Snickers Workwear has announced a new charity partnership with Band of Builders, reinforcing its commitment to supporting people working across the UK construction industry.

The partnership will see the two organisations collaborate on a range of fundraising and awareness initiatives, while Snickers Workwear will also supply free workwear to hundreds of Band of Builders volunteers undertaking charitable projects across the country.

Band of Builders provides practical, financial and wellbeing support to members of the construction industry and their families facing illness, injury or other life-changing circumstances. Through its nationwide volunteer network, the charity delivers projects and assistance designed to make a lasting difference to those in need.

The collaboration also aims to raise awareness of the challenges affecting tradespeople, both on and off site, while highlighting the importance of supporting the industry’s workforce.

Ben Stacey, UK Sales Manager at Snickers Workwear, said: “The construction industry is built on teamwork, resilience and looking out for one another. Band of Builders embodies those values every day through the incredible support it provides to people facing difficult circumstances. We are proud to name Band of Builders as our chosen charity and look forward to working together on a range of initiatives that will make a real difference to construction workers and their families.”

Gavin Crane, CEO of Band of Builders, added: “We are incredibly proud to be partnering with Snickers Workwear, a brand that is trusted and respected by construction workers across the UK. Our mission is to ensure people don’t have to face their challenges alone through practical projects, financial assistance and wellbeing support.”

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Bobcat Safety Footwear has secured a trio of major stockists just months after its launch.

Among the latest additions is MacGregor Industrial Supplies (MIS), one of the largest independent industrial suppliers in North Scotland – serving the industrial, construction and engineering sectors across the Highlands and Aberdeenshire. Selected Bobcat boots and shoes are now available through MIS’s extensive branch network and online platform, with 24/7 trade account ordering and daily delivery services. To celebrate the launch, MIS is offering complimentary footwear from the Bobcat range with every Bobcat equipment purchase or hire.

Versatile Equipment, the UK’s number one Bobcat dealership serving London and the South East, has also added Bobcat Safety Footwear to its offering, providing customers with easy access to the brand’s innovative boots and shoes alongside its construction and industrial equipment.

Safety-Shoes.co.uk, an leading online safety shoe supplier, further expands Bobcat’s national footprint, making the range accessible to customers across the South of England.

This follows a growing network of PPE and workwear specialists across the breadth of the country now stocking Bobcat Safety Footwear, greatly increasing availability and accessibility for customers across the UK.

Peter Lawson, Brand Manager at Overland Shoes, the footwear powerhouse behind Bobcat Safety Footwear launch, commented: “Since introducing the Bobcat Safety Footwear range just months ago, the response has already surpassed our expectations. Clearly, the market has been crying out for a range that combines standout style, all-day comfort  and uncompromising protection – and Bobcat delivers on all three at a mid-market price point. Quite simply, there’s nothing else like it today.

“It is therefore incredibly exciting to have such highly regarded stockists on board. This is another step forward in expanding our national reach and delivering trusted products that combine comfort, protection and reliability.

“We encourage any merchants or distributors interested in stocking our products not to delay and to get in touch today, we’ll be happy to help.”

For more information please visit www.bobcat-footwear.com

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Carhartt’s new women’s Steel Pants have been designed around how women actually move and work on site rather than simply resizing existing men’s products.

The Carhartt’s men’s Steel Pants range were a big hit when they were introduced in 2025. The women’s version has now been carefully and specifically designed to fit women properly, allowing for easy movement but with the toughness and durability tradeswomen expect. They are made from a stretch ripstop fabric that is resistant to tears and abrasions but flexible enough to give plenty of freedom to climb, crouch, bend and stretch. Cordura reinforcement is used in high-wear areas, helping the trousers stand up to tough site conditions without feeling heavy or constricting.

Comfort hasn’t been overlooked either. A Flex Cordura gusseted crotch allows for a greater range of movement and the Comfortflex waistband means you get a secure but adaptable fit that stays in place through the day.

As more women join the industry, the demand for properly fitting, purpose-built workwear is only going one way. Carhartt’s women’s Steel Pants work with you not against you and raise the standard for what women on site should expect from their workwear.

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The all-new Bobcat Safety Footwear incorporates Redbacks Leaf Spring Technology to absorb shock, reduce fatigue and provide all-day support for feet, knees and back.

For busy installers, contractors and other tradespeople working 10-12-hour days, often outdoors, it is especially important to prioritise wearability during the summer months, particularly as the UK recently recorded its hottest day in May on record. With this, Overland Shoes has asserted the critical role that the right pair of safety boots or shoes can play in reducing heat, improving comfort and making long hot days feel more manageable.

