For many industrial businesses, workwear is one of the few operational costs nobody owns end to end. Procurement buys the garments, site managers chase replacements, HR handles starters and leavers, and health and safety signs off on whether any of it is still fit for purpose. Because the spend is spread across budgets, it rarely gets the needed scrutiny. That is starting to change. Finance and operations leaders are looking again at rented workwear with an integrated laundry service, not as a convenience but as a way to turn a scattered, partly invisible cost into a single managed line with clear accountability. The argument for doing so rests less on the price of a jacket and more on what happens to that jacket over the following two or three years. The purchase price is the smallest part of the cost When a business buys workwear outright, the invoice captures only the first transaction. The costs that follow tend to sit elsewhere: stock held in stores cupboards and vans, garments issued to staff who leave within months, emergency orders when sizes run out, and the management time spent tracking who has what, those secondary costs can easily exceed the original outlay. Garment rental can streamline the way of spending. Garments are supplied, collected, cleaned, repaired and replaced under one agreement, usually priced per wearer per week, via a managed industrial workwear rental service. Stock levels flex with headcount, so a seasonal ramp-up or a contract loss does not leave a business sitting on boxes of branded kit it cannot use. For a finance director, the practical gain is predictability: a known weekly cost that scales with the workforce, in place of irregular capital purchases and a long tail of untracked replacement spend. There is a cash flow point too. Moving workwear from periodic bulk purchasing to an operating cost frees working capital, which matters more in a higher interest rate environment than it did a few years ago. Compliance is a maintenance obligation, not a purchasing one Under the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992, employers must not only provide suitable PPE but keep it in efficient working order and good repair. Since the 2022 amendment, that duty extends to limb workers as well as employees, which brought many agency and casual staff into scope. Buying compliant garments satisfies the first part of the duty. It does nothing to prove the second. This is where ownership models struggle. High-visibility clothing certified to EN ISO 20471 loses performance as fluorescent material fades and retroreflective tape degrades with washing. Flame-retardant garments to EN ISO 11612 and anti-static workwear to EN 1149 can be compromised by the wrong detergents or temperatures. Once garments go home with staff, the employer has no reliable way of knowing how they are being cleaned or when they have passed the point of protection.  A managed rental service closes that gap. Each garment is inspected on every laundry cycle and repaired or withdrawn when it falls below standard, with its history tracked against the wearer it was issued to. For a board that has to answer for health and safety performance, the value is an auditable record showing that protective clothing was maintained, which is far easier to defend after an incident than a purchase order from two years earlier. Why home washing is a risk you are already carrying In sectors handling oils, solvents, metal particulates or chemical residues, sending contaminated workwear home increases unnecessary exposure beyond the workplace. Residues transfer to domestic washing machines and other household laundry, and the employer has little visibility of it. Some businesses accept this risk without ever having assessed it formally. Industrial laundering is designed for soiling that domestic machines cannot shift. Wash programmes are matched to the fabric and the contaminant, water and chemical dosing is controlled, and wastewater from oily or heavily soiled loads is treated before discharge. The result is cleaner garments that last longer, and a clear separation between what happens on site and what happens at home. There is also a hygiene and presentation dimension that matters in food production, pharmaceuticals and any customer-facing industrial role. Consistent, professionally laundered workwear supports audit requirements in regulated environments, and it reflects well on a business when staff are on client premises. Sustainability reporting is pushing workwear onto the agenda As more businesses report on Scope 3 emissions and face sustainability questions in tenders, textiles have become harder to ignore. Owned workwear typically follows a linear path: bought, worn, washed inefficiently at home, then binned when it no longer fits or looks presentable. Branded garments in particular