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As awareness about the importance of personal protective equipment (PPE) and workwear for ensuring workplace safety grows, it's crucial to understand that not all PPE and workwear is created equal… 

Women, who form a significant portion of the workforce in various industries, have unique needs when it comes to PPE and workwear. It's important to recognise that using the same line of PPE and workwear designed for men or unisex options may not provide adequate protection or comfort for women in the same roles. 

Our blog about the importance of workwear fit is a great place to start when looking at the issues ill-fitting PPE can cause. However, here we are focussing on the importance of buying correct PPE and workwear made specifically for women, and why it's essential for the safety and well-being of female workers.

The Need for Proper Fit

Ill-fitting PPE and workwear can cause discomfort, hinder movement, and even pose hazards. Women have different body shapes and sizes compared to men, and using PPE and workwear designed for men or unisex options may not provide the proper fit or support for women. For example, women often have narrower shoulders, smaller waistlines, and different hip proportions. Using PPE and workwear that is designed specifically for women can ensure a comfortable and secure fit, allowing them to move and work safely and efficiently.

Accounting for Physiological Needs

Apart from body shape and size, women also have unique physiological needs in the workplace. Factors such as breast support, menstrual hygiene, and maternity accommodations need to be considered when it comes to PPE and workwear for women. 

Traditional PPE and workwear options may not account for these needs, leading to discomfort, inconvenience, and even potential health risks. Providing PPE and workwear that is tailored for women can ensure that their physiological needs are met, promoting better health, comfort, and overall well-being in the workplace.

Psychological Impact

The psychological impact of using PPE and workwear not designed for women should not be overlooked. When women are forced to use ill-fitting or uncomfortable PPE and workwear, it can negatively impact their morale, self-confidence, and motivation. It can also contribute to a sense of exclusion and alienation in the workplace. 

On the other hand, the shrink and pink it trend (where PPE and Workwear made for men is just made smaller and in pink material) can draw unnecessary attention to women employees - making them feel self conscious.

Providing PPE and workwear that is specifically designed for women can boost their confidence, morale, and motivation, leading to increased job satisfaction and productivity.

Promoting Inclusivity and Diversity

Promoting inclusivity and diversity in the workplace is not just a cultural benefit, it also makes good business sense. Women play a significant role in various industries, and it is crucial to prioritise their safety and well-being. Investing in PPE and workwear that is designed for women sends a positive message to employees and potential talent that the company values inclusivity and diversity. It can also help enhance the company's reputation and brand image, attracting top talent and fostering a positive work culture.

So, when it comes to PPE and workwear for women, remember, one size does not fit all! Contact our team to see a range of workwear and PPE designed specifically for women - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Janitorial processes can be inefficient and costly - taking crucial resources away from many businesses. Yet maintaining cleanliness levels is necessary to your organisation’s success. To some extent you will have to invest some resources into a janitorial process to ensure you meet health and safety guidelines. With careful planning you’ll be able to make some changes to your current business cleaning situation.  

Without compromising on cleanliness and hygiene, here’s our top recommendations  to save both time and money on your janitorial processes:

Create a cleaning schedule

Not everything needs to be cleaned every day. Having a cleaning schedule can help you identify the specific cleaning tasks that need to be done, reducing the likelihood of over-cleaning or under-cleaning. By knowing what needs to be cleaned, when it needs to be cleaned, and who is responsible for the task, you can reduce the time and effort spent on cleaning, which translates to lower janitorial costs.

Follow a cleaning system

A colour coded cleaning system is one of the best ways to save time and money when it comes to keeping your business clean. Simple and effective to implement, you can easily train your team to follow the system or just make the life of your cleaning team much easier by having visual equipment for different zones. It’s a great way to standardise cleanliness levels as you use the correct product in the designated area. When implemented alongside a cleaning schedule - you can keep standards high consistently. 

Train your employees

If your business operates in a small space like an office, you can save money by training your employees to clean their workstations and the surrounding areas. This reduces the number of hours required by professional cleaners, lowering your janitorial costs. Additionally, employees are more likely to take ownership of their workspace, leading to a more productive and efficient work environment.

Use concentrated cleaning products

Buying cleaning supplies in concentrate can save you money in the long run. By doing so, you can reduce the cost per use of cleaning supplies as essentially you won’t be paying for water to be shipped around the country. It helps to reduce plastic waste too as any containers that have chemicals in them can’t be re-used. A great way to save the planet while saving money on janitorial expenses.

