Arco, the UK and Ireland's leading safety expert, opens its doors on a cutting-edge Customer Discovery Centre, marking a bold investment designed to transform customer experience and drive industry innovation.

This state-of-the-art facility brings together product expertise, advanced safety training, and industry collaboration under one roof. Designed to engage with customers and suppliers, the Discovery Centre showcases Arco's integrated safety solutions featuring its independent UKAS accredited Product Assurance Lab with a dedicated space for product innovation.

As part of this investment, Arco has also expanded its training offering with a brand-new practical training facility, broadening its national coverage of training centres for workers in the highest risk industries. Specialising in confined space and working at height "hands-on" training alongside a multitude of classroom-based courses, this Safety Services centre of excellence increases accessibility to critical safety education.

With three flexible learning spaces, innovative displays, and cutting-edge technology, the Discovery Centre is designed to adapt to the needs of customers and colleagues alike, making it a premier destination for training, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing.

Now operational, customers can explore the latest advancements in safety, PPE and workwear, undertake training courses and receive expert guidance on product selection and development under one roof.

CEO of Arco, Guy Bruce said:

"We're thrilled to open our new state of the art Customer Discovery Centre. It's our way of giving customers fresh inspiration and ultimate safety confidence day in day out.

"By investing in world-class facilities and smarter ways to engage with our customers, this is more than an upgrade to our services, it's a strategic shift in how our customers interact with Arco and how our safety solutions are developed, shared, and experienced. The future of safety is here, and this immersive space truly demonstrates the value available to all customers when they have the best in the safety business at their side. We're looking forward to hosting our customers and partners here for years to come."

Learn more about our Arco Discovery Centre

Arco, the UK and Irelands leading safety expert, is returning to the Health & Safety Event to unveil a new generation of workwear and safety products designed with enhanced features, fabrics and modern styling.

Arco's interactive exhibition can be found on Stand S70 in Hall 3 and is designed for visitors to explore Arco's latest product innovations, training support, expert advice, compliance and sustainability initiatives. All areas on the stand demonstrate Arco's unrivalled end-to-end safety expertise, its market-leading position and commitment to shaping the future of workwear and workplace safety.

Also featured at the event will be an exclusive preview of the brand-new Arco Discovery Centre, a state-of-the-art showcase of Arco's cutting-edge safety services, immersive training courses and innovative partnerships.

Part of Arco's new product generation, which will be exclusively on display, includes its brand-new High-Visibility Range, designed for maximum durability and compliance in line with the latest industry standards, as well as an advanced Working at Height Range, featuring cutting-edge harnesses and fall protection equipment. The latest evolution of the TROJAN performance workwear range, incorporating enhanced protective materials and innovatively styled designs that improve comfort and functionality in work environments, will also be put to the test with a dynamic, live show that visitors will see around the exhibition hall.

This year, Arco will be sponsoring the "Inspiration Station", a new thought leadership driven platform where industry pioneers will address the future of the health and safety industry. Arco experts will take the stage to discuss pivotal topics including:

• The Total Cost of Safety - exploring how effective safety management protects profits and derisks businesses
• PPE sustainability and practical steps in procurement - comprehensive look at improving circularity and sustainability whilst reducing costs in procurement
• Thai Cave Rescue - First-hand experience from the famous Thai Cave Rescue, detailing the risk management involved in the successful rescue of 13 people trapped in the Tham Luang Nang Non cave system

The Total Cost of Safety presentation at the Inspiration Station will be delivered by Chief Commercial Officer Simon Allan-Brooks and will encourage businesses to revisit health and safety strategies at work. Business leaders will hear of the benefits in comprehensive safety management, including meeting deadlines, enhancing reputation and maximising productivity.

