From Van to Vanguard: The Definitive Guide to Workwear Express – History, Services & Why They Lead UK Workwear

🚀 1. Introduction: Meet Workwear Express

With an experience of over 35 years, the Workwear Express stands as a major provider of the UK's personal work clothing and uniform. As part of Banjal PLC since the acquisition in 2021, they proudly serve more than 1 million customers in 100+ countries, offering a wide range of workwear, safety gear, branded uniforms and promotional apparels.

From the beginning of a humble starting from the back of a van in 1990, the company has experienced explosive growth, now two state -of -the -art production and supply centers operate 150,000 square meters in Durham.

📜 2. A Remarkable History (1990–2025)

  • 1990 – Workwear Express begins as a mobile operation from a van.
  • 1990s–2000s – Rapid expansion with increased stock and customisation capacity.
  • 2018 – Opens a second 100,000 sq ft fulfilment centre adjacent to an existing 50,000 sq ft facility.
  • 2021 – Acquired by Bunzl, a global distribution brand, enhancing scale and service.
  • 2025 – Celebrated 35 years in business, servicing over 2 million happy customers worldwide.

🏭 3. Facilities & Manufacturing Capability

Workwear Express operates two dedicated UK sites:

  • 50,000 sq ft factory – Core production and decoration hub.
  • 100,000 sq ft fulfilment centre – Fast processing, warehousing, and dispatching.

Their in-house capabilities include:

  • Embroidery, print, heat-transfer
  • Digital garment printing tech
  • Design and order management portal
  • Logo and colour quality control systems

Operating under one roof ensures speed, quality, and consistency.

🧰 4. Core Product Categories & Services

👕 A. Personalised Workwear Essentials

Over 250,000+ SKU range includes:

  • Hoodies, sweatshirts, knitwear, waterproof jackets, safety footwear, and more.
  • Free delivery on orders over £99, with 24‑hour dispatch.
  • Ideal for business uniforms, safety gear, corporate branding, hospitality, and outdoor work.

🎨 B. Custom Branding & Decoration

  • Techniques: embroidery, screen print, heat-transfer, reflective print.
  • Tools for exact Pantone colour matching, digital previews, and quality logo checks .
  • Aimed at consistent branding for teams and fleets.

🧥 C. Corporate & Uniform Solutions

  • Servicing small businesses to corporate entities.
  • Full uniforms: polos, shirts, hi‑vis, waterproof outerwear, PPE, footwear.
  • Bulk order service with account management for ease and consistency .

🛠 D. Security Gear and PPE

  • Stocks include high-purpose fabrics, flame-retardant wear and safety footwear.
  • Ensures compliance in industrial, construction, rail and manufacturing sectors.

👜 E. Work Bags & Accessories

  • Range includes personalised canvas bags, backpacks, and tool bags.
  • Complementary to uniforms for promotional use, outdoor teams, and hospitality staff.

🔁 F. Clearance & Budget Offers

  • Discounted custom workwear and gear on clearance – still with 24-hour dispatch and free delivery.

⚙️ 5. Technology & Logistics

  • Online portal for ordering, account management, design upload, and order tracking .
  • Live chat and customer support available (Mon–Fri 8 am–6 pm; Sat 9 am–1 pm).
  • Next-day dispatch for stocked ranges; custom items have swift lead times .
  • Price Beat Guarantee and free returns within 28 days.

📝 6. Who They Serve

  • Trades & Builders – high-vis, waterproofs, protective gear.
  • Corporate Teams – branded polos, shirts, jackets.
  • Hospitality – chef wear, aprons, branded sweatshirts.
  • Logistics & Delivery – uniforms and reflective jackets.
  • Schools & Universities – teamwear and work-study clothing.
  • Events & Promotional – personalised sweatshirts, bags, hoodies.

✅ 7. Reasons to Choose Workwear Express

Feature Benefit
35+ years experience Established expertise and trust 
In-house production Fast lead times and high quality
Massive product range 250,000+ SKUs across all work categories
Next-day delivery Quick fulfillment for stocked items
Competitive pricing Price guarantees and volume discounts
Global reach Serving 1 million clients in 100+ countries
Comprehensive decoration Embroidery, print, heat transfer under one roof
Strong support Live chat, call centre, flexible ordering

💬 8. Customer Service & Community

Workwear Express is praised for:

  • Speed, especially for urgent orders ("speed is our middle name").
  • Responsive service via phone, email, and live chat 24/7 for online orders .
  • Returns peace of mind: free for 28 days on selected items .

📞 9. Ordering Process & Contact

  1. Choose your items – Explore hoodies, waterproofs, footwear, bags, knitwear, etc.
  2. Upload your branding – Logos or designs for customisation.
  3. Select decoration type – Embroidery, printing, heat-transfer.
  4. Place order – Options for standard, bulk, or trade accounts.
  5. Fast dispatch – Next-day for stocked items; regular production for custom orders.
  6. Track your order & make returns online or via live chat.

Contact options:

  • Phone: 0800 028 5867
  • Email: CustomerSupport@WorkwearExpress.com, Sales@WorkwearExpress.com
  • Live Chat: 24/7 via website

🌍 10. Certification and Business Profile

Listed as Workwear Express Limited (No. 03743499), incorporated on 30 March 1999.

Enjoying a spot among Europe’s fastest expanding workwear retailers within Bunzl plc's global umbrella.

🗣️ 11. Testimonials & Case Example

LinkedIn praises their rapid service:

  • “Need branded workwear in a hurry? … speed is our middle name.”

B2B listing highlights their all-round solutions:

  • "Workwear Express is a UK special experts in Workwear, T-shirt printing, personal clothes, corporate clothes and uniforms."

🎯 12. final thoughts

From a minor van-based startup in 1990 to an industry leader in 2025, Workwear Express has created a reputation on experience, in-house construction, rapid distribution and full branding services. Whether you are preparing construction teams, hospitality staff, corporate teams or emergency services, they offer:

  • A huge 250k+ product range
  • Flexible adaptation options
  • Reliable Next Day Dispatch and Return Policy
  • A proven track record and global access

Looking for a reliable partner in custom workwear and uniform? Your team in the Workwear Express looks sharp, to ensure that she is safe, and represents your brand well.

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