Automate with technology 

There’s incredible advancements in technology now that can automate both your reporting processes and also the actual routine cleaning. From a robot vacuum that can be programmed to clean your space 24/7 to smart mops that automatically log the location and time spent cleaning. You can save time on cleaning and reporting and less money on having to pay an actual person to clean. 

Switch to green cleaning products

Green cleaning products are an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to traditional cleaning products. They are made from natural ingredients, reducing the risk of exposure to harmful chemicals. Additionally, many green cleaning products are multi-purpose, eliminating the need for multiple cleaning products.

For more information on how to save money on your janitorial process - email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Using a colour-coded cleaning system is a simple and effective way to prevent cross-contamination and maintain a safe and hygienic environment in the workplace. It is an essential practice for businesses that need to mitigate cross contamination - already deeply embedded into many outlets in the food, chemical and medical industries. 

During the pandemic colour coding was implemented by many offices, shops and other workspaces to mitigate the spread of the virus. In our increasingly health conscious society it’s important to showcase we’re doing everything we can to keep people safe. If you want to follow a system that saves time, improves compliance to industry standards and enhances cleanliness - colour coded cleaning might be for you!

The science behind colour coded cleaning systems

Cross-contamination can occur when bacteria and other harmful microorganisms are transferred from one surface to another, which can lead to illness and other health hazards. This is where a colour-coded cleaning system comes into play.

The aim of a colour-coded cleaning system is to prevent cross-contamination during the cleaning process. For example, if the same mop is used to clean the washroom floor and then used in the food preparation area, it can spread bacteria and other microorganisms. By assigning different colours to different areas, it becomes easy to differentiate and use separate cleaning equipment for each area. This keeps cleanliness levels high and avoids the spread of germs.

What is a colour coded system?

The British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc) first developed a universal colour code for the cleaning industry in the late 1990s. The system assigns different colours to different areas, making it easy to identify which cleaning equipment should be used in each area. The following colours are commonly used in the industry:

• Blue: General areas, excluding food preparation areas
• Green: Food preparation areas
• Red: Sanitary appliances and washroom floors

To implement the system, businesses need to assign a different coloured mop to each area, along with a matching colour-coded handle, head and bucket. This system can also be applied to other cleaning equipment, such as cloths, brooms and gloves.

Why does colour coded cleaning benefit businesses?

Using a colour-coded cleaning system offers several benefits for businesses, including:

1. Enhanced hygiene: Using separate cleaning equipment for each area reduces the risk of cross-contamination, which can lead to a safer and more hygienic environment.
2. Compliance: Adopting a colour-coded system can help businesses comply with regulations and inspections by the Environmental Health Officer (EHO).
3. Efficiency: The system can help staff quickly identify which cleaning equipment to use in each area, saving time and making the cleaning process more efficient.

For more information on colour coded cleaning - contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Having the right shoes is important - especially when you’re working on your feet all day. One quick Google of ‘the best workwear boots’ will bring up a range of options. While wildly popular, it doesn’t mean the boots are right for you and the role you’re in. 

If you’re an employer and you’re looking to bulk buy boots or choose from a specific range for your team - then we can help you match the best footwear to the task at hand. However, if you’re an individual or have an employee with very specific needs or ailments - our team of experts can also suggest boots and shoes that offer the support they need. 

Here’s everything you need to consider:

Are there any legal PPE requirements specific to your role or industry?

As employers this is the first thing you need to check before buying footwear for work. Some roles or industries will have legal requirements in the PPE and uniform needed to keep you safe on site. Shoes will also come with different safety classifications so it’s on you as an employer to ensure any footwear you purchase and provide meets that criteria. Speak to our team about audit trails too so you can keep account that you have provided the correct classification to each employee. 

Are there any additional features that you’d like to enhance comfort or safety?

While safety classifications are important, taking the time to think about what additional support your employees will need in the role can have a massive impact on wellness. If they’re working outside, in the UK it’s important to think about waterproofing and anti slip soles. If they’re working in a warehouse and racking up the miles - try switching to composite shoes instead of steel toe capped to take weight out of their boots. 

Are there any individual requirements you need for a team member struggling with something specific?

Did you know that there are workwear boots and shoes out there for pretty much every ailment you can think of? If you have an employee who is starting to struggle with arthritis then talk to us and we can point you in the direction of specialised ranges that can help. There’s even materials out there that can help with energy levels throughout the day - with more cushioning or lightness. 

Female specific ranges

With women starting to be more prevalent across industries like construction and STEM - they need shoes and boots to keep them safe and comfortable too. Instead of ‘pink washing’ traditionally male designs - we partner with suppliers who have ranges specifically designed for the support women need. 