Ahead of the event, Arco has been shortlisted in three categories for the upcoming 2025 Safety and Health Excellence Awards. Arco is nominated for: Distributor of the Year, Marketing Campaign of the Year and the Alan McArthur Unsung Hero Award. As the inaugural sponsor of the Sustainable Company of the Year award in 2024, Arco returns to sponsor and judge this important category in 2025. The winners will be announced during the award ceremony that will take place on the second night of the three-day Health & Safety Event.

Simon Allan-Brooks, Chief Commercial Officer at Arco, said:

"Last year, Arco returned to the Health & Safety Event to showcase our joined-up approach to safety. We connected with professionals from Directors to Procurement Officers in all key industries such as manufacturing, construction and facilities management.

This year, we're taking it a step further by unveiling the latest developments within Arco's product innovation alongside our full suite of safety services. Our continued progress in developing our expertise and expanding our product offering places us in a position to provide more comprehensive end-to-end solutions as a key strategic partner to our customers.

"Our commitment to workplace safety has never been stronger, and we're excited to share our latest advancements with the industry. We invite all attendees to visit our stand, connect with our experts and join us in shaping the future of health and safety."

Following an extensive external process, renowned expert Meine Oldersma has been appointed by Arco as a Non-Executive Director (NED). He succeeds Kevin Appleton who has completed his third, three-year, term.

Meine is an experienced business leader, bringing valuable insight and industry knowledge to this new appointment having held several senior executive and non-executive positions in the UK. He is currently Chairman at Dunlop Protective Footwear, CMS Distribution and Batt Cables Ltd and holds a Non-Executive Director role at Safetykleen.

As a trusted advisor to several financial institutions related to distribution and business services, Meine's appointment brings a wealth of experience to Arco and reaffirms the company's position as leaders in safety alongside its commitment to innovation that delivers increased customer value.

Over an expansive career, Meine has worked in numerous senior roles at companies including as CEO of SiG plc and CEO & President, China Group at Ingram Micro.

He has already held extensive non-executive roles at prominent companies in the safety industry, notably at Bunzl Greenham and Brammer. Meine's expertise and relevant knowledge makes him a valuable addition to the Arco Board, underlining the company's continued focus on excellence in safety.

Thomas Martin, Chairman of Arco commented:

"I am personally grateful for the guidance and input Kevin has provided and his contribution during his tenure. We wish him all the best for the future.

"Meine brings an unrivalled global experience in multiple industries, almost all of which centres around distribution, manufacturing or business services. He specialises in creating shareholder value through sustainable growth with an enviable track record of successfully achieving this over 30 years. "I am confident Meine will be a strong addition to the Board and will provide incredibly relevant insight and knowledge to support our future growth agenda and priorities for Arco."

Meine Oldersma, commented:

I am delighted to be joining Arco and I'm enthused by the opportunity ahead. Arco is a great business with a market-leading industry presence, and I am looking forward to working with the Board, Thomas, Guy Bruce (CEO) and the wider team to deliver sustainable growth for the future."

Having worked together before, Guy and Meine are excited to join forces again with a shared ambition to drive Arco's Destination 2030 strategy for the benefit of all the Arco customers.

Arco, the UK and Ireland's leading safety company, is partnering with The Safety Superhero Academy, a new social enterprise dedicated to teaching young children about the importance of safety, while promoting STEM careers.

Safety education is often overlooked as dull or unappealing to younger audiences. The Safety Superhero Academy challenges this notion by emphasising safety as a concept rooted in care, trust, and empathy. The programme engages primary school children through the support of role models, storytelling, and hands-on activities to make safety accessible and exciting.

Arco has funded six Academy sessions across Yorkshire, expanding access to essential safety education. As part of the sponsorship, Arco has provided safety kit bags, consisting of safety helmets, glasses, hi-vis and work gloves for every session, allowing children to get hands-on experience with personal protective equipment (PPE). Additionally, all children will be able to take home a copy of "The Safety Superhero" book to feed their curiosity, encourage reading and expand on their knowledge of this important topic.

