For 40 years, Regal Toys Ltd has proudly stood as a trusted name in quality and innovation. From humble beginnings as a family-run business crafting christening gowns and soft toys, to becoming a leading supplier of promotional products, our story is one of creativity, resilience, and lasting relationships. Throughout the decades, we’ve remained true to our core values while embracing change and seizing new opportunities — all thanks to the vision of our founders, Rob and Tina Watson-Greaves, and the continued leadership of their daughter Hayley and her husband, Paul Logan.

To explore how we’ve grown and evolved, take a look at the timeline below, which highlights key moments in Regal Toys' history and how we’ve shaped our journey toward success.

• 1984

  Regal Toys began its journey under the name Toosipegs, founded by visionary entrepreneurs Rob Greaves and Tina Watson. Their initial focus was on crafting high-quality christening gowns and soft toys, with an emphasis on handmade craftsmanship and unique designs. Operating from a small workshop, they poured their passion into every piece, ensuring that each item was made with care and attention to detail.
  
  Their breakthrough came at their very first trade show at Earls Court, a prestigious event that drew buyers from across the UK. It was here that their talent was recognized, and they secured their first major orders from the renowned department store, John Lewis. This early success provided the foundation for future growth and established Toosipegs as a brand to watch in the industry.

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• 1985

  As the demand for their products grew, Rob Greaves made the decision to join the business full-time, bringing his expertise in operations and business strategy to complement Tina’s creative direction. This pivotal moment allowed Toosipegs to scale up production and explore new opportunities.
  
  Their big break came when they entered the television competition You're the Boss, a popular program designed to spotlight innovative small businesses. Winning the competition provided them with invaluable exposure and credibility, propelling them into the public eye.
  
  At the same time, Toosipegs made history by pioneering the production of bean-filled toys in the UK. Unlike traditional stuffed toys, these innovative creations offered a tactile, flexible feel that quickly gained popularity. Every product continued to be manufactured domestically, reinforcing the company’s commitment to British craftsmanship.

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• 1986-1987

  Building on their momentum, Toosipegs secured exhibition space at some of the most prestigious trade shows in the industry, including Spring Fair and Top Draw. These events opened doors to a network of high-profile buyers and retailers, further solidifying their reputation as a leading supplier of quality toys and gifts.
  
  Their growing success attracted the attention of luxury retailers, leading to collaborations with Liberty, Harrods, Selfridges, and even The Tower of London. These partnerships allowed them to create bespoke toys using exclusive fabrics, elevating their brand to a new level of prestige.
  
  Diversifying their product range, Tina introduced a line of screen-printed mugs featuring her distinctive artwork. Among them was the now-iconic Highland Cow design, which became a customer favorite and set a precedent for future collectible designs.

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• 1992-1993

  Recognizing the evolving market for collectible toys, the company underwent a significant transformation and rebranded as The Velveteen Bean Bear Company. This new identity focused on developing high-quality, collectible bean-filled bears, appealing to both children and serious collectors alike.
  
  The product line expanded to include festive Christmas stockings and exclusive collectible bears, each designed with meticulous attention to detail. These creations became sought-after gifts, further establishing the company’s reputation for quality and originality.

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• 1996-1998

  As demand for their products continued to rise, the company faced the challenge of scaling production while maintaining their high standards. To meet growing orders efficiently, they expanded manufacturing to include facilities in China and Europe. Despite this shift, they remained committed to their roots, continuing to produce smaller, bespoke orders in the UK.
  
  During this period, they secured prestigious contracts, including the design and production of the Millennium Dome Bear for the landmark celebrations of 1999-2000. This high-profile project further cemented their place as a leader in the toy and collectibles industry.

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• 2002-2010: A Period of Transition

  Leveraging their experience in customisable merchandise, the company took a strategic step forward by launching a new venture: Teddytext. This brand was created to specialise in promotional products—particularly branded teddy bears and mugs—targeted at corporate and trade clients. The launch of Teddytext marked a significant expansion of the company’s offerings, allowing them to serve businesses seeking high-quality, customised promotional items and helping to further diversify their product portfolio.
  