Do you have values that are important to your purchasing decisions?

Sustainability is becoming increasingly important so if you’re looking for work shoes and boots with green credentials, our team can source these for you too. Our team also helps current customers with workwear recycling so once your boots and shoes reach end of life we can dispose of them correctly too.

Email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.

Please join us in celebrating 42 years with Mark! 

A huge achievement, Mark has been with us for 30% of the life span of Fenns 147 years in business.

Starting out in our Warehouse, Mark then moved to our showroom and took on a more customer facing role and has had many different positions in the company since.

Back before computers were prevalent, Mark used to manually price all orders for the business… So a lot has changed in the world since then!

Mark’s now a part of our customer service team, using his incredible knowledge to help develop our newer recruits and to ensure our customers get the best service possible. With some long standing relationships, we’re sure some of you will know Mark from over the years.

Relationships are a big driver in why Mark chose to remain with Fenns for so long. The people and the teams Mark’s worked with over the years have always made coming into work good fun.

Our Managing Director, Louise Harris, says:

“Celebrating 42 years with Mark is incredible and we’d like to thank him for his loyalty and hard work over the years. Few people will ever dedicate so much of their time to one business and it’s a testament to the team culture that’s at the heart of Fenns. Mark is great fun and always makes us laugh.”

Our electric vehicle fleet continues to grow with the arrival of the Hyundai IONIQ 5.

As part of our sustainability initiative we are working towards being carbon neutral - and a new electric fleet is a big part of this.

All of our delivery vans and sales fleet are being replaced with electric vehicles over the next couple of years. This is the second of our fleet to be replaced, with the first being a Ford Mustang Mach-E. As the supply chains allow, we will be updating our fleet 

With charging facilities at our HQ too, we're investing in the infrastructure needed to make this a sustainable change for the future of Fenns.

Louise Harris, our Managing Director states:

“Investing in the future of the business in a sustainable way is incredibly important to us at Fenns. After the pandemic, our account managers were excited to get out and start spending time with their customers again. With accounts across the country, we want to minimise the impact our travel will have on our carbon footprint as well as our customers. Over the next couple of years we will replace our company fleet with more environmentally friendly vehicles and further expand our EV chardging infrastructure.”

We are well on our way to hitting our journey to net zero goals. Stay tuned for more news on our journey!

One of our National Account Manager’s, Ricci Gretton recently took part in The Big Sleepout 23 at bet365 stadium. 
 
In support of The Macari Centre and Stoke City Community Trust’s efforts to end homelessness in our city – Ricci has been fundraising all month and has raised over £1000 for the cause. 

Ricci says “ Thank you all so much for the donations. What a brilliant night and amazing thing to do to give a very mild and safe snapshot into homelessness. It was a good experience, very well put together and executed by all the staff and volunteers.”
 
Ricci’s incredible drive and passion for the cause comes from his own past and involvement with fostering and caring for the younger generation. 
 
We’re incredibly proud of Ricci and his drive to make a difference – over the years he’s taken an active role in fundraising efforts and played and integral role in Fenns becoming a Foster Friendly workplace. Well done Ricci!

You may have seen the rise in eco-friendly garments in our personal lives. Big brands are starting to produce clothes, shoes and accessories made from recycled and innovative materials on a wider level. There’s also a rise in start up challenger brands looking to take on the garment industry and archaic unsustainable practices. As a result, these consumer patterns are migrating throughout all of our daily choices - becoming prolific in the business world too. 

We're all increasingly aware of our impact on the environment as individuals and as organisations. During a study of younger workers in the UK, 68% said they would like to work for an employer who is doing something positive for the future of the planet. So as we become more environmentally conscious, sustainable workwear is gaining in popularity as an option for companies that are looking for innovative ways to protect the planet. 

Here's what you need to know about sustainable workwear, why it matters, and how you can incorporate it into your professional wardrobe.

What is Sustainable Workwear?

Sustainable workwear refers to uniforms and PPE that's environmentally friendly, socially responsible, and ethically produced. It's made using sustainable materials, such as organic cotton, linen, hemp, or recycled fibres, and produced in an eco-friendly manner. This can mean no hazardous chemicals, low water usage, and minimal waste. The final product is durable, comfortable, and safe for the environment.