Bethany Holroyd, Director of The Safety Superhero Academy, said:

"Safety should never be seen as boring and restrictive. At The Safety Superhero Academy, we're on a mission to reshape this narrative and inspire children in a fun and humanistic way, showing that safety is about care, trust and empathy. Thanks to Arco's sponsorship, we can reach even more children, equipping them with essential safety knowledge and empowering them to make safer choices that will benefit their communities for years to come."

Isabel Spence, Marketing Director at Arco, said:

"At Arco, we believe that safety starts with education, and we are proud to support The Safety Superhero Academy to equip children with essential safety knowledge from an early age. Research has shown that those who understand the why behind safety practices are more likely to adopt them throughout their lives. By funding this initiative, we are not only providing children with books and kits but also fostering a culture of safety and awareness that will benefit them long-term. We hope this initiative will inspire the future of safety leaders in the workplace for years to come."

For more information, visit https://www.thesafetysuperheroacademy.co.uk/.

From 31 March 2025, new workplace recycling legislation will come into force in England, requiring businesses to adopt stricter waste separation practices. This initiative aims to boost recycling rates, reduce landfill waste, and support the country's environmental goals.

In addition, the UK government has announced significant changes to waste management taxes affecting businesses in England and Northern Ireland, effective from 1st April 2025.

What this Means

Under the new regulations, all businesses, charities, and non-domestic premises must separate their waste into three categories:

• Dry Recyclables: Plastic, paper, metal, cardboard, and glass
• Food Waste: For businesses that produce food waste (e.g., restaurants, offices with kitchens)
• Residual Waste: Non-recyclable materials

Landfill tax rates will rise substantially:

• Standard rate: Increasing from £103.70 to £126.15 per tonne
• Lower rate: Increasing from £3.30 to £4.05 per tonne

Standard rate applies to most general and inert waste, while the lower rate is for less polluting materials like certain soils and demolition waste.

What Businesses need to do

To comply with the new legislation and reduce overall landfill waste (mitigating the increase in taxes), businesses will need to take the following steps:

• Set Up Separate Bins: Install color-coded or clearly labelled bins for dry recyclables, food waste, and residual waste
• Arrange Waste Collection: Partner with a licensed waste collector to ensure separate collections for each waste stream
• Educate Employees: Train staff on how to correctly sort waste and use the new bin system
• Prepare for Compliance Checks: Maintain records of waste management practices to demonstrate compliance to regulators

Smaller businesses with fewer than 10 full-time employees will have until 31 March 2027 to implement these changes.

Why this Matters

The legislation and tax increases are expected to significantly reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills and cut greenhouse gas emissions by improving recycling rates. Businesses that fail to comply could face fines, enforcement action and reputational damage, as the public will be able to report non-compliant workplaces from April 2025. Businesses may also face greater cost through taxation, if they don’t actively reduce the amount of waste they send to landfill.

Advice and Support

To assist businesses, the government has launched resources such as the Business of Recycling Website, offering sector-specific guidance and tools to ease the transition.

By adopting these measures, businesses can help build a greener future and play their part in the UK's sustainability efforts.

Shop our full range of products to help your business comply with these new regulations

Arco, the UK's leading safety experts, recently hosted an event in Westminster to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

The event brought together key figures from industry, government, and leading safety organisations, with Arco chairman Thomas Martin, along with MPs Julie Minns and Emma Hardy, leading a thought-provoking discussion over dinner at the Houses of Parliament.

The gathering included leaders of safety bodies such as the British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF), NEBOSH, IOSH, The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), and the Trades Union Congress (TUC), alongside other distinguished guests.

Arco's chief commercial officer, Simon Allan-Brooks, also contributed to the conversation.

After the event, Simon said: "It was a great evening surrounded by true passionate leaders, who celebrated the visionaries who enacted Health and Safety at Work Act, the professionals who uphold it and the continued protection and prosperity it brings to us all."

