So, the team decided to create a bespoke Bagnalls version. It collaborated with its supply chain partner to design new workwear that addresses the issues created by one-size-fits-all clothing.

Becky Slater, head of safety, health, environment, and quality (SHEQ) at the company, discovered that many of her female colleagues were facing the same issues she encountered daily.

There’s not a massive choice for women regarding PPE and workwear in the painting and decorating industry – and the options we do have are often limited to a shade of pink! Almost all the workwear used in our sector is designed for the male body and is consequently very oversized for many women, particularly those with a more petite build.

“I found a lot of the workwear uncomfortable to wear when on site and would often wear two pairs of thick socks to ensure that the work-issue boots fit my feet properly. Speaking to other female colleagues – and male colleagues who are of a more petite build – we realised we were all experiencing the same issues.”

It was also crucial to Bagnalls that the clothing range be sustainable. “Some of the workwear is even made from recycled bottles,” Becky explains.

“Once the clothes are finished with, they are collected locally at our branches, so that they can be recycled into either car door insulation or industrial rags. Bagnalls is committed to doing what we can to make our business more environmentally friendly, doing our bit to help protect our planet.”

The workwear is available to everyone within the Bagnalls family, from apprentices to painters, decorators and the managerial team.

Created in partnership with Stronghold, the bespoke work garments are stretchy, breathable and move with the body during physical work. The range encompasses t-shirts, trousers, footwear, high-visibility clothes and more – including the traditional bib and brace.

“No one else offers a female-fit bib and brace,” Becky proudly reveals. “It’s fantastic that Bagnalls can be the first company to offer this style of workwear, specifically made to fit the female body. However, it is also troubling that our industry hasn’t already identified and solved this problem. We want to correct this imbalance and make sure that the female members of our Bagnalls family feel empowered, safe and comfortable at work.”

Bagnalls has seen an increase in the number of young women joining the painting and decorating industry, with women making up 33% of their recent apprentice intake.

Women are increasingly becoming an integral part of the industry, whether as painters on site, Supervisors, Contracts Managers, or working in other office-based roles.