Magazine - SpringSummer '19 Issue 3

Issue 3 - Spring/Summer 2019
BREXIT
SUSTAINABILITY
TREND
GUIDE
VOLUME 4
1 dimensions.co.uk Spring/Summer 2019

CONTENTS
10
One year on
from the new
Regulation, how
has the world
of PPE been
affected?
4
The Better
Cotton
Initiative;
A sustainable
change?
6
Dimensions goes back
to school to shine a
light on the nursing
profession
7
Brexit by
contributor:
Roger Martin-Fagg
13
Extreme weather:
How to combat
extreme heat
in the workplace
15
The Trend Guide
Volume 4
50
What is 3D printing
and how can it help
you and your business?
53
We take a look at the
logistics centre; the
people and operations
that keep Dimensions
ticking
57
News round up
59
2019 Charity
announced
2 dimensions.co.uk Spring/Summer 2019

WELCOME
TO SPRING/SUMMER EDITION
Welcome to the third edition of the Dimensions Magazine,
which is full of new features we’re sure you’ll love. If you’re
giving us a read for the first time welcome and if you’re a
returning reader, welcome back!
Kicking us off, is our behavioural economist, Roger Martin-
Fagg, who has given us his thoughts on Brexit. Our awardwinning
Design team have been on their travels, bringing
the best from Beijing and Barcelona to this issue’s Trend
Guide. Over at the Logistics Centre, Logistics Operations
Director Steve Cassapi, takes us through what makes the
LC such a resounding success.
With Summer imminent, we look at how our designs can
help combat the extreme heat for those who work in high
temperatures, while also looking at the innovations that 3D
printing offers us.
And last, but not least, don’t forget to follow all of our
social media channels. Find us on Twitter and Instagram
at @dimensions_mwuk, and on LinkedIn, at Dimensions
(MWUK Ltd). If you like the issue, let us know, by tagging
our accounts and using the hashtag, #DimsIssue3.
Have a great summer,
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 2019 dimensions.co.uk 3

THE BETTER
COTTON
INITIATIVE;
A SUSTAINABLE
CHANGE?
4 dimensions.co.uk Spring/Summer 2019

With an increased focus on global
sourcing practices, the BCI believes it
can transform the textile market and
make it more sustainable. We caught
up with Ken Wright, Head of Fabric
Technical and Natalie Walsh, Senior
Account Manager to understand the
Better Cotton Initiative’s principles and
how we have implemented them into
our own supply chain.
What involvement does Dimensions
have with sustainable sourcing
initiatives?
Ken: Dimensions is keen to ensure our
sourcing practices are sustainable, so
over the past 7 years we’ve explored
the possibility of implementing a
number of initiatives, including Fairtrade,
Cotton Connect & The Better Cotton
Initiative. The Better Cotton Initiative
is a good case study because it is the
largest cotton sustainability programme
in the world!
What is the Better Cotton Initiative?
Ken: The Better Cotton Initiative, or
BCI, is a not-for profit organisation, that