News and Updates

Ahead of International Women's Day (8th March), we hosted an exclusive Women in Construction event with local construction firm Hobson & Porter at the Arco Discovery Centre in Hull. As part of the event, we ran a session demonstrating the importance of correctly fitting PPE and how this can have lifesaving consequences when entering the world of construction.

The importance of correctly fitting PPE

In attendance, was a group of female students from different colleges in Hull. The students are currently studying different areas of construction with a view to forge careers in the sector upon completion. However, a common reoccurring theme for the students is that they struggle to find workwear and PPE that is suitable for them.

Arco's Strategic Development Manager for Construction, Wendy Gaynor, demonstrated the various ranges we offer to tackle this. Explaining that we are not a 'one size fits all' organisation, Wendy stressed the importance of having correctly fitting safety wear.

Wendy had the following to say about the event: "This session was about more than just PPE, it was about empowering the next generation of women in construction with the knowledge and confidence to choose compliant safety wear that fits properly, feels comfortable and protects them effectively. Just as importantly, I want them to feel confident speaking up if their PPE isn't sufficient. The right protection isn't a luxury – it's a necessity, and every worker deserves to feel safe, comfortable and valued on site."

Insightful and empowering

The students were able to tour the testing lab and try on PPE specifically designed for women – something many of them didn't even realise was available. The majority had been wearing unisex or men's clothing and PPE, often unaware of the impact that poor fit can have on both safety and confidence.

The visit proved incredibly valuable. It not only highlighted the importance of correctly fitting PPE from a health and safety perspective, but also reinforced the confidence that comes from feeling properly equipped and represented.

One of the most striking moments of the day was realising that these young women had potentially been working in ill-fitting PPE simply because they didn't know there were alternatives. Being able to step out of the classroom to see, feel and try on the equipment made a lasting impression and brought their learning to life.

Rebecca Blades, Buyer at construction firm Hobson & Porter said: "Thank you to Arco for hosting such an insightful and empowering visit. We hope this experience helps spread the message that young women in construction and engineering do have a voice – and that there are options available to support their safety, comfort and success."

Arco's continuing commitment to inclusivity

Recently, we launched our new Arco Responsible women's hi-vis clothing. This range has been designed to meet the growing demand for sustainable, well-fitting and inclusive workwear for women, particularly addressing safety concerns for those working alone. The range also takes into consideration hormonal and menopausal changes, ensuring garments are tailored fit to prevent uncomfortable overheating during hot flushes while accommodating body changes like bloating whilst remaining safe, visible and compliant.

Arco's women's PPE range is built around fit, comfort, protection and representation – addressing the practical and cultural gaps that have historically disadvantaged women in the workplace. Our commitment to inclusive PPE, supported by industry charters and award-winning innovation, ensures that every worker – regardless of gender, size or shape – can access PPE that fits and protects them properly.

National Apprenticeship Week is here again, giving us a chance to reflect on the impact apprentices make to businesses like Arco across the UK, as well as the wider economy. Arco is dedicated to creating opportunities for apprentices and we're proud of the journeys they take with us, setting them up for exciting careers.

At Arco, over 30 colleagues are working to complete an apprenticeship with us, covering a range of levels (2-7) and standards (including continuous improvement, leadership, and health and safety). Plus, we've welcomed our highest-ever number of external apprentices employed (9 across several locations).

Rewarding and varied careers

They're in good company. Arco apprentices go on to enjoy rewarding and varied careers, with some even winning awards for their efforts.

In 2025 for example, Arco colleagues Brett Thompson and Keira Laws took top honours at the East Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards in the Degree Apprentice and Professional Services Apprentice categories respectively.

Arco was also named Large Employer of the Year at the same awards. This demonstrates our longstanding commitment to professional learning and development, that saw us named one of the top 10 family business apprentice employers in 2022.

Speaking about his Arco apprenticeship in Marketing Management, Brett said: "An apprenticeship has been a great way to learn and develop inside of my day job at Arco and as part of my professional development."

Toasting shared success

To conclude the week-long celebrations at Arco, our Learning & Development team will be hosting a coffee morning for our apprentices. It will be an excellent opportunity for our apprentices (past and present) to meet likeminded colleagues, discuss shared experiences, and reflect on their next career milestones.

We teamed up with supplier Keypoint and our customers to support Breast Cancer Now, raising over £3,500 through sales of limited-edition pink MaxiFlex gloves nationwide.

In September 2025, we collaborated with supplier Keypoint to support the charity Breast Cancer Now with their pink gloves scheme. The limited-edition pink MaxiFlex glove directly supported Breast Cancer Now, with 80p donated for every pair sold up to 30th November 2025. Arco donated 40p per pair, with Keypoint matching the contribution.

The ATG MaxiFlex Pink Active is a unique glove, offering a combination of both wearer and social responsibility benefits. Featuring ATG's proprietary 'Active' technology, the glove is infused with vitamin E and Aloe Vera to actively care for and condition the skin while worn.

In total 3,803 pairs were sold with the majority of these purchased by customer Openreach, who heard about the campaign and wanted to offer their support. With both Arco and Keypoint donating 40p per glove, this brought the overall amount raised to £3,537.20!

Incredibly proud

Niall Robinson, Product & Procurement Manager at Arco, who was the lead on the campaign had this to say "I'm incredibly proud of what we achieved together with this initiative. Seeing our team and customers come together to support Breast Cancer Awareness, while having some fun with the pink MaxiFlex gloves was fantastic. A huge thank you to everyone who participated – your enthusiasm helped us raise over £3,537 for such an important cause."

Breast Cancer Now

Breast Cancer Now is a UK-based research and support charity that funds groundbreaking research into prevention, detection and treatment, while also providing life-changing care and support to anyone affected by breast cancer. They offer a free helpline, a comprehensive website, specialist information, support groups and expert breast care nurses to assist people through every stage of their breast cancer experience.

Their mission is to ensure that by 2050, everyone diagnosed with breast cancer lives and is supported to live well.