Magazine - SpringSummer Issue 1

Issue 1 - Spring/Summer 2018 

Catwalk to 

High Street 

Is imitation the 

sincerest form of 

flattery? 

Trend Guide | Brexit Update | Fabric Technology | Influence of Colour 

1 dimensions.co.uk Spring/Summer 2018

Contents 

4 The Power of a 

Branded Uniform 

Catwalk 

to High 

Street 

20 Fibre Guide 

8 Why You Need 

To Know The 

Real Cost Of Your 

Uniform 

6 

18 

50 The Influence of 

Colour 

10 Recycle, Reuse, 

Refurbish 

Contributor: 

Christy Raedeke 

52 Multi-site Global 

Sourcing 

13 The Relationship Between 

Looking Good and Giving 

Great Customer 

Service 

17 GDPR: 

Protecting Your 

Data 

Contributor: 

Roger Martin-Fagg 

14 

21 

54 Giving 

Something Back 

55 Digital 

Technology 

Leaders Award 


Welcometo Spring/Summer 

edition 

I’m delighted to welcome you to the first edition of Dimensions’ eponymous biannual 

magazine. Dimensions always strives to be an industry leader and we have 

launched this magazine so we can share our knowledge with the people that really 

matter, you. 

Our designers have been out and about internationally to bring you the Trend 

Guide (page 21) where you will find insights into what is up and coming in the 

fashion world. 

GDPR is this year’s buzzword and as the legislation came into force on 

25th May, we’ve put together a guide of how we protect your data on 

page 17. 

Following on from the success of our Future of Work conference, we 

have invited behavioural economist Roger Martin-Fagg to provide you 

with an updated view of the Economic Outlook for 2018 (page 14). 

We really hope you enjoy our inaugural issue. Of course, if you have any questions, 

or simply want to get in touch, our contact details are at the bottom of this page. 

Hayley Brooks 

Managing Director 

Dimensions (MWUK Ltd) @dimensions_mwuk dimensions_mwuk 

web: www.dimensions.co.uk tel: +44 (0)1332 856 800 email: hello@dimensions.co.uk 

Spring/Summer 2018 dimensions.co.uk 3

The Power of a 

Branded Uniform 

A branded uniform is more than 

the clothes your employees wear 

on a day to day basis, it’s a walking 

billboard, a symbol of trust and a 

hint towards your professionalism 

and company standards. 

A branded uniform serves as 

a key marketing tool for brand 

awareness. Imagine all the places 

your employees go in a day, the 

drive through for breakfast, the deli 

at lunch, the petrol station after 

work, the supermarket, the gym… 

The possibilities for your brand to 

be exposed are limitless. As many 

of our clients have found out, a roll 

out of a new uniform has brilliant 

PR potential and can lead to massive 

exposure. 

Have you ever been in a shop 

and needed to ask a question but 

not known who works there, and 

walked back out? Chances are, if 

your staff don’t wear a uniform, 

your customers have too! Missed 

sales from missed opportunities are 

impacting your businesses’ bottom 

line. By identifying your members 

of staff clearly, customers are aware 

of who they can speak to with a 

query, this increased number of 

leads mean more opportunity for 

sales. At all costs, avoid putting your 

customers in the situation where 

they ask another customer if they 

work there! 

Would you let a stranger into your 

home? How would you feel about 

taking an unexpected parcel from a 

stranger in casual clothes? Chances 

are, you wouldn’t, and you wouldn’t 

feel comfortable. Having a uniform 

clearly identifies your workers, and 

puts customers at ease with having 

them in their home. A well branded 

uniform generates a feeling of trust, 

allowing your staff to do their jobs 

with no hassle. Without a uniform, 

your business looks unprofessional 

at best, and completely illegitimate 

at worse. 


We’ve established that a uniform is essential for your customers, but what about your staff? 

Working in a uniform presents a united front for your staff, and if your uniform is altered for different levels of 

seniority it makes an attractive reward for promotions. A world class, well-fitting uniform makes your staff feel 

valued, that you as an employer care enough about your employees to provide them with a quality uniform speaks 

volumes about you, and your company. 

What you might not 

know about us… 

We dispatched 

18.4 million 

items in 2017: 

CLAIM YOUR FREE 

DESIGN 

CONSULTATION 

SIMPLY CALL US ON 01332 697045 

AND QUOTE THE CODE “MAGAZINE01” 



Christy Raedeke discusses 

“How a Fabric Technology 

Used by Pro Athletes Can 

Improve Your Uniforms” 

Did you know that the fabric 

technology that pro athletes 

use in hockey, cycling, running, 

football, and climbing is available 

in uniforms through Dimensions? 

Now the same fabric technology 

that helped this Salomon athlete 

shatter a Fastest Known Time in 

a recent ultramarathon can be 

incorporated into polos, suits, 

pants, jackets, and more. To put 

37.5 technology to the test in 

suiting, Carl Gross had a runner 

take on the Hamburg marathon 

in a 37.5 dress shirt and suit. The 

result? He broke the previous 

record for running in a suit by more 

than 15 minutes and is now in the 

Guinness Book of World Records. 

Your employees may not be 

running marathons, but in addition 

to increasing athlete efficiency, 37.5 

technology has been proven to 

increase comfort. 37.5 works in 

the vapor stage, moving moisture 

out of clothing before liquid sweat 

can form. As a broad concept, you 

can think of 37.5 clothing like the 

climate control in your car. You set 

it to the temperature at which your 

body is most comfortable and if it 

gets warmer, the air conditioner 

kicks on. If it gets colder, the heat 

kicks on. What a perk to your staff 

to show them that their comfort 

and performance is important 

enough for you to choose the 

finest thermoregulating fabric 

technology available for their 

uniforms! This is same technology 

they might find in their Adidas 

jacket, their Rossignol ski gear, or 

their Rip Curl snowboarding suit. 