Among the extensive range, key summer solutions include the Knox, an athletic-inspired work trainer made from lightweight, breathable nylon and featuring a FITLOCK speed-lacing system for a secure, easy and comfortable fit throughout the day. Equally, the Rockford, shown in cool grey, is a durable, lightweight trainer-style shoe designed with a reinforced woven nylon upper and rubber toe guards to deliver all-day comfort and protection shift after shift.

Offering a significant opportunity for merchants and distributors to tap into the lucrative summer footwear opportunity, the Bobcat Safety Footwear launch is supported by a major national marketing and PR campaign, alongside dedicated PoS materials and social media promotion.

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When the going gets tough, the tough need good footwear. That’s why Bobcat is giving readers the chance to win one of two pairs of these high-performance, superior-comfort Dakota boots with an RRP of up to £125 each.

Launched by Overland Shoes, the experts behind some of the world’s most iconic footwear brands, the new-to-market Bobcat Safety Footwear range sets a new standard in durability, comfort and style for work shoes and boots.

The Dakota safety boot is one of the most popular in the range, built to deliver all‑day performance and protection shift after shift. At its core lies Bobcat’s advanced Leaf‑Spring Technology insole, engineered to return energy and reduce fatigue.

For the ultimate performance day-in day-out, the Dakota also features a rugged triple-density outsole, ladder grip, scuff cap resistance and fuel oil resistance. Meanwhile, an ankle zip ensures easy on-off convenience, while a hiker-style lace system delivers a secure, supportive fit. Coupled with a bold, stylish design, luxury textiles and breathable linings, the end result is the ultimate choice for busy electricians looking to move forward in comfort and confidence.

For more information please visit: www.bobcat-footwear.com

HOW TO ENTER

To be in with a chance of winning, simply choose the correct answer from following choices:

Q. What is the name of one of the most popular new safety boots now available from Bobcat Safety Footwear?

A) Dakota

B) Detroit

C) Dallas

Simply fill out the form below and tell us your answer for the chance to WIN!

Deadline for entries 31/08/26

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Workwear is no longer worn only on site. Nick Pouslon at Carhartt explains what electricians now expect from their clothing and how wholesalers can respond with varied, flexible ranges.

The right workwear is important in every job and it should always be tough, durable and safe. But times are changing and workwear now has to do more than stand up to the job. The same clothing is often worn from the first fix of the day through wholesaler visits and into the evening or weekend. Durability still matters, but it is no longer the only factor influencing buying decisions. Comfort, fit and how workwear looks off site are increasingly part of the equation.

For electrical wholesalers, this creates an opportunity to strengthen workwear as a repeat-purchase category. Core, hard-wearing staples remain essential, but there is growing demand for kit that feels comfortable and presentable beyond the job. Ranges that reflect this reality are better placed to support consistent sales and customer loyalty.

Broadening choice

Black and dark colours continue to be a reliable seller and should remain readily available, but alternative colours and finishes are gaining interest. Neutral and heritage tones such as brown, grey, olive and cream offer a cleaner, less uniform look that many electricians are comfortable wearing away from site.

For wholesalers, responding to this demand doesn’t require large or complex ranges. Introducing a limited number of alternative colourways across proven products can offer customers choice while keeping stock manageable. Smaller items such as beanies or graphic T-shirts can also be used to add variety, providing easy add-ons at the counter without increasing risk. They are also typically lower in cost, simpler to size and well suited to repeat purchasing, making them a practical way to build basket spend.

Denim adapted

Denim is a good example of how established workwear categories have been adapted to suit modern working patterns. Traditionally chosen for toughness, denim could feel stiff, particularly when kneeling, climbing ladders or working overhead. Stretch technologies such as Carhartt’s Rugged Flex add flexibility while retaining durability. The added movement makes a noticeable difference on site, improving comfort during physical tasks. At the same time, stretch denim has a more relaxed feel that works away from the job. For wholesalers, it offers a familiar category that appeals to electricians looking for practical workwear without it feeling overly industrial.

The same applies to duck fabric. Known for its resistance to abrasion, tearing and wind, duck has long been associated with demanding environments. Adding a small amount of Rugged Flex improves mobility without compromising strength, making it better suited to long days that combine physical work with travel and site visits.

Comfort that holds up

Performance remains non-negotiable. Electricians still expect workwear to cope with physical tasks, changing weather and long days. What has changed is the expectation that comfort should last throughout the day.

Waterproofing is a clear example. Jackets that block rain are essential, but if they trap heat and moisture they can quickly become uncomfortable during physical work where the wearer builds up a sweat. Breathable waterproof fabrics allow moisture vapour to escape, helping the wearer stay dry without feeling cold or clammy.

Technologies such as Carhartt’s Storm Defender are designed to keep out heavy rain but have a breathable membrane which allows internal moisture to evaporate. This kind of technology is particularly useful when working hard outdoors in inclement weather. Durable water repellent (DWR) coatings also play an important role here, causing light rain to bead and run off the fabric while maintaining breathability, making garments more suitable for variable site conditions.