Not only is sustainability about what we consume - but how we consume too. As a responsible supplier, we ensure that the logistics of receiving your workwear are as sustainable as possible too. With solutions around branded stock levels, supply chain efficiencies, and delivery consolidation. We also help our customers with recycling their branded workwear - protecting both their brand and our planet from poorly discarded products.

Why Does Sustainable Workwear Matter?

Our choices matter, and what we wear to work is no exception. The garment industry is responsible for a significant amount of waste, pollution, and unethical practices. From the production process to the disposal of garments, workwear can have a significant impact on the environment. The demand for cheap products has led to a throwaway culture that's not sustainable. By choosing sustainable workwear, we can reduce our carbon footprint, protect our planet, and promote responsible practices. 

How to Choose Sustainable Workwear?

Yes, sustainable workwear is good for the environment but we know other factors are important too. With more brands creating sustainable ranges - it’s easy to find a comfortable, stylish and affordable swop. 

Here are some tips to help you choose eco-friendly workwear:

1. Look for sustainable materials: Choose clothes made from organic cotton, linen, hemp, or recycled fibres. These materials are eco-friendly, and they are grown or produced using fewer resources than conventional materials. Ask our expert purchasing team what brands we currently stock that could be a good substitute for your usual product.

2. Check the label: Look for certifications like the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) or OEKO-TEX. These labels indicate that the garment is made using sustainable practices and materials.

3. Buy high-quality items: Choose garments that are durable and long-lasting. Quality clothes may be more expensive, but they will last longer, reduce product churn, and save you money in the long run. Ensure wash and care tags aren’t removed so people know how to best care for their uniforms and prolong their life.

4. Check consumption patterns: Fenns wardrobe management system is great for helping you to manage uniform en-masse. Each member of your team is allocated either a budget or stock allowance so they can spend it on predetermined items chosen by your procurement team. You’ll then be able to control and monitor all workwear orders to see that no one is over-ordering.

5. Consolidate deliveries: We work with you to ensure that deliveries are as structured as possible - meaning that multiple orders can be shipped at the same time to save on both cost and your carbon footprint. 

Conclusion

Sustainable workwear is not a trend; it's here to stay. By choosing eco-friendly products, we can reduce our impact on the environment, promote responsible practices, and look stylish and professional at the same time. With so many sustainable materials, labels, and brands becoming available, it's getting easier to make sustainable choices when it comes to our uniform. Remember, every choice we make matters, and by choosing sustainable workwear, we're making a positive impact on the world.

If you’d like help with creating a sustainable workwear wardrobe, email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Creating a more sustainable workplace is high on the agenda for many businesses across the UK. With the Government targets to reach carbon net zero by 2050, organisations are encouraged to set strategies to reduce emissions and play their part. 

So what’s the business case for caring about the climate? 

A more sustainable workplace is important for the environment. Furthermore, it will also benefit your business in the long run. The problems touted around huge costs to keep pace with a rapidly changing and volatile environment, disruptions to supply chain and negative brand sentiment simply aren’t worth the risk. 

With this in mind, businesses are now setting their own carbon neutral agendas - we have our own road map to become carbon neutral by 2027. 

While there are many ways to make your workplace more sustainable, it starts with simple changes. It doesn’t have to be big, overly expensive and time consuming - we’re here to help you do what you can right now. With a focus on future proofing, reducing waste and conserving resources. 

Here are some tips on how to create a more sustainable work environment.

Sustainable sourcing 

Choose suppliers who have environmentally responsible practices and certifications. Our team can help you to consider the environmental impact of the products and services you purchase. We have eco-friendly products and sustainable solutions that enable you to make simple swaps to products you already purchase.

Environmentally friendly office furniture

Choose office furniture that is made from sustainable materials and is recyclable. This can include chairs made from recycled materials and desks made from bamboo. Recently we partnered with a supplier who creates soft seating furniture from recycled bottles found in the ocean. 

Choosing high quality furniture will ensure it lasts. If you stay away from trends and gimmicks you will get much longer use out of your furniture too. Neutral colours or the colours of your brand will last longer as you’re unlikely to change your mind on the decoration if trends change. 

Space planning for sustainability

Plan your office space to optimise energy efficiency. You can place desks and equipment near windows to reduce the need for artificial lighting. 

Design your space to be open and airy to reduce the need for heating and cooling. Take into consideration how you will use the space and also how this may change in the future. 

Reduce waste to help the environment

Reduce waste by recycling, reusing materials, and reducing paper usage. Instead of using disposable cutlery and cups, provide reusable mugs for employees. Encourage double-sided printing and using digital documents where possible. We offer a range of recycling services to our customers - from branded workwear to confidential office documents. 