How does 37.5 technology work? 

37.5 technology is reactive— 

it works with your body to 

determine if you need warming 

or cooling. 37.5 particles absorb 

the infrared (IR) energy your body 

emits and if moisture/sweat is 

present it speeds the evaporation 

to cool you. If no moisture/sweat 

is present, the IR energy is retained 

to keep you warm. 

How does this impact comfort? 

When moisture is removed from 

clothing, you stay warmer when it’s 

cool and cooler when it’s warm, 

widening your range of comfort in 

different temperatures and activity 

levels. This means you need fewer 

garments to serve a wider range of 

conditions. 

How does it increase 

performance? 

37.5 has been shown to increase 

athlete efficiency, as published in 

the International Journal of Sports 

Medicine (Jan 2017). When your 

body is not spending resources 

cooling or warming itself, it is more 

efficient. You have more stamina. 

Whether you are cycling in the 

Tour de France or standing behind 

a desk greeting guests all day, how 

much your body has to work to 

cool or warm itself impacts your 

work. 

How long will it last? 

37.5 technology offers a natural, 

permanent technology that will 

last the lifetime of the garment. It’s 

not a chemical finish; the natural 

particles are embedded in the yarns 

or fibers that make up the garment 

and will never wash out. 

If you’d like to discuss how 

you can incorporate 37.5 

technology into your uniform, 

contact 01332 856800 or email 

hello@dimensions.co.uk 

What you might not know 

about us… 

We dress over 4 million 

people - approximately 13% 

of the UK's workforce. 


Why You Need To Know 

The Real Cost Of Your Uniform 

In the battle for the lowest cost corporate clothing, the 

ethical considerations of global manufacturing can sometimes 

be overlooked by purchasers. The perceived view of the 

garment industry and the challenges often associated with 

manufacturing on such a large scale include child labour, 

low wages and sweatshop conditions, so taking ethical 

considerations into account are a must when choosing a 

garment supplier. 

Following our recent online guide on ‘the multi-site global 

considerations when choosing suppliers’, here we give an 

in-depth view of the importance of ethical compliance within 

the supply chain. 

We recognise the obvious benefits for our 

clients of overseas sourcing of fabric and 

garments, and we are extremely conscious 

of the potential social impacts that overseas 

sourcing can have. 

To ensure strict continuous improvement, both external 

auditors and our own staff constantly monitor our facilities. 

We aim to educate and build capability with our facilities to 

ensure that compliance to high standards becomes habitual 

and they understand the benefits that compliance has on 

their facility. 

The team at Dimensions complete walkthroughs and audits 

of a facility whenever they visit; this allows us to assess 

general health and safety elements in the facility, and provide 

actions where improvement is needed. 

ETI and SEDEX 

Here at Dimensions, we place ethical trading at the heart of 

our business, our commitment to this was recognised when 

we gained membership to both the Ethical Trading Initiative 

and SEDEX. Dimensions became a member of the Ethical 

Trading Initiative in 2007 and 

consequently we adopted the 

internationally recognised ETI Base 

Code of Labour Practice. We are 

committed to supporting our suppliers 

to implement this code of practice, and 

as a result help to create a fair and safe 

working environment for their employees. 


This is part of our continuous improvement plan to improve 

working conditions, create environmentally friendly work 

places and uphold all human rights. 

ETI BASE CODE: 

• Freedom of association and the right to collective 

bargaining are respected 

• Working conditions are safe and hygienic 

• Child labour shall not be used 

• Living wages are paid 

• Working hours are not excessive 

• No discrimination is practiced 

• Regular employment is provided 

• No harsh or inhumane treatment is allowed 

• Employment is freely chosen 

Dimensions joined the Supplier Ethical Data Exchange 

(SEDEX) in 2008 and we continually monitor our supply 

chain and submit the relevant information into their database. 

SEDEX aims to provide a secure database for companies 

to store and share ethical data. This allows us to link the 

supplier data to the customer enabling transparency in our 

supply chain. 

It’s very important to Dimensions that our workforce is 

also aware of our ethical trading values and what they stand 

for. Our membership to organisations are represented at 

Director level within Dimensions. Our staff, and indeed 

some of our clients have attended training and workshops 

with trade associations in order to share best practice and 

learn from other members. 

Purchasers that do not take ethical considerations into 

consideration when choosing their suppliers are putting their 

brand reputation at risk. Consumers are increasingly aware 

of the ethical cost of global sourcing, and are putting higher 

value on ethical practices and the brands that show their 

dedication to ethical trading. 

We are dedicated to achieving best possible practices and 

services. As brand guardians for major companies, we 

dedicate ourselves to ethical practices within our supply chain 

so our clients can buy with confidence. We hold ourselves 

accountable to the highest industry standards, and you can 

be assured of total transparency. 

In our next issue, we will look at 

how the HERProject unlocks the 

full potential of women working 

in global supply chains through 

workplace-based interventions 

on health, financial inclusion, and 

gender equality. 


Recycle 

Reuse 

Refurbish 


Avoiding Landfill at the End of the Product Life Cycle 

The Office for National Statistics 

states that at the end of 2016, 32 

million people were working in the 

UK; many of whom will have worn 

some form of corporate clothing 

provided by their employer, whether 

that be work wear, career wear, 

corporate casual wear or a uniform. 