are rarely reused, because they cannot be passed to another organisation. A circular rental model is built around extending garment life. Repairs are routine rather than exceptional, and garments returned by leavers are reissued after cleaning and inspection. When an item genuinely reaches the end of its life, it can be recycled or downcycled instead of going to landfill. Industrial laundries also use considerably less water and energy per kilogram than domestic washing, and the better providers can supply data to support that claim. For executives, the useful question to put to any provider is what reporting they can give you. Garment lifespan, repair rates, laundry resource use and end-of-life handling are all measurable, and having those figures to hand makes sustainability disclosures and tender responses considerably more credible. What to scrutinise before signing Not every rental agreement delivers the benefits above, and the detail of the contract matters more than the headline weekly rate. Decision makers comparing providers should press on the following. The providers worth shortlisting are those willing to carry out a site survey and wearer audit first, so that pricing reflects how your workforce actually uses its clothing rather than a generic package. Treating workwear as a managed service The shift towards rental and laundry services reflects a broader change in how industrial businesses think about non-core operations. Few would now choose to run their own

MILWAUKEE® continues to expand its M12™ range with the introduction of the new M12 FUEL™ scroll shear, delivering exceptional precision, control, and performance in a compact cordless solution*. Designed for professionals working with sheet metal, the M12 FUEL™ scroll shear combines an innovative shear head with advanced control features to deliver exceptional cutting accuracy, even in the tightest curves. With a minimum curve radius of just 13 mm, it offers the tightest turning capability of any scroll shear on the market, giving end users the ability to tackle intricate cuts with ease.  Engineered for maximum control, the tool features a 5-step speed mode with auto speed functionality, allowing users to match performance to the application while maintaining smooth, consistent cuts. The auto-control start feature further enhances precision by starting the tool slowly and ramping up to full speed when a cut is detected, improving accuracy and reducing material distortion. Compact, ergonomic, and lightweight at just 1.29 kg, the M12 FUEL™ scroll shear is designed for all-day comfort and reduced fatigue. Its compact form factor allows for greater manoeuvrability in tight spaces, while maintaining high performance. The scroll shear is capable of cutting 1.6 mm of mild steel, 1.2 mm of stainless steel, and 2.0 mm of aluminium, delivering clean, burr-free results across a range of applications. A 4-sided cutting blade ensures extended tool life and consistent cutting performance, reducing downtime and improving efficiency on the job. For added visibility, an integrated LED light illuminates the work area, enabling users to work with greater precision in low-light environments. MILWAUKEE® is committed to improving productivity by providing performance driven and trade focused solutions so users can perform an entire day’s work on one battery system. The new M12™ scroll shear is fully compatible with the entire M12™ line, now offering more than 125 power tool solutions. *M12 FUEL™ power tools are designed, engineered, and built to deliver extreme performance and productivity. All M12 FUEL™ products feature three MILWAUKEE®-exclusive innovations – the POWERSTATE™ Brushless Motor, REDLITHIUM™ Battery Pack and REDLINK PLUS™ Intelligence Hardware and Software – that deliver unmatched power, run time and durability on the jobsite. Simply put, M12 FUEL™ tools are the most powerful sub-compact cordless tools in their class. Specifications M12 FUEL™ scroll shear M12 FMS16-522B Kit Includes: (1) M12 FUEL™ FMS16, (1) M12 HB5, (1) M12 HB2.5, (1) C12 C, (1) tool bag Visit Milwaukee Tool UK’s Instagram and LinkedIn for further information. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