Any build-up of sweat can leave the wearer cold and clammy once it cools on the skin. Cotton might be soft and comfortable to wear but doesn’t make a good base layer as it stays damp. The trade need fabrics that wick sweat, dry quickly and help control odour keep clothes feeling fresher for longer, which matters when workwear is worn beyond site hours. Carhartt Force, for example, is made from a blend of cotton and polyester. It’s soft and comfortable but pulls moisture away from the skin and helps reduce odour build-up, giving all day comfort.

Lighter layers and women’s workwear

For electrical wholesalers, it is really important to supply women’s workwear ranges designed specifically for the trade rather than adapted from men’s products. As demand grows, having appropriate stock available helps support customers and strengthens the overall workwear offer.

Demand for lighter, more breathable workwear is particularly evident in women’s workwear, where those in the trade have been clear about wanting garments that don’t feel heavy or restrictive but still stand up to demanding environments.

New fabric developments are helping address this. Carhartt’s Tencel Fibre Series for women uses Tencel Lyocell fibres to create clothing that is lighter and softer while remaining durable. This range is breathable, regulates temperature and prevents moisture build-up, making clothing made of Tencel Lyocell suitable for both work and wear away from site. The range includes lightweight T-shirts, overshirts and joggers designed with practical use in mind. Stocking these lighter layers offers an opportunity to supply an underserved part of the trade and build longer-term customer loyalty.

Workwear is constantly developing with new technologies and better choice. Electricians still expect durability and performance but they are also buying with comfort, versatility and appearance in mind. Offering greater choice and clearly communicating product benefits can help build stronger customer relationships, encourage repeat purchasing and support consistent sales.

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Peter Lawson, Brand Manager for Overland Shoes, explains how wholesalers can help close the PPE gender gap and, in turn, reap the financial benefits.

Imagine the scene. It’s early morning on a new jobsite. You have eight hours ahead of you, most of which will be spent on your feet on hard, unforgiving surfaces. You pull on your safety boots and immediately feel it – they’re too wide, poorly shaped and uncomfortable. You’d ask for a better option but you already know there isn’t one because, as always, the only choice is a generic, male-designed safety boot. So, you make-do with footwear that was never designed for you and, worse still, may actively compromise your safety.

Sounds absurd, doesn’t it? Yet for many female electricians and other tradeswomen, this is the norm. For decades, safety footwear design has centred almost exclusively on the male workforce. When women have been considered at all, it has often been through a superficial ‘shrink it and pink it’ approach, rather than addressing the genuine anatomical differences between men and women. The result is a market saturated with products that simply don’t fit a significant and growing portion of the workforce.

The irony in this is that, instead of protecting the worker, poorly-fitting safety footwear can become a danger in itself. To put this into perspective, electricians and other trade workers walk an average of 10,393 steps per day. That’s nearly five miles every shift, or up to 25 miles each week. Most people wouldn’t dream of attempting that distance in poorly fitting footwear so it’s inconceivable that many women on site are expected to do so week in, week out, operating in sectors that are already considered high-risk.

And it’s not just a comfort issue. Beyond fatigue and reduced concentration, research shows that ill-fitting boots increase strain on the body, heighten the risk of slips and trips and can contribute to long-term musculoskeletal injury. Studies also demonstrate that women forced to adapt to male-designed footwear may alter their gait or posture, further compounding the risk of injury.

Comercial imperative

For wholesalers, as key suppliers of PPE, this represents both a responsibility and an opportunity. As the number of women entering electrics and other trade roles continues to rise, demand for properly designed, female-specific safety footwear will only increase. In this way, addressing the PPE gender gap is no longer a niche consideration but a growing commercial imperative.

The good news is that solutions are already emerging. This is seen in the recent arrival of the all-new Bobcat Safety Footwear women’s collection which has been purposefully designed to deliver the optimal balance of safety, comfort and style for women across all industries.

Engineered with insights from leading sports footwear technology and extensive research into the needs of working women, the dedicated women’s range – built across five distinct design handles – uses anatomically correct, gender-specific lasts to deliver true fit, real protection and all-day wearability.

At the heart of the range is comfort that works as hard as the wearer. Every model carries the signature Bobcat design language, with safety features tuned for real-world jobsite environments and the unique comfort advantage of Redbacks Leaf Spring Technology at the core. Unlike foam or gel inserts, which simply soften the impact, Leaf-Spring Technology helps promote better posture, balance and alignment and reduce strain on the lower body. This technology is particularly effective in reducing the risk of plantar fasciitis, a condition all too common among tradespeople who spend hours on unforgiving surfaces.