With the average product life cycle for 

corporate clothing being between 1-2 

years, this means that approximately 

10,000 tonnes is accumulated in 

corporate clothing waste in the UK 

each year. Whilst almost 10% of 

this is recycled or reused effectively, 

the remaining 90% goes to landfill 

or is incinerated. This could have a 

detrimental effect on the environment 

if changes are not made quickly. Of 

course we aren’t suggesting that 

organisations alleviate the problem by 

not providing corporate clothing, as 

that would present new problems in 

itself. We do, however, need to look 

at how the issue is being addressed by 

employers, in partnership with their 

corporate clothing suppliers. 

Last year, Dimensions 

provided corporate 

clothing for over 4 

million people in the UK, 

approximately 13% of the 

working population 

We recognise our obligations to 

care for the environment through 

the prevention of pollution, and the 

implementation and monitoring of 

good environmental practices. We 

strive to maintain best practices, 

seeking continuous improvement and 

innovation through our accreditation 

of BS EN ISO 14001 Environmental 

Management System. This includes 

how we deal with our clients’ clothing 

at the end of their life cycles. 

Disposal of stock also forms part of our 

Quality Management System, ISO9001. 

All fabric and trims are ordered in 

line with required demand and any 

unusable product is securely disposed 

of in an environmentally friendly 

method. 

Why isn’t the majority of corporate 

clothing recycled? 

There are three main reasons why 

the majority of corporate clothing is 

currently sent to landfill rather than 

recycled, those being: 

1) Many uniforms are produced 

by blending fibres. This makes the 

garments difficult to recycle, as 

technologies for separating fibres are 

not commercially available yet 

2) Security, branding and corporate 

image are big issues for corporate 

clothing disposal 

3) Because of point 2, it can be difficult 

to find out which recycling companies 

will accept corporate wear, as there are 

a lot of rules and regulations about how 

garments should be dealt with. 

In the past, the recycling of clothing 

waste has relied on the value of the 

garments. Higher quality clothing 

has typically been sold in the UK via 

the charity sector, or for export to 

developing countries, whilst lower 

quality clothing has been disposed of. 

However, many organisations now 

demand a secure and audited process 

for handling items with their corporate 

name or logo on, in order to retain 

control of how and where their 

branding is seen, which has made them 

less suitable for export. This means only 

garments that are not heavily branded 

can be sent to charities in developing 

countries. 

In the first instance, our preferred 

method of corporate clothing disposal is 

the garment refurbishment scheme. 

What is garment refurbishment? 

As the originator of the garment 

refurbishment scheme in the corporate 

clothing industry, we work with 

clients on the environmental disposal 

of used garments from the wearer 

base. This generates substantial cost 

savings for clients, as well as significant 

environmental benefits. Uniforms from 

departing staff that are returned for 

recycling, are graded against pre-agreed 

standards before being professionally 

cleaned, repacked and returned to 

stock. 

The refurbished items can be identified 

separately to allow re-issue to existing 

wearers. In addition to the cost 

savings generated, this scheme helps 

to reduce the amount of stock held at 

each location and ensures that all new 

starters are issued with a clean and 

properly presented uniform. 

What if garments are not suitable for 

refurbishment? 

If returned products cannot be 

refurbished, garments can be securely 

disposed of by being shredded and 

baled, before being flocked for 

utilisation in products such as car 

upholstery. They can also be used in 

the wiper/cloth industry, or sent to 

a recycling plant where the garment 

waste is turned into shoddy, which 

is then used to produce blankets for 

distribution into disaster areas. 

The recycling agent that we partner 

with established a list of garments 

that are suitable for a new grade 

of processed waste called Waste 

Processed Fibre (WPF). This can be 

used in a number of applications, 

including mattress fillings, felts, sound 

insulation and heat insulation. The list 

includes the vast majority of corporate 

clothing, including work wear, fleeces, 

catering clothing and accessories, such 

as socks, ties and gloves. 


In the past, only fibres which are 

inherently Fire Retardant (FR) such as 

wool, could be used in mattress pads. 

Now, the Waste Processed Fibre (WPF) 

is shipped to mills and treated with a 

range of synthetic resins, which ensure 

that the fibre conforms to FR2 and FR1 

standards. WPF can also be thermally 

bonded with nylon waste, generated 

from the manufacture of other 

products, including carpet tiles. The 

more nylon waste used, the more rigid 

the end product is. This means that 

it can be used for products including 

packaging, internal walls and concrete 

shuttering. 

Can they be recycled into other 

corporate apparel? 

We have an exclusive partnership in 

the corporate wear market to provide 

sustainable solutions for corporate 

textile waste by ‘up-cycling’ reusable 

materials into new, design-led products. 

For example, we have recently started 

transforming redundant high-visibility 

jackets into bags and mail sleeves. This 

provides an excellent alternative to 

sending those products to landfill and 

could bring potential cost savings to the 

client. 

A further area of up-cycling involves 

one of our suppliers who, in 

partnership with us, has pioneered 

a scheme which harnesses modern 

technology to produce fibres, 

fabrics and clothing with minimal 

environmental impact. 

This initiative starts with the collection 

of 100% virgin cotton surplus scraps, 

unused waste fibres and fabrics from 

cutting rooms. This is converted back 

into yarn and then blended and knitted 

with regenerated 100% polyester 

made from PET plastic bottles to 

produce knitted pique fabric. Once the 

fabric is knitted, it is then washed and 

finished to be manufactured into polo 

shirts without dyeing the fabric again. 