Create energy efficient workplaces

Make energy-efficient choices for your office equipment and lighting. Turn off electronics and lights when not in use and consider using energy-saving bulbs. Install programmable thermostats to control heating and cooling more effectively.

Your workwear and uniforms can also help, by heating the person instead of the environment. 

Future-proofing for sustainability

Plan for the future and future-proof your workplace with sustainability and energy efficiency in mind. This can include using renewable energy sources and making green infrastructure upgrades. As part of our carbon net zero strategy we have moved to offices with solar panels and installed an EV charger for our growing electric fleet. 

Eco-friendly transportation and deliveries

Encourage sustainable transportation options for employees by having electric vehicle charging points and bike facilities. 

For our customers we help them to reduce unnecessary deliveries through effective stock management and regular scheduled deliveries. We’re also in the process of updating our fleet to electric vehicles too.

Employee engagement

Educate and engage employees in sustainability initiatives and encourage them to adopt sustainable habits both at work and in their personal lives. It’s important for your employer brand too with 74% of employees saying their job is more fulfilling when they’re given the chance to make a positive impact on social and environmental issues. Furthermore, 70% indicate they’d be more loyal to a company that helps them contribute to solutions to these issues.

Hopefully now you know how making your workplace more sustainable can benefit the environment and your business. By taking steps to reduce waste and conserve resources, you can create a more environmentally responsible workplace and ensure a sustainable future for your business.

Contact us as This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.

The way we do business has evolved over the years, and it seems like the concept of getting everything you need for a workplace from one supplier is in question. This is especially the case for companies with diverse operations and multiple sites or a business that needs specialist products. 

While there is no right or wrong answer, naturally we want to share the benefits and successes you can expect when working with a single source supplier. With supply chain issues and shortages during the pandemic and businesses going through their own cost of living crisis, managing a supply chain has been incredibly tough these past few years. However after reading these benefits, you’ll see that it might be time to rethink your relationship with your supply chain.

Cost savings 

At Fenns, we have a range of strategies to help you when it comes to keeping costs down… 

• Having a core range of products allocated to your accounts will enable us to negotiate a lower price on your behalf due to the volume of supplies ordered by a business 
• Professional heads of service areas such as janitorial and furniture will be able to advise on the best products you need from both a quality and price perspective 
• Your dedicated account manager will run reports and monitor consumption to ensure you’re not over ordering 
• We can consolidate deliveries to save you on carriage charges and place a minimum order quantity to save on unnecessary trips
• Saved cost on admin and back office support as less time is needed to process invoices, liaise with suppliers and input orders

Improved communication

You will have a dedicated account manager and access to your own customer service representative. Part of our ethos at Fenns is the latest technology married with traditional customer service. So if you prefer to order online through our app or the portal instead of ringing or emailing into our team - every option is provided. 

By having flexible communication options that all integrate into your account - you still get the visibility you need to make use of a more efficient and effective supply chain. 

Reduced risk 

By partnering with a single source supplier you reduce the risk of failure and delays. We have an incredibly robust supply chain at Fenns, with relationships we have built up over our 148 years in business. During the pandemic when essential PPE was in short supply, we were able to come through for our customers when they needed it the most. By managing stock so that no one over ordered, there was enough to go around. 

Other risks we help to eradicate are a lack of disruption to regular supplies, less delays and good communication around stock levels and expected deliveries. Recently our multiple courier network saved the day on many occasions during all of the delivery strikes. This means your supplies can be reliable and won’t cause a disruption to your business that results in a loss of revenue. 

Increased efficiency

The technology stack and options we have on offer to our customers are all designed to increase efficiency. We help to reduce the administrative burden of managing multiple suppliers and streamline communication. Besides, with an in depth knowledge into your business, your account manager will be able to add value and come up with proactive solutions to help you reach your goals. 

Greater control over quality

Being ISO accredited means that we and our supply chain are held to a very high standard, ensuring quality matches the spec you require. Our knowledgeable head of service areas and purchasing departments will be able to advise on solutions and products for all of your needs. For specialist products that are required to meet certain expectations or standards, we can advise your teams on this so that you are always compliant. 

Increased visibility and audit trails

Our systems will be able to monitor orders and give you visibility on spend, consumption and order quantity. Where this best comes into play is our workwear solution. You will be able to create an audit trail for people having the correct uniform. This means that if an accident were to occur and someone wasn’t wearing the right gear, you could prove that they were issued with the uniform. 

Email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to see how we can help you.