The new MILWAUKEE® M18™ HIGH OUTPUT™ 5.0 Ah battery range is engineered to deliver improved performance, durability and efficiency. Elevating the experience for all existing and new M18™ users and driving confidence in their investment by significantly raising the core across the M18™ platform. Designed to run cooler, the M18™ HIGH OUTPUT™ 5.0 Ah battery range supports up to 50% more productivity** while reducing overheating during heavy-duty applications. The pack can be supercharged to 80% in only 28 minutes, fully recharged after 39 minutes with Milwaukee’s super chargers. Its durable, user-focused design features latches that are easy to operate with or without gloves, enabling quick and convenient battery changes in any working environment. The new M18™ HIGH OUTPUT™ resistant 5.0 Ah battery is specifically engineered for harsher environments, featuring a chemical-resistant housing that provides increased protection against oils, solvents and greases. This housing material helps extend product life and ensures reliable performance in applications where exposure to fluids is common. An enhanced onboard fuel gauge, engineered for clear readability even in direct sunlight, allows users to monitor remaining charge at a glance, supporting better planning and minimising downtime. MILWAUKEE® is committed to improving productivity by providing performance-driven and trade-focused solutions so users can perform an entire day’s work on one battery system. The M18™ HIGH OUTPUT™ 5.0 Ah and M18™ HIGH OUTPUT™ resistant 5.0 Ah battery is fully compatible with the entire M18™ line, now offering more than 325 solutions. *In medium and high demand applications vs. M18 B5 under the same test conditions. **Up to 50% more work completed in medium and high demand applications vs. M18 B5 under the same test, driver by sustained power output and reduced thermal shutdown. Specifications M18™ HIGH OUTPUT™ 5.0 Ah Battery M18 HB5 M18™ HIGH OUTPUT™ resistant 5.0 Ah battery M18 HB5-CR To find out more about the M18™ HIGH OUTPUT ™ 5.0 Ah battery range, see video footage of it in action or find your nearest store, please visit www.milwaukeetool.eu Visit Milwaukee Tool UK’s Instagram and LinkedIn for further information. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Construction workwear is one of the few site costs decided quickly and regretted slowly. Somebody orders what the last supplier sent, the kit arrives, and the problems surface months later. Trousers split at the knee, hi-vis fades to a dull lime, and nobody can reorder the same jacket in the same colour. The garments were not wrong on the day they arrived. They were wrong when they were specified. This guide covers how to specify and buy construction workwear properly, working from the site risk assessment outwards. What counts as construction workwear? Construction workwear is the clothing and protective equipment worn by teams on building sites. It normally covers hi-vis garments, work trousers, base layers, outer layers, footwear and head protection. Every order splits into three parts, each governed differently: Start with the risk assessment, not the catalogue The most common buying mistake is starting with a product list. Somebody opens a catalogue, picks garments that look about right, and works out afterwards whether they suit the work. Work in this order instead: That sequence also gives you a defensible record. If a client or inspector asks why a garment was chosen, the answer traces back to an assessment rather than a catalogue page. Which class of hi-vis does a site need? High-visibility clothing is divided into three performance classes under UK and European standards. The class is determined by the minimum surface area of fluorescent background and retro-reflective material a garment carries. Class Minimum material Typical application Class 1 0.14 m² fluorescent, 0.10 m² reflective Lowest risk. Warehouses, delivery yards, car parks, slow-moving traffic. Not suitable for roadside work. Class 2 0.50 m² fluorescent, 0.13 m² reflective Medium risk. Traffic control, deliveries, waste collection, work near moving vehicles. Class 3 0.80 m² fluorescent, 0.20 m² reflective Highest risk. Motorways, high-speed traffic, railways. Requires sleeves or trousers carrying reflective bands. Three practical points sit alongside the classification: Who is responsible for providing PPE? Employers are legally responsible for providing suitable PPE free of charge. That duty covers anyone they employ or control on site, wherever risks cannot be controlled by other methods. Companies cannot charge workers for standard work PPE or deduct it from wages. Employer duties: Worker duties: wear it as trained, store it correctly, and report damage straight away. This is worth checking rather than assuming on sites using subcontracted or agency labour. The commercial arrangement does not always match the legal duty. Building a core kit list for a site team Most site teams need four things: something against the skin, something on the legs, something high-visibility, and something for weather. The simplest way to buy this is in sets rather than garment by garment. Workwear bundle deals group a standard kit per worker, which is quicker to order and easier to repeat. It also solves reordering before it starts, because new starters and replacements match what is already on site. Getting work trousers right Trousers take more abrasion than any other garment on site, so they wear out