Our supplier of the dyed polyester has 

the Global Recycle Standard Certificate 

for added reliability. 

These processes are supported by 

the use of efficient recycled energy to 

further reduce emission levels. 

What about footwear? 

Quality, paired shoes are generally in 

limited supply, as people tend to wear 

practical footwear such as trainers or 

work shoes until they are no longer 

fit for use. Fashion shoes are an 

exception to this, however they are 

not practical for recycling or reuse in 

the countries which shoes would be 

sent to. The footwear that we recycle 

can be redistributed all across Europe, 

however, the end uses for serviceable 

shoes and boots can vary. Trainers and 

lightweight shoes are typically shipped 

to different developing countries, as 

opposed to those who will accept 

heavier shoes and boots. 

Unserviceable or unpaired shoes have 

two end uses: 

- They are shredded and used in the 

Waste Derived Fuel product - this is 

normally the case for synthetic shoes 

- Unserviceable leather shoes (without 

steel toe caps) can be mixed with other 

leather waste such as handbags and 

belts, which is exported to developing 

countries. There, it is recycled into a 

reconstituted leather product. 

STEP 1 

100% cotton surplus scraps are 

collected from factory cutting rooms. 

STEP 2 

The cotton scraps are sorted into broad 

colour groups and analysed for shade. 

STEP 3 

The cotton 

scraps are 

shredded 

using 

specialist 

machinery 

STEP 5 

The shredded 

cotton scraps 

are blended with 

the regenerated 

polyester. 

Polyester 

STEP 4 

PET plastic 

bottles are 

supplied and regenerated 

to create 100% polyester. 

STEP 6 

The blended cotton 

and polyester is 

spun into yarn and 

knitted to produce 

authentic ecofriendly 

pique fabric. 


The Relationship Between 

Looking Good and Giving 

Great Customer Service 

At the start of the year, the Institute of Customer Service issued the UK Customer Satisfaction Index, which outlined 

the 50 top-scoring organisations for customer satisfaction in the UK. We’re proud to clothe many of the Top 50 on the 

list, especially as Customer Service is at the heart of everything we do. We believe that there is a strong relationship 

between looking good and giving great customer service, so we always make sure to focus on how we can enhance that 

relationship for our clients when creating a new corporate clothing range. Let’s discuss the link… 

What makes great customer service? 

The words that customers most frequently used to describe their experience with the Top 50 organisations, include: 

happy, helpful, professional, efficient and friendly. This means that organisations need to develop their ability to offer fast, 

knowledgeable and reliable expert service in order to maintain high customer satisfaction levels. So how can a uniform 

influence that? 

HAPPY 

It is a well-established thought that 

developing a co-ordinated uniform can 

boost self-esteem, which contributes 

to improving attitude and productivity. 

Consequently, the customer service given 

is of a higher quality. This is because looking 

good helps people to feel confident, happy 

and to maintain a positive outlook, which 

is crucial for staff when they are interacting 

with customers all day. 

PROFESSIONAL 

Looking good and feeling like part of a team also creates a united 

workforce with a combined sense of responsibility. It encourages 

colleagues to work professionally together in order to achieve 

established company targets. This inspires staff to perform better as 

they feel more appreciated as being part of a team and when staff 

feel appreciated, engagement is higher. 

The UKCSI showed a strong link between employee engagement 

and customer satisfaction, as well as evidence of the link between 

customer satisfaction and business performance 43% of customers 

will actively warn others against using an organisation that they have 

had a bad experience with. 

EFFICIENT 

On the other hand, if your uniform differentiates between teams or 

levels, it can make progression within your company an attractive 

prospect for staff, as they know that they will receive a new uniform 

to demonstrate their promotion. This means that they will feel 

motivated and willing to take on extra responsibilities, which in turn, 

will improve efficiency and business performance which will help the 

business to evolve and grow. 

HELPFUL 

When staff wear a uniform, it portrays 

a united brand image, which indicates 

to customers that they will receive a 

consistently good service level from all 

employees, no matter who they are 

served by. It makes staff more conscious 

of their actions and encourages them to 

act in a certain way, as they are easily 

identifiable to customers as working for 

the company. This instantly helps to build 

the trust between brand and customer 

as it gives the impression that staff are 

knowledgeable, approachable and ready 

to help – these are all key factors in 

providing fantastic customer service. 

FRIENDLY 

Rolling out an attractive new uniform can also get your 

brand in the press for all the right reasons and increase 

brand visibility. This can either be done via social media or 

traditional PR, by your staff sharing photos of themselves in their new uniform or by publications releasing them for you. 

This will generate excitement around your brand and encourage customers to purchase from you. If they see photos of 

your staff looking happy in their uniform, it gives the impression that your company offers positive and friendly service. 


THE ECONOMIC 

Roger began his career as an Economist with the New Zealand Treasury in 1972, then as 

Economist to the Air Transport and Travel Industry Industrial Training Board. In 1976 he 

was asked to design and run a postgraduate programme in Airline Management for British 

Airways which ran successfully for 12 years at Thames Valley University. 

In 1987 he joined Henley Management College to design, deliver and teach bespoke 

strategic management programmes. This he did for 21 years covering all sectors, but with an 

emphasis on Financial Services, house builders and newly privatised Utilities. 

For the past nine years, Roger has worked as an Independent Behavioural Economist. He is 

visiting faculty at Warwick, Ashridge (where he teaches the MBA), Henley and Duke Business 

Schools. He has been an External Examiner at The University of Bath, and visiting faculty at 

the Bank of England and the Institute of Marketing. 