  As the business developed, Teddytext became more focused on personalised merchandise, carving out a niche in the market for tailored corporate gifts. However, this evolution brought new challenges. The promotional merchandise industry was undergoing a transformation, with much of the UK-based manufacturing being replaced by cheaper overseas production. This shift made it increasingly difficult to maintain the same standards of quality and efficiency. As a result, Teddytext began to experience growing operational and financial pressures. By the late 2000s, these challenges had escalated, and the business found itself struggling to adapt—placing its long-term viability in serious jeopardy.

  
• 2010: A New Start

  A pivotal new chapter in the company’s story unfolded when Paul and Hayley stepped in to take over the reins. As second-generation leaders, they were committed to honouring the family legacy while introducing a fresh, modern perspective to the business. Their vision balanced respect for the company's roots with a clear focus on innovation, adaptability, and aligning with evolving market demands.
  
  Taking over at a critical turning point, Hayley and Paul inherited a business facing significant uncertainty. With limited financial resources and minimal experience in running a company, they were immediately met with a steep learning curve. Challenges emerged quickly — ranging from supply chain disruptions to unanticipated financial strains. Despite these hurdles, they remained determined. Working closely with their small but dedicated team, they focused on stabilising day-to-day operations, enhancing product quality, and re-establishing trust with clients and partners. Through persistence and a commitment to continuous improvement, they began laying a solid foundation for the company’s recovery and long-term growth.

  
• 2014-2018: Reinvention and Growth

  Under the leadership of Paul and Hayley, the company reached a major milestone with the official registration of Regal Toys Ltd. This formal step marked a new era in the company’s journey, symbolising both stability and forward-thinking ambition. Shortly afterward, the Regal Toys brand was successfully trademarked, establishing its identity as a trusted and recognised name within the toy and promotional merchandise industry. These developments reflected a renewed commitment to quality craftsmanship, innovation, and exceptional customer service.
  
  With the business poised for change, Paul and Hayley initiated a transformation aimed at revitalising operations and aligning the company with modern industry standards. A strong emphasis was placed on improving product quality, refining stock management, and enhancing the overall customer experience. These efforts, combined with strategic investments in e-commerce platforms and upgraded operational systems, helped to streamline internal processes and boost efficiency. Together, these improvements laid the groundwork for consistent growth and a more resilient, future-ready business.

  
• 2018-Present: Regal Toys Today

  In a landmark moment for the business, Regal Toys proudly showcased its product range exclusively to distributors and resellers at major industry trade shows. This strategic move marked a turning point in the company’s growth, firmly establishing Regal Toys as a premier trade supplier within the promotional soft toy sector. By focusing on building long-term partnerships with industry professionals, the company was able to extend its market reach while staying true to the values of craftsmanship, creativity, and charm that had defined the brand since its early days.
  
  Over the past decade, Regal Toys has continued to evolve—adapting to the changing needs of its clients while holding fast to its founding principles. Through careful refinement of its operations, investment in modern technologies, and expansion of its product range, the company has positioned itself as a reliable and forward-thinking partner for distributors. This ongoing innovation ensures that partners have access to a diverse selection of standout, high-quality plush products that help them impress their own clients and drive business growth.
  
  At Regal Toys, we understand that when we grow, you succeed. That’s why we’ve made it our mission to offer not only exceptional products, but also outstanding support. Our streamlined processes, fast turnaround times, and dedicated customer service make it easier than ever for distributors to meet tight deadlines, exceed expectations, and strengthen client relationships.

  

Thank you for taking the time to explore the story of Regal Toys.

We are deeply proud of the milestones we've reached, the challenges we've overcome, and, most importantly, the enduring relationships we've built over the past four decades. Every step of our journey has been shaped by creativity, resilience, and a passion for excellence — values that continue to drive us forward today.

As we look to the future, our commitment remains unwavering: to innovate thoughtfully, deliver exceptional quality, and support the distributors and partners who help bring our products to life. The next chapter holds exciting opportunities, and we’re more inspired than ever to keep evolving, growing, and exceeding expectations.

We warmly invite you to continue exploring our website — whether you're discovering our latest product ranges, learning about our sustainability efforts, or reaching out to our team. There’s so much more ahead, and we can’t wait to share it with you.