News and Updates

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/.