The About Us story of Dash Dynamics began with a vision to manufacture high-quality resin bonded dashboard overlays for the aftermarket vehicle customisation industry. Originally founded in 1994, the company specialised in premium finishes such as Burr Walnut, Carbon Fibre and Brushed Aluminium, with products distributed across the UK through EJ Sandiford agents.

As demand continued to grow, the original owner faced challenges keeping up with production while also overcoming technical manufacturing issues. Despite these early obstacles, the strong market demand highlighted the company’s potential and laid the foundation for future growth.

Eric acquired Dash Dynamics with the goal of resolving the production challenges and increasing manufacturing capacity. Following significant investment in new equipment, improved resin systems and refined production processes, the business successfully moved into large-scale production of dashboard kits.

Major automotive retailers, including Demon Tweeks, quickly recognised the quality of the products and became some of the company’s earliest high-volume customers. As sales continued to increase, Dash Dynamics expanded its product range to include vehicle wheel centre badges and custom keyrings, strengthening its position within the automotive aftermarket.

Dash Dynamics gained widespread recognition through leading automotive magazines including Max Power, Revs and Fast Car, helping introduce the brand to thousands of vehicle enthusiasts across the UK.

The company’s dashboard kits were also featured in several Haynes manuals, where an entire section was dedicated to interior vehicle upgrades using Dash Dynamics products.

Building on this success, Dash Dynamics expanded into the number plate industry by manufacturing gel number plate digits for DVLA-authorised number plate suppliers. We continue to support businesses producing compliant registration plates in line with industry requirements set by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). Motorcycle digits were introduced the following year, further broadening the company’s product offering.

Over the following decade, Dash Dynamics continued to grow steadily. As production increased, Eric relocated the business several times to accommodate both expanding operational requirements and personal commitments.

These years provided a solid foundation for the company’s continued success and future investment.

After almost 30 years without contact, David Wilkinson unexpectedly recognised one of Eric’s number plates while visiting a local motorcycle dealer. Remembering their previous working relationship within the automotive industry, David introduced himself and the two soon reconnected.

Over the following months, David regularly visited the business to learn more about its operations and future potential. By the end of the year, he made an offer to purchase Dash Dynamics. Although an agreement wasn’t reached immediately, negotiations continued throughout 2014 and into early 2015.

In 2015, Eric decided it was the right time to begin semi-retirement and agreed to sell Dash Dynamics to David Wilkinson, with the business officially changing ownership on 1 August 2015.

To ensure a smooth transition, Eric remained with the company to provide training and share his extensive knowledge of the business.

Later that year, Dash Dynamics developed an innovative jig system that significantly improved the speed and accuracy of manufacturing car number plates.

David also made the strategic decision to stop producing finished number plates, choosing instead to focus solely on supplying premium components to trade customers. This decision continues to be one of the company’s key competitive advantages today.

Early in 2016, the Dash Dynamics website was completely redesigned to showcase an expanding product range serving a wider variety of industries. A demonstration video of the new jig system was published on both the website and YouTube, generating significant interest from number plate manufacturers across the UK.

As demand increased, the business invested heavily in new computer systems, printing equipment and cutting technology while recruiting additional production staff.

By the end of the year, annual turnover had more than doubled compared with the previous year.

Exports began to grow significantly, particularly within the Republic of Ireland.

Dash Dynamics also introduced new premium keyring designs, which proved extremely popular with customers.

During the year, the business expanded into specialist vehicle manufacturing, achieving particular success within the horsebox industry, while continued growth in the motorcycle market further strengthened the company’s position.

Investment in both the website and production capabilities continued, helping Dash Dynamics attract customers from industries including furniture manufacturing, commercial printing and hygiene products.

A redesigned worldwide protected Car Plate Jig was introduced, improving efficiency and accuracy even further.

The product range expanded with premium acrylic number plate digits, designed to complement existing gel digits and create a high-end finished appearance.

Demand also increased from motoring clubs seeking bespoke badges for members and events.

Dash Dynamics continued to attract customers from a growing range of industries.

New trophy suppliers chose the company because of its fast turnaround times, while additional motorhome, caravan and sports equipment manufacturers joined the customer base.

The appointment of two sub-distributors further strengthened the number plate components business, while additional staff were recruited to support continued growth.

Plans were also made to transition the business from a sole trader to a limited company. However, these plans were temporarily delayed due to the challenges created during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As demand increased dramatically throughout the pandemic, production expanded rapidly. Staff returned from furlough after six weeks, new employees were recruited, and David personally worked extended hours to ensure customer orders continued to be fulfilled.

To support future growth, Dash Dynamics commissioned two bespoke resin doming machines after no existing commercial equipment met the company’s exact manufacturing requirements.

The two custom-built resin doming production systems, each costing approximately £30,000, were completed following extensive development and testing.

With production operating at full capacity, split shifts and flexible working hours were introduced to maximise manufacturing output.

During the year, Dash Dynamics also developed three new protected jig systems for motorcycle plates, square plates and Republic of Ireland number plates, supporting further international expansion.

As Brexit approached, the company invested in specialist export expertise to ensure customers continued receiving products with minimal disruption despite changing regulations.

Although new export procedures created challenges across Europe, Dash Dynamics’ preparation and specialist knowledge allowed the vast majority of shipments to clear customs successfully.

On 1^st May 2021, Dash Dynamics Ltd officially replaced the original sole trader business.

The company also acquired Plate Supplies, creating a dedicated online supplier of number plate components and strengthening its position within this specialist market.

Growth continued across multiple sectors, particularly within the name badge industry, while plans were made for another major redevelopment of the Dash Dynamics website.

By the end of the year, annual turnover had increased to almost ten times the level achieved when David acquired the business.

A completely new Dash Dynamics website was launched, showcasing the company’s diverse capabilities across multiple industries.

Today, Dash Dynamics proudly works with automotive businesses, manufacturers, clubs, organisations and individuals, providing high-quality products backed by decades of manufacturing expertise.

As our About Us journey continues, we remain committed to investing in new technology, expanding our product range and delivering exceptional quality and customer service for many years to come.