebecca in this year's #IAlso100 campaign. All of the female entrepreneurs in this year's line-up are inspirational and remarkable role models," said Michelle Ovens CBE, CEO and Founder, Small Business Britain.

Ovens linked the recognition to wider debates about the role of female founders in the UK economy.

"Their creativity, leadership, and community impact show exactly why supporting female founders is so important, not only for the UK's economic growth but for the positive difference they make to wider society," said Ovens.

The campaign includes events, training, and networking opportunities. Small Business Britain also cited estimates that up to £250 billion could be added to the UK economy if women started and scaled new businesses at the same rate as men, based on the Invest Women Taskforce.

Dawson continues to run Vampire Outdoors while building Every Body Outdoors' community activity in the outdoor sector.