Roger Martin-Fagg BA HONS 

He specialises in making economics accessible for non-economists and helping boards think 

through their Strategy. He leads workshops, seminars, and delivers keynote sessions. He has worked in the USA, Middle 

East, Russia and SE Asia. 

His book Making Sense of the Economy is in its fourth reprint, and he publishes a quarterly economic update which is read by 

1200 Chief Executives. 

He has a reputation for making the complex simple, producing accurate forecasts, and is one of a few Economists with a keen 

sense of humour. He forecast the 2008 crash, Brexit and Trump! 

In his spare time he is a Veteran Oarsman at Marlow Rowing Club and plays keyboards in a Rock Band. 

This month, we chatted to Roger about his views of the economic outlook for 2018. 

The UK is underperforming the USA and the EU. The reasons are clear. For 86% of companies surveyed by the Bank of 

England the uncertainty around Brexit is affecting their investment plans. Looking ahead to 2020, 34% expect their investment 

spend to be 6% lower, 30% expect their investment to be 3% lower. But 36% expect their investment to be 14% higher. So 

64% of those surveyed are expecting to reduce their investment spend. This comes at a time of full employment: investment 

is needed to boost productivity and thus GDP per capita. 


OUTLOOK 2018 

The UK’s potential growth rate 

falls over the next two years 

It is encouraging to see IP investment rising: this covers spend 

on AI which is the main route to improved productivity. But UK 

business has underinvested since 2008. Consequently our national 

productivity growth is only growing at 0.8%. Taking demographics 

and net migration into account the Bank of England believe 

that our sustainable growth rate has dropped from 2.5%pa 

to 1.5%pa. They do not expect it to recover until a lot more 

productivity enhancing investment spending takes place. 

The UK is running at full employment of available resources even 

though our real output is growing at just 1.5%. It means that the 

growth in money supply has to be reduced to avoid inflation taking 

hold. This is why interest rates are beginning to rise. If people 

respond quickly to a small increase of say 0.5% ie new mortgages 

granted and retail credit slows, then further increases will be 

unnecessary and we can look forward to no increase beyond 

1.25%. However if there is a wage explosion (earnings growing at 

4%) then we can expect rates to rise beyond 1.25% in 2019-20. 

The good news is money supply data for March 2018 suggest an increase in interest rates can avoided until later in the year. 

Furthermore if money supply growth remains subdued then there will be no wage explosion. If we crash out of the EU in 

December 2020 then rates will be have to be cut back to 0.25% for a period to prevent supply chain disruption causing a full 

blown recession.But this will cause sterling to weaken and the result will be higher inflation and we will see repeat of the last 

two years. The Bank of England have a difficult balancing act to manage.The Prime Minister has made it clear we will leave the 

customs union and single market in Dec 2020. We will not have a bespoke deal in place by then. To avoid chaos we will have 

to extend the transition period. 

Crashing out of the EU will cause sterling to drop back to around $1.25 and 1.08 Euro thus boosting import prices and then 

CPI. And by 2022 real incomes will again fall as the chart shows happened after vote leave. 


The Economic Outlook 2018 continued... 

It is clear the very cold weather experienced by the UK 

and Europe in March has reduced first quarter GDP 

growth in both areas. The UK only grew by 0.1% in real 

terms (we expected 0.3%). We should expect a significant 

improvement in Q2. And as real incomes grow from now 

retail sales should strengthen in the second half of this year. 

Looking further ahead the USA is close to the top of its 

economic cycle: interest rates will continue to rise in the 

USA over the next 18 months. In 2019 the USA will begin 

to slow. The EU has at least two years of growth ahead as 

it absorbs the spare capacity which exists (except Germany 

which is at full employment). The UK will continue to 

fudge the Brexit negotiations. I suspect the end game is an 

extension of the transition period beyond December 2020. 

This will allow Government to say we will leave but only 

when we can find a workable solution to the Irish border and 

find a customs system which will continue to allow frictionless 

trade with the EU. As we will continue to pay a subscription 

to the EU in the transition period I suspect the EU will be 

happy to continue the arrangement. They need the money! 

For UK business the main constraint on growth will be 

the right kind of employees. Good people will be in high 

demand. My advice is to develop and train your employees 

so they could leave at any time but create a working 

environment which encourages them to stay. Giving your 

employees the very best working conditions possible must 

be a priority. 

Household real incomes and consumption should 

pick up in the second half of 2018 

UK Retail sales trending downwards 



Catwalk 

to High 

Street: 

Is imitation the 

sincerest form 

of flattery? 


Over 300 years ago in 1714, English writer Eustace Budgell 

wrote in The Spectator that “Imitation is a kind of artless 

flattery”, a phrase which was then, ironically, revised by 

Charles Caleb Colton in the 19th century to be the nowfamous 

quote “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.” 

But, is imitation the sincerest form of flattery or is it simply 

seen as an unethical act of plagiarism? 

In many industries, protecting intellectual property rights has 

become big business, with more and more companies wanting 

to safeguard their valuable assets. However, in industries such 

as music and fashion, growth and creativity within the industry 

relies on imitation. 

We know that musicians and designers take inspiration from 

each other; in fact it is recognised that the high street is heavily 

influenced by the catwalks of London Fashion Week. So, when 

is imitation seen as inspiration or simply just copying? 

Reports suggest that many designers are keen for their ideas 

to be popularised and fashion houses are flattered when they 

see their designs re-interpreted on the high street. Indeed, 

in recent years designers have collaborated with high street 

retailers to create affordable versions of their own designs. 

