About Us

Welcome to Herdy

We’re the cheerful, lovable character brand born in the heart of the Lake District, inspired by the adorable Herdwick sheep that roam our beautiful fells. With vibrant designs and a good dose of fun, our homeware, accessories, and gifts are made to spread a little happiness, every single day.

At Herdy, our mission is simple: to make you smile. Whether it’s through our quirky, feel-good products or our charitable Herdy Fund that gives back to the Lake District and its communities, we’re all about spreading joy and kindness, with a sprinkling of cheeky charm.

Our Story

How a Smile Changed Everything

Back in 2002, designers, Spencer and Diane Hannah decided to trade in city life for the fresh air and stunning views of the Lake District. They set up their design consultancy in the historic market town of Kendal, dreaming big and soaking up all the creative inspiration the Lakes had to offer.

Fast forward a few years and during a trip to Scandinavia, the seed of an idea was born. They imagined a brand that wasn’t just contemporary but also full of fun, and one that captured the quirky charm and spirited soul of the Lakes.

On their return, while out walking in the beautiful Langdale Valley, fate stepped in. They came across a native Herdwick sheep with the biggest smile you’ve ever seen. It was love at first grin. That smile inspired Spencer to snap a photo, and from that photo, the now-iconic Herdy logo was born - smiley, cheeky, and bursting with character, just like the sheep itself.

In 2007, with just three products, Spencer and Diane launched Herdy at the Westmorland Show. The show organizers located their stand right next to the Herdwick sheep pens... but thanks to a foot and mouth outbreak, the pens were empty, and the sheep show they sponsored turned into a duck show. Not quite the start they’d imagined!

But just like the tough, tenacious Herdwick, Spencer and Diane kept pushing. Their passion and persistence paid off, sparking a wave of love and support that took Herdy from a cheeky idea to a Lakes icon.

And that’s how a chance encounter with a smiling Herdwick sheep turned into a brand bursting with fun, character, and international appeal.

Herdy Timeline

2007

Herdy launches at the Westmorland County Show.

2008

Herdy launches www.herdy.co.uk

2009

Herdy attends first tradeshow at Harrogate Home & Gift.

Our First Herdy employee.

2010

Herdy wins the Business in the Community – Small Company of the Year in recognition of its responsible business practice.

First Shop opens in Grasmere.

2011

Herdy on Facebook.

Join us on Facebook

2012

Herdy goes to Japan! Herdy products stocked by 100 year old stationery store Itoya in Tokyo.

‘Herdy Heads For The Hills’ animated film wins ‘Best Commercial’ category at Bradford Animation Film Festival beating competition from Honda, Southern Comfort and Audi.

See the film

2013

Herdy Keswick shop opens.

2014

Herdy Hawes shop opens.

Herdy voted one of UK’s Cool Brands by the Cool Brands Council.

2015

Herdy becomes commercial partner with LDNPA for the World Heritage Bid.

Storm Desmond strikes
- Herdy’s Keswick shop under three feet of water!

2016

Herdy’s Bowness shop opens.

2017

Herdysleep – collaboration with Harrison Spinks to develop a mattress using Herdwick wool.

Herdy wins Cumbria Family Business award ‘Retailer of the Year’.

Move to new 4,000 sq ft headquarters, Kendal.

Herdy Kendal shop opens.

Kevin Roberts, CEO of Saatchi & Saatchi,
becomes Herdy Chairman.

2018

Herdy wins FBU Family Business of the Year – people’s choice.

Herdy Merrythought Limited edition ‘tup’ nationwide press coverage – the first teddy with testicles!

2019

Signed License agreement for Herdy Campervans – a fleet of bespoke Herdy themed VW Transporter vans.

Herdysleep mattresses stocked in John Lewis stores.

2020

Herdy launches Covid Heroes campaign which raises £30k for charity.

Covid – shops closed Herdy only available online.

Herdy launches ‘Smile’ facemask! The year’s best seller.

Lakes Monopoly launched featuring Herdy.

2021

Herdy wins High Sheriff of Cumbria Business award in recognition of charitable work during Covid.

Herdysleep awarded Platinum status by Feefo reviews.

2022

Herdy wins NW Family Business Awards – Best Social Impact award.

Spencer & Diane granted the freedom of the city of London by redemption and inducted into the Worshipful Company of Woolmen in recognition of the Herdy’s charitable contributions and campaigning to raise awareness of the Herdwick sheep and also the wool trade in Cumbria.

Herdy launches sell out Limited edition to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.