The Health and Safety at Work Act has played a pivotal role in dramatically improving workplace safety over the last half-century. Non-fatal workplace injuries have fallen by over 80 per cent, and work-related fatalities have decreased from 651 to 138.

However, as Thomas Martin said during the discussions: "That is still too high."

As well as celebrating this milestone in workplace safety, the event reinforced Arco's commitment to working with government and stakeholders across various sectors to create safer working environments and keep people safe at work.

Thomas said: "At Arco, we will continue to help shape the UK's safety agenda to ensure people go home safe from work every night for the next 50 years and beyond. We are committed to working with our partners to keep today's, and tomorrow's, workplaces safe."

Find out more about Arco's commitment to shaping the UK's safety agenda.

In the run-up to Christmas, Arco colleagues, customers and suppliers have been contributing their time, efforts and money to a host of well-deserving causes, raising thousands of pounds and enriching the lives of those most in need across the UK.

Christmas raffle for Macmillan Cancer Support

This year, Arco's annual Christmas raffle raised more than £6,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support- the company's longest-standing charity partner. More than 30 prizes were up for grabs in the raffle, donated from across Arco's network of vendors, partners and colleagues. A big thank you to everyone who donated.

Cash for Kids: Missions Christmas Appeal

In support of Cash for Kids - a charity is dedicated to improving the lives of disadvantaged children and young people - Arco joined the Mission Christmas campaign, the largest Christmas gift appeal in the UK. Arco colleagues donated items and signed up to be Mission Christmas volunteers, sorting and packing gifts to help make sure children living in poverty wake up to presents on Christmas Day.

Showcasing seasonal creativity

In December, young relatives of Arco colleagues were invited to take part in the company's Christmas card competition. Showing their creative streaks, Eva Lindop, 13, and Willow Mallinson, 5, each won a pack of 12 Christmas cards of their design, a family fun day voucher, and a £100 donation from Arco to a charity of their choice. Willow's chosen charity was Hull Food Bank and Eva chose Dove House Hospice.

Combined with other community and charity activities throughout 2024, the seasonal efforts of Arco's colleagues reflect the company's commitment to having a positive impact on people's lives.

Find out more about Arco's corporate social responsibility initiatives.

Working at height specialists from Arco Professional Safety Services have provided expert safety support for the return of classic ITV game show You Bet!

The reboot of the show, presented by Holly Willoughby and Stephen Mulhern, features members of the public showing off their extraordinary skills, with celebrity panellists betting on whether each contestant can complete their chosen challenge.

The first episode, which aired on Saturday night on ITV1, featured a "Climber vs Car" challenge, with gym instructor Mila Stanzani scaling the exterior wall of a multi-storey car park while professional driver Michelle Westby raced her to the top and back down again.

Arco's team of working at height experts, led by Mike Clayton, were on hand at the new Shinfield Studios in Reading to help ensure the safety of everyone involved in the challenge.

The team provided advice to production company Rollercoaster Television on making the climb safe, provided the necessary safety equipment, assisted with protecting a camera operator and managed Mila's climbing rope to ensure her safety during the challenge.

Mike Clayton, technical lead (working at height) at Arco Professional Safety Services, said:

"It was an amazing experience for the team to be involved in this challenge for the reboot of You Bet!

"Throughout the years, we've been trusted to carry out working at height training and supervision for some thrilling and critical projects, but this was one of the most exciting we have been a part of in recent times. Mila took to the task with a great amount of confidence and the team at ITV were great to work with."

Sarah Boyce, Head of Production for Rollercoaster, said:

"In the early planning stages it was clear we needed experts in working at heights. Arco, being an ITV vetted contractor, were immediately recommended by our inhouse health and safety team.

"They went on to provide expert climbing knowledge and clear advice on how to make this challenge work. They quickly proved to us - and Mila - that they could be relied on 100% and were a big part of the success of this spectacular challenge."

To find out if Mila won her challenge, watch Episode 1 of You Bet! on demand on ITVX.

Find out more about Arco's expert working at height services