To copy an individual or organisation is often an unintended 

complement and a great tribute to the success of those that 

are copied. In the corporate world, market leaders are often 

copied by smaller companies as it is natural that they aspire to 

be seen as successful in their field. 

However, unlike the fashion or music industry, within the 

business world, imitators rarely have the substance behind 

the style. Market leaders invest in research & development 

and innovation is at the forefront of their strategy; those who 

concentrate on copying seldom have the vision to focus on 

leading the field. 

As market leader within the UK corporate clothing industry, 

we strive to lead the way in innovation and service. Our 

technical garment and fabric developments are often first into 

our trading theatre and our IT developments are innovative 

and progressive in delivering customer service. When our 

clients tell us that our standards are the ones that they 

measure others against we are both flattered and honoured. 

After all, Coco Chanel said “if you want to be original, be 

ready to be copied!” 

“if you want to be 

original, be ready to 

be copied! 

- Coco Chanel 


FIBRE GUIDE 

WOOL 

We currently use four main fibre types in our ranges 

COTTON 

Wool is a natural fibre, obtained predominantly from the fleece of 

sheep. The quality of wool can vary, depending on its source. 

Although wool is versatile, it is mainly used in our suiting fabrics, as it 

offers good abrasion resistance and natural moisture wicking. 

Beneficial properties: 

Due to its good abrasion resistance, wool is generally resistant to 

pilling. It has excellent absorbency and is breathable. Wool is a natural 

insulator, which means that it will help to keep the wearer warm or 

cool as required. Wool has a soft handle and is crease resistant. 

Care considerations: 

Wool shrinks easily and on its own, can be a relatively weak fibre, 

although dry cleaning can prevent shrinkage from occurring. It is 

expensive to process and difficult to wash and care for, compared 

to synthetic fibres. 

End of life possibilities: 

Wool is a natural fibre, so is biodegradable. It can also be recycled 

into insulation materials. 

POLYESTER 

Polyester is an oil-based synthetic fibre and is the most widely used 

of all the man-made fibres. As such, it is the most common fibre 

used in corporate wear, due to its durability and strength. 


Polyester is the best wash-and-wear fibre, in that it is easy care, shrink 

resistant and quick drying. It maintains good stability and excellent 

colour retention, as it is not damaged by sunlight or weather. 


Polyester is not very breathable and can have a shiny appearance, 

contributing to potential static build-up. It is also prone to pilling and 

snagging more than other fibres. 


In general, polyester is not biodegradable and therefore is not suitable 

for composting. However, polyester produced from recycled plastic 

bottles is now widely available. 

Cotton is a natural fibre, with a near-white matt or dull appearance. 

Due to its natural background, organic and “green” cotton are 

available, which can be supplied via Fairtrade or the Better Cotton 

Initiative. 

Cotton is used in a range of our garments, due to its soft handle and 

moisture regain properties. 


Due to its natural properties, cotton is non-allergenic. It is also 

breathable, maintains its strength when wet, and has good abrasion 

resistance. It produces no static build up. 


Cotton is prone to becoming creased and therefore requires more 

ironing than fabrics produced from other fibres. It can take a long 

time to dry naturally, or will need to be set to a high setting in a 

tumble dryer. Colour retention and shrinkage also tends to not be as 

good as synthetic fibres. 


Organic cotton is biodegradable, but it can also be reused. Cutting 

room waste can be recycled back into fibre form for re-use. 

VISCOSE 

Viscose is a regenerated cellulose fibre, which is strong, durable and 

comfortable. This makes it a key fibre to use in producing corporate 

wear, as clothes may be worn on a regular basis for up to 2 years. 


Viscose is abrasion resistant, yet soft to handle and has good drape 

properties. It is breathable and absorbent, which adds to its comfort. 


Viscose tends to be weak when wet and is prone to shrinking. Like 

polyester, viscose can pill and snag more easily than other fibres and 

can have a shiny appearance. 


As it is 100% cellulose, viscose is biodegradable. It also has potential 

for reuse and remanufacture and should not be sent to landfill. 

Blends of the above 

Blending two or more of the above fibres into one fabric, can result in combining the positive elements of a fibre while controlling the negative 

elements. 

Fabric types 

Woven: 

Woven fabrics are produced on a loom, by weaving two or more 

yarns at right angles. Warp yarns run parallel to the selvage, with 

weft yarns perpendicular to the selvage. There are four main weave 

structures commonly used, those being: plain weave, basket weave, 

twill weave and satin weave. 

Knitted: 

Unlike weaving, knitted fabrics can be produced with just one yarn, creating 

stitches that loop together to create the fabric. There are lots of varieties 

of knitted fabrics, but the main ones that we use are: single jersey, interlock 

and pique knits. Knitted fabrics are faster to produce than woven fabrics 

and the loop stitch construction makes knits softer than woven fabrics. 






























Don’t miss our 

next issue... 

The Trend Guide 

Volume 3 

PPE: All You 

Need To Know 

Dimensions 

Celebrates 

30 Years 

Don’t forget to keep up to date 

www.dimensions.co.uk 


THE INFLUENCE OF COLOUR 

If an organisation brands itself effectively, it is not unusual for a colour to spring to mind instantly when someone 

mentions the brand’s name. It is for this reason that many companies choose to dress their staff in brightly 

coloured, distinguishable uniforms which will ensure that they stand out to customers – making them more 

approachable. 

However, beyond the initial recognition of the brand, it is interesting to study how different colours make us 

feel and the impressions that they create in people’s minds. Most of these feelings are evolutionary and have 

been developed or inherited over time, which means that whilst we can’t change the way that people will feel 

about certain colours, we can design uniforms around these formed associations to ensure that consumers will 

feel as positive as possible about your brand, before an interaction has even taken place. 

Here is a guideline of colour associations to consider when rebranding or redesigning your new uniform, to 

ensure that you are sending out an accurate message to your existing and potential customers. 

Whilst this advice has been formed on the basis of research, these are guidelines only. The most powerful 

uniforms will always be those that portray your brand ideals and values accurately. 


RED 

Red is most commonly associated with energy, power and confidence. It is a brilliant colour to wear 

if you need or want to attract attention, as it quickly stimulates emotions and encourages action. This 

makes it ideal for organisations that want to convey passion and positivity. Interestingly, red has also been 

shown to stimulate appetite, which makes it a smart colour to use in the hospitality and catering sectors 

– it is often seen in restaurants and fast food establishments. 

BLUE 

Blue is the most universally favoured colour and therefore makes it a stable colour to choose for a 

uniform which a lot of different people are going to see. The colour is known to symbolise trust, reliability 

and relaxation, making it a suitable colour for almost any organisation, as it is a universal goal to be seen 

as trustworthy and reliable in order to build a loyal customer base. However, it is a particularly suitable 

colour to use for uniforms within the finance, healthcare and trade industries. 

GREEN 

Often seen as the colour of nature, green is most commonly associated with things such as growth, 

vitality and the environment. It is therefore perfect for industries associated with the outdoors or natural 

products, such as greengrocers and energy providers. Unlike other colours, green has very few 

negative connotations and has been shown to inspire creativity and productivity, as it is a restful colour 

for eyes. The colour green is also a common choice for those that work with animals, such as vets, due 

to its calming and natural effect. 

ORANGE 

A colour of stimulation and enthusiasm, orange has been proved to produce an energising effect 

as it increases oxygen supply to the brain. However, it also represents warmth and happiness and 

interestingly, affordability. This makes it a good colour for low-cost companies, or those which want to 

give the impression of being affordable. It is often associated with adventure, so is also a good choice 

for travel and leisure companies. 

PINK 

A symbol of warmth, stability and tranquillity, pink is an ideal colour for the beauty and cosmetics 

industries. With its calming effect, pink is a great colour for those that need to evoke empathy. Although 

it has traditionally been known as a feminine colour, pink is becoming more popular for mens’ uniforms 

– particularly in the corporate industries. 

YELLOW 

Perhaps the brightest colour on the spectrum, yellow has a warming effect and is known to encourage 

creativity, cheerfulness and positivity. It has also been shown to evoke a strong psychological response, 

which is why it is often seen with charities’ branding and uniforms. Having said that, it is not the most 

popular colour and therefore it is probably a good idea to use yellow sparingly within most uniforms. 

PURPLE 

Known as the colour of royalty, purple is most widely associated with sophistication, wealth and 

prosperity. It can sometimes be seen to show that products or services are expensive and therefore 

customers can be wary of the colour, when it is seen within branding or packaging. However, when used 

sparingly, purple gives the impression of high quality and exclusivity. This makes it a particularly effective 

colour when used within the travel, beauty and hospitality industries. 

BLACK 

Black is a colour which can evoke very different feelings, depending upon the context within which it is 

used. Whilst it is often viewed as a stylish and dignified colour, it can also show oppression and negativity. 

Either way, it exerts authority and control, making it a popular colour choice within the security and 

funeral care sectors. However, due to its timelessness and sophistication, it is also commonly used in 

retail uniforms. It is often a good idea to introduce brighter flashes of colour to black uniforms to break 

up the harsh appearance. 

WHITE 

Quite the opposite to black, white represents purity and light. It is often used with the catering and 

medical professions, as it is seen to be a sign of hygiene and cleanliness. Whilst some see white as 

an inspiration for creativity, as it represents a blank canvas, it can sometimes be viewed as bland or 

uninteresting, so it may be a good idea to use in conjunction with other colours. 


Multi-site Global Sourcing 

Considerations When Choosing Suppliers 

Dimensions was the first corporate wear company to source extensively off-shore and as a result, we have developed an 

established multi-site global sourcing chain, which has been producing quality garments for over 20 years. With the advantage 

of not having to support our own manufacturing facilities, we can select the best location to manufacture each product, 

whether that be formal suiting, corporate casuals, knitwear, work wear, PPE or accessories. 

Using our knowledge and experience of managing international supply chains, we have formulated the following guide on 

what to look for when choosing suppliers for corporate clothing manufacture. 

There are a number of factors that should influence strategic direction when choosing suppliers, including: 

• Ethical considerations 

• Availability of skilled and reliable partners 

• Technical ability 

• Relationship of fabric source to sewing point – including logistics 

• Pricing – including quota and duty 


Ethical considerations 

Dimensions is a member of the Supplier Ethical Data Exchange (Sedex), which provides a secure database for companies 

to store and share ethical data, including self-assessment, audit reports and corrective action reports. We are also the only 

corporate wear company in the UK to be a fully registered member of the ETI (Ethical Trading Initiative). Through our 

membership, we encourage and work with strategic partners to strive for improvements in health and safety and labour 

standards. 

Employing a strict policy of only using approved suppliers, ensures that standards are maintained which are in line with both 

the corporate wear provider and clients’ expectations. All potential suppliers should have a complete audit undertaken before 

they can become listed as an approved supplier. Our suppliers undergo a rigorous accreditation process, which includes a full 

factory evaluation and regular audits to SMETA (Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit) guidelines. This certifies that production 

workers are employed in a safe working environment, that health and safety standards are adhered to and that ethical and 

environmental standards are maintained. Having members of your Sourcing and Technical teams onsite within manufacturing 

locations on a regular basis, can provide further assurance that working conditions are in line with your expectations. 

