Meet Dale

If you’re a fan of cars, camping, caravanning or gardening, then you might also be a fan of Streetwize Accessories. Because for the past 35 years, this North West family-owned business has been forging its reputation as an industry-leading wholesaler and distributor; trusted in equal measure by a large community of independent retailers and a roster of famous high street stores.

We chatted to Dale about his partnership with HURST, and his experience as one of three directors leading the company’s ambitious growth plans.

35 years ago, Streetwize was just two blokes with some big ideas. One of them was my Dad, so I’m proud to say that we’re still a family business, and I’m even prouder to reflect on some of the things we’ve achieved over the past three decades. 

Because today Streetwize exports to over 25 worldwide markets, and we supply more than 1,000 UK retailers – from small independent specialists to nationally known high street brands. That’s not to mention the 50-strong team… and a lot of that more recent success is thanks to partners like HURST

I’ve worked with Mike, Jo and the team at HURST for around five years, and although we’d been with our previous accountant for 30 years, switching was the best decision we ever made. My only regret is that we didn’t find them sooner.

I think deep down we all knew that a change was needed, but we felt it would come with a lot of stress and hassle, so we just delayed it for far too long. Don’t get me wrong - Streetwize is a really strong business with exciting plans for the future, but we’d be in such a different place today if we’d worked with HURST since the beginning – their impact has been amazing.

We first crossed paths at one of their regular events. I remember being struck by the positivity of their clients. There was a real sense of community – and absolutely everyone went out of their way to speak highly of the HURST team.

Streetwize is a really strong business with exciting plans for the future, but we’d be in such a different place today if we’d worked with HURST since the beginning – their impact has been amazing.

Dale Silverman, Streetwize

So we were quickly convinced, and we soon decided to make the switch. Those concerns we’d held around the hassle of changing accountants just evaporated almost instantly - they made everything feel really simple, and to be honest, we haven’t looked back since.

From historically having to work things out ourselves, we suddenly had this injection of new ideas and energy. They quickly integrated themselves and became absolutely integral, questioning our structural issues, our business development, our future vision, and so much more.

They even encouraged us to recruit a full-time finance manager. They knew it would reduce their earning potential, but all they cared about was making the right moves for the future of Streetwize. I trust them totally. They make things feel simpler. And I really believe they prioritise our business above everything.

HURST in three words? Passionate. Enthusiastic. Progressive.

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To find out more about Streetwize Accessories and their collection of brands catering to the leisure, garden and mobility sectors, just visit streetwizeaccessories.com