No sacrifice

Meanwhile, features such as lightweight materials, composite safety toe caps, metal-free construction and puncture-resistant midsoles ensure maximum protection without sacrificing flexibility or comfort.

Style is accounted for too with the collection spanning four distinctively bold, sharp contemporary styles, shown across 5 SKUs, designed to provide a tailored solution for the full spectrum of real-world requirements. For ultimate versatility, the Akron, available in sleek All-Black or on-trend Sage, brings all-day comfort with a trendy hiker-inspired look, breathable lining and triple-density outsoles. The Rockford adds a sportier edge, pairing a lightweight build with advanced safety features ideal for logistics and light assembly. Rounding out the range, the athletic Clinch keeps feet protected through tough shifts, while the Virginia steps up for high-heat environments with waterproof leather, heat-resistant soles and supportive wedge insoles.

The range also delivers a strong margin opportunity. With RRPs from £85 to £125, wholesalers can capture higher spend while offering a product that women in the trades genuinely want, need, appreciate and value. This is supported by a robust trade marketing strategy that proactively drives customers to the counter – from social media and influencer activity to targeted PR – boosting awareness, footfall and sales.

Closing the safety footwear gender gap is no longer a question of if, but who will lead the way. Those who recognise this shift and stock products that genuinely meet the needs of all workers won’t just be doing the right thing – they’ll be positioning themselves a step ahead of the rest of the market.

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Overland Shoes has introduced Bobcat Safety Footwear, developed under license from Doosan Bobcat, Inc (Bobcat).

The launch represents a significant opportunity for merchants, wholesalers and retailers to capitalise on a bold, new category of safety footwear styles backed by the powerful legacy of the Bobcat brand.

At the heart of Bobcat Safety Footwear is the proprietary Redbacks Cushioning System – a breakthrough in comfort technology. Unlike traditional foam or gel insoles that merely absorb impact, the Redbacks Cushioning System features a unique leaf-spring technology that actively disperses pressure across the foot with every step, reducing strain across the foot and helping prevent fatigue before it starts.

Five distinct outsole series are each named after iconic American industrial locations and engineered for specific trade applications. The Delta series offers athletic-inspired trainers like the Knox (with FitLock speed lacing) and Rockford for indoor environments, while the Summit series provides versatile hikers including the Rapid and Toledo for indoor/outdoor versatility.

The Forge series delivers precision performance with ladder grip technology, the Keystone series offers heat-resistant protection for trades like welding and foundry work and the Bastion series provides maximum protection with heavy-duty boots for the most demanding applications.

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Carhartt’s occupational Work Boot range is designed to help prevent slips, trips and falls while keeping feet supported through long, demanding shifts. Built to handle tough conditions, they combine proven safety features with all-day comfort.

Carhartt’s Greenfields Rugged Flex O2 Occupational Work Boot range is designed to keep workers steady, supported and comfortable across long shifts whatever the conditions underfoot. Available in lace-up or Chelsea styles and in a full range of sizes for men and women, these boots deliver performance without compromising on comfort.

Built from hydro-treated full grain leather, the Greenfields boots are tough enough for daily wear in demanding environments. A mesh lining helps keep feet cool, the Rugged Flex technology allows natural movement, reducing fatigue over time, and a removable footbed with heel energy absorption and moisture control boosts comfort while tackling the strain of long hours on your feet.

The rubber Vibram sole is oil resistant, heat resistant up to 300°C and provides heat insulation for 30 minutes at 150°C. These features, combined with a polyurethane injected midsole and lightweight stability shank keep you steady on uneven or slippery ground and help prevent workplace accidents.

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Hours outdoors leave tradespeople vulnerable to harmful UV rays, dehydration and heat stress. That’s why Carhartt has introduced the Sun Defender range – a collection of durable, high-performance workwear with built-in sun protection that doesn’t compromise on comfort or mobility.

Sun Defender fabric is rated to UPF 40+, offering maximum protection by blocking 98% of the sun’s harmful UV rays. The range includes lightweight, breathable garments that help workers stay cool and each piece in the collection is designed with Carhartt’s Force technology, which wicks moisture away from the skin and dries quickly to prevent discomfort in warm conditions.

For upper-body protection, Carhartt has introduced the Force Sun Defender Lightweight Long-Sleeve Logo Graphic T-Shirt. Made from a lightweight polyester blend, this long-sleeved top offers full arm coverage without adding unnecessary warmth. The breathable, fast-drying material actively pulls sweat away from the skin, keeping wearers cool even in direct sunlight.

For those who prefer short sleeves but still need UV protection, the Short-Sleeve Logo Graphic T-Shirt delivers the same moisture-wicking and quick-drying benefits along with UPF 40+ shielding. The relaxed fit ensures all-day comfort while the durable fabric is designed to withstand the demands of a tough working environment.

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