Availability of Skilled and Reliable Partners 

Inspections should be carried out on a regular basis against agreed key performance indicators on development, pricing, 

delivery and quality. Suppliers should also undertake a formal audit every 12-18 months. As part of the annual audit process, 

it is advisable to check that the supplier has either full ISO 9001 accreditation or has adopted the appropriate processes and 

procedures to gain such accreditation. Suppliers should adhere to Oeko-Tex® Standard 100, which is a global uniform testing 

and certification system for textile raw materials, as well as intermediate and end products at all stages of production. All mills 

should also be Oeko-Tex® certified where possible. 

Suppliers should all be issued with a Quality Manual, which outlines the procedural requirements of working with you as 

the corporate wear provider. If you retain full responsibility for the systems that are in place, it ensures that all products are 

manufactured to an agreed quality standard. By building long-term relationships with strategic partners, it encourages suppliers 

to provide the high levels of quality and services that your clients expect of you. 

Technical Ability 

The nature of corporate clothing supply requires a high degree of flexibility from its supply chain. Suppliers should be able to 

manufacture a single garment, as well as control larger production runs, whilst a dedicated Special Order unit can manufacture 

small order quantities of up to 500 units. A dedicated Rapid Response line should deal with special, made to order garments 

which can be manufactured within two weeks, with fabric trims held at the factory and patterns received electronically. 

This flexible approach to the manufacture of garments ensures that clients receive a high level of service, by eliminating or 

substantially reducing lead-times to order fulfilment. 

Relationship of Fabric Source to Sewing Point 

It is advantageous to establish proven routes for specific fabrics, and position manufacturing in countries and factories known 

for their expertise in specific garment types. By aiming to locate manufacture as close to fabric source as possible, it minimises 

transport cost, time and environmental impact. Where appropriate, it is also possible to purchase ‘fully factored’ garments, 

which allows more focused control and quicker response. Keeping up to date with changes in technology and fabrication also 

presents opportunities to clients for improving quality or product re-engineering, for added value. 

Pricing 

When it comes to pricing, establishing primary and secondary sources of supply for all fabric and product purchases, ensures 

that you maintain a competitive approach and allows flexibility within the supply chain. In addition to this, by continuously 

benchmarking against some of the world’s leading businesses, you can keep up to date with the best market pricing available - 

not only on product, but also shipping, duty benefits etc. 

This guide has been formulated on the basis of our experience in managing multi-site, global sourcing chains over 20 years, 

but the considerations are not limited to the advice given. Priorities will inevitably vary depending on your clients’ needs and 

sourcing strategies should be adjusted accordingly. 


GIVING SOMETHING BACK 

Dimensions are excited to announce that 

our charity fundraising in 2017 raised a 

magnificent £42,000! 

Each department was given a month to 

raise as much money as they could for 

charities of their choice, and they certainly 

rose to the challenge! Activities that the 

teams partook in included; volunteering 

within the local community, quizzes, car 

washing and of course lots of bake sales 

and lunches! 

£42,000 


WE HAVE BEEN SHORTLISTED! 

Dimensions are elated to be able to announce that we have been 

shortlisted in the computing Digital Technology Leaders Awards for our 

market leading software, Detail. 

As one of the UK’s marketing leading corporate wear suppliers delivering 

in the UK as well as internationally, it is important for us to provide an 

easily accessible online ordering solution that enables wearers to self select 

their uniform quickly and easily. 

Dimensions first began investing in providing a bespoke online solution 

in 2007 by the name of DUOS, but by 2015, whilst the offering was 

functionally rich, it was looking dated to users. The Detail project aimed to 

remove the hassle of uniform management and create a seamless solution 

from order to delivery. 

Tailored by our hard working team of Business Analysts and Software 

Developers, Detail provides our customers with a simple, intuitive and fast 

process to order their staff uniform. 

Detail has proved to be a huge hit with customers and we have had some 

fantastic feedback from our wearers: “I would just like to say that 

the ordering system for this year’s uniform allocation has 

been brilliant. It’s so easy to just view the items and select 

the sizes from this. A much easier experience than previous 

years.” 

Ultimately, Detail provides an impressive, easy to use ordering service for 

Dimensions clients and wearers and is fully accessible from PC, tablet or 

smartphone at any time. 

We hope you have enjoyed the first 

edition of our magazine which we 

have developed to bring you the 

latest in innovation, market trends 

and industry news. 

We’d love to hear your feedback and 

any suggestions of articles you’d like 

to see in the next issue! Email us at 

marketing@dimensions.co.uk 

Join the conversation: 

@dimensions_mwuk 

Dimensions (MWUK Ltd) 

dimensions_mwuk 

Fancy a chat about your uniform 

needs? Give us a call today 

01332 697045 

or email us at: 

hello@dimensions.co.uk 

Mark Hampton, IT Director at Dimensions is delighted to be shortlisted 

and said; “This is a reflection of the vision, creativity and 

dedication of the IT team and our business colleagues. We 

are thrilled to have been nominated!” 

Richard Conti, Head of Software Development was over the moon with 

the news that he had personally been nominated for the Digital Product 

Manager of the Year and said; “Being nominated for this award is 

a privilege and personal achievement. For me it’s a direct 

reflection of all the great people I work with, who have 

made Detail a huge success.”

Magazine - SpringSummer Issue 1

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?