fastest. They are also the item most often replaced mid-project, which makes them worth closer attention than they usually get. Check the seams, the knees and the hems, because that is where trousers fail. Triple stitching and reinforced knee panels last noticeably longer, and knee pad pockets should always be adjustable. Buy lighter cloth for summer and heavier for winter. Getting fit and sizing right Fit is a safety consideration, not a comfort preference. Loose garments catch on scaffolds and moving plants. Tight garments restrict movement, so they get unfastened or removed. Women’s fit still gets handled by issuing smaller men’s sizes, which produces poor sleeve length and hi-vis sitting wrong on the body. Ranges of ladies construction workwear cut for women’s proportions now cover most site categories. Order sizing samples before any bulk commitment, because a fitting session beats exchanging eighty garments. Choosing workwear jackets and outer layers The usual mistake is one heavy waterproof coat expected to cover the year. It is too warm for most of the working day, so it comes off, and then it is not on when the weather turns. A base, mid and shell system works better, because workers adjust through the day instead of choosing between overheating and getting wet. When specifying workwear jackets, check three things: whether seams are taped rather than only stitched, whether the garment is genuinely waterproof or merely water-resistant, and whether it is cut with room for layers underneath. Getting your logo on it: what to expect from a supplier Branding is where suppliers differ most, and the easiest part of the process to judge before committing. Two methods dominate.   Embroidery Print Best on Polo shirts, sweatshirts, fleeces, jackets Technical fabrics, lightweight garments, hi-vis Strength Hard wearing, handles repeated industrial washing Reproduces detailed and full-colour artwork accurately Watch for Puckering on lightweight polyester Method must match the fabric A supplier who recommends a method for your logo on your garments is worth more than one applying the same process to everything. Insist on a proof before production This is the single most useful question to put to any supplier. Your logo is first converted into a production-ready file, a process called digitising for embroidery. Before production, expect a stitched sample photo for embroidery or a position and colour visual for print. You approve it, then production starts. Any supplier skipping that step is asking you to accept whatever arrives. Production run in-house rather than subcontracted also helps, because problems get fixed rather than passed along a chain. Where a logo can go on hi-vis Branding must not reduce the certified fluorescent or reflective area. Logos go in plain fluorescent gaps, never over reflective tape. Keep the logo small enough that it does not eat into the required background area. Print is generally preferred over heavy stitching on hi-vis and waterproofs, which avoids damaging the safety fabric. Which construction workwear brands should be on your shortlist? Brand matters less than specification, but it is

MILWAUKEE® introduces the M18™ Brushless Recovery Pump, delivering a breakthrough solution for HVAC professionals. Designed for residential and light commercial technicians, this cordless recovery machine transfers refrigerant out of HVAC systems so that repairs can be made. By eliminating the need for external power sources, MILWAUKEE® enables a fully cordless workflow that optimises speed and run time for service calls. The M18™ brushless recovery pump delivers instant power and no hassle, giving HVAC technicians complete cordless convenience on the job. By removing the need to search for outlets or manage extension cords, this solution streamlines service calls and maximises productivity. The recovery pump is A1, A2, and A2L compatible, reinforcing MILWAUKEE®‘s commitment to providing dedicated HVAC solutions that tackle core challenges without compromise. Pairing the M18™ Brushless Recovery Pump with the existing M18 FUEL™ Vacuum Pump 5 CFM delivers a fully cordless service calls, unlocking productivity for HVAC technicians. Eliminating the need to search for outlets, ask customers for access to power, or drag extension cords onto a roof; this combination saves time and reduces job site frustrations. Both solutions are A1, A2, and A2L compatible to meet the refrigerant standards, giving technicians confidence while working with modern refrigerants. This solution is equipped with a digital display for visibility in any environment. Helping protect equipment and ensure efficient operation, the self-purge feature removes refrigerant residues. A balanced carrying handle enables single-handed transport, making it easy to move the machine between service locations. These thoughtful design elements combine to deliver a solution that prioritises convenience, safety, and efficiency for HVAC professionals. MILWAUKEE® remains unwavering in their commitment to delivering disruptive innovation by working alongside trade professionals to identify challenges and provide solutions that are unparalleled in enhancing job site safety and productivity. Specifications M18™ Brushless Recovery Pump M18 BLRP-121 Kit Includes: (1) M18™ Brushless Recovery Pump, (1) M18 FB12 Battery pack, (1) M12-18 FC Charger, (2) filters  To find out more about the new M18™ Brushless Recovery Pump see video footage of it in action or find your nearest store, please visit www.milwaukeetool.eu Visit Milwaukee Tool UK’s Instagram and LinkedIn for further information. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

MILWAUKEE® introduces its latest addition to the job site the M18™ Lift Air Fan, built for versatility and quick adjustments. Built for demanding job sites, this fan delivers powerful personal cooling with full airflow control, a quick‑adjust scissor lift mount, and all‑day versatility on the MILWAUKEE® M18™ battery platform. The integrated variable speed dial provides precise control, allowing users to adjust airflow to suit the application and job site conditions. Featuring up to 350° of horizontal fan head rotation and up to 210° of vertical tilt, this fan delivers exceptional control to direct airflow exactly where it is needed. A quick adjust clamp design enables fast, secure mounting to any scissor lift, reducing setup time and keeping airflow where operators need it. Designed for maximum compatibility, the quick adjust clamp securely mounts to both square and round rails, allowing the fan to be installed in seconds on any scissor lift. An integrated tether point allows attachment of a tool lanyard, providing added security when used at height. Engineered with an impact‑resistant housing and protection against dust and water ingress, the fan is built to withstand demanding job site conditions. Powered by a high‑performance brushless motor, this fan delivers airflow speeds of up to 30 km/h and a volume of 1.274 m³/h, optimised for personal cooling in demanding commercial job site environments. Delivering dependable run time, the fan operates for up to 3.5 hours on high and up to 8 hours at 75% speed when paired with an M18™ 5.0 Ah REDLITHIUM™ battery. Specifications M18™ Lift Air Fan M18 LAF-0 Kit Includes: (1) M18™ LAF To find out more about M18™ Lift Air Fan see video footage of it in action or find your nearest store, please visit www.milwaukeetool.eu. Visit Milwaukee Tool UK’s Instagram and LinkedIn for further information. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

(Hillhead 2026, 23-25 June) Dräger, an international leader in medical and safety technology, will showcase a range of Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) designed to protect construction and quarrying workers from harmful particles, gases and vapours. Central to Dräger’s lineup is the X-plore 8000. A versatile, customisable system, the X-plore 8000 combines a choice of blower units with headpieces including hoods, face shields,  helmets, and welding visors, as well as a comprehensive selection of filters, charging options, carrying solutions, and accessories.   The newly launched X-plore 8300 will be another important element of the Dräger’s stand. The smallest and lightest PAPR in its class, the 8300 is designed for safe and intuitive operation and easy cleaning. The rugged unit provides reliable respiratory protection, even in the demanding environments seen in construction and quarrying, and also offers excellent wearing and breathing comfort.  Visitors will also be able to see how the Dräger X-plore 8500 blower unit provides respiratory protection and comfort without breathing resistance. Built for daily use in tough industrial environments, it combines robust construction with low-maintenance operation. A wide range of accessories makes the system fully customisable to specific workplace needs, and safety functions help minimise user errors while ensuring reliable protection.   For hazardous atmospheres, the Dräger X-plore 8700 Ex is engineered for environments with flammable or combustible substances and potentially explosive atmospheres. ATEX-certified, the unit is approved for use in Ex zones 1, 2, 21, and 22. Encapsulated electronics, anti-static materials, and smart supervisory controls ensure both safety and operational reliability in the most demanding conditions.   Tom Pearson, Marketing Manager (Industry) Breathing Systems & Engineered Solutions at Dräger says Hillhead provides an excellent platform to demonstrate the breadth of Dräger’s expertise in respiratory protection: “Our X-plore PAPR range is built to deliver reliable, comfortable, and flexible protection for workers exposed to dust and hazardous particles, reflecting our commitment to safety in industrial environments.”  Dräger’s stand is located at RC7 in the registration Pavillion. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Leading tool manufacturer strengthens commitment to workforce development through comprehensive learner training programme MILWAUKEE® Tools has partnered with JTL, one of the UK’s largest work-based learning providers, to help address the growing skills shortage across the construction and building services engineering industry. The partnership will support apprentices in England, beginning with a pilot of the partnership at JTL’s Birmingham and new Thames Valley training centres, giving learners access to high-quality training, equipment and real-world experience. The partnership helps ensure the next generation of highly-skilled tradespeople are prepared for the demands of modern construction, mirroring what they will use on site and improving confidence, competence and safety. JTL has a network of 17 specialist training centres, and also partners with a number of colleges and other delivery partners, supporting around 8,000 electrical and plumbing apprentices. Expert-led training from experienced tradespeople Rather than simply supplying tools, MILWAUKEE® is also bringing its team of Job Site Solution Specialists to JTL apprentices. These experts will deliver regular, practical, on-site sessions across select training centres and colleges; complimenting the high-quality day-to-day training apprentices receive from JTL’s site-experienced Tutors and Training Officers. These sessions will give apprentices the chance to further get to grips with professional-grade tools, while also building confidence around safety and practical guidance in realistic working environments. This initiative also aims to challenge outdated perceptions of the trades. By introducing apprentices to modern technology, like the MX FUEL™ battery platform, M18™ and M12™ cordless systems, it highlights how construction today is driven as much by innovation as it is by skill. JTL Apprentices will also have the opportunity to visit MILWAUKEE®’s UK Experience Centre in Aylesbury, where they can explore the full range of tools and take part in specialist training sessions, competitions and events. Building confidence from day one For training providers, MILWAUKEE®’s collaboration helps reduce equipment costs and broaden access to high quality training. Independent Training Providers (ITPs) like JTL face significant funding constraints and are not directly funded for tools and equipment. For learners, it means learning with the same tools they’ll use on site, helping them feel job-ready from the very start. “The skills gap in construction isn’t just a recruitment problem, it’s a perception problem,” said Dan Abley, College Programme Manager at MILWAUKEE® Tools. “Young people need to see that the trades offer genuine career progression, with powerful technology, and career paths that rival any office-based role. This partnership puts professional-grade equipment in learners’ hands from day one, proving that construction is as innovative and technology-driven as any other sector. When you learn on the tools you’ll actually use in the field, you build the right habits and standards from the beginning, and that shapes your entire career.” “The construction sector is constantly evolving, with new technologies and tools reshaping how we work.” said Chris Claydon, Chief Executive Officer of JTL. “This partnership with Milwaukee ensures our apprentices continue to learn using first‑class, industry‑leading equipment. JTL’s training expertise, combined with the innovative solutions Milwaukee brings, will support our apprentices to develop the skills electrical employers need now and in the future.” Following a visit to MILWAUKEE®’s UK Experience Centre in Aylesbury, JTL’s Delivery Team Manager for the Western region, Kirstine Ginger, said: “It was fantastic for our delivery team to visit Milwaukee’s Experience Centre in Aylesbury and see first-hand the breadth of innovation shaping the electrical industry. Experiences like this really bring learning to life, giving staff greater knowledge and confidence with new tools and technologies to pass on to the next generation of apprentices, while reinforcing the practical skills they are learning in training with JTL”. By stressing the importance of education, mentorship and hands-on learning rather than focusing on product donation alone, MILWAUKEE® Tools and JTL are creating a sustainable model that benefits apprentices, education providers and the wider construction industry. There are also plans to expand the programme to more colleges and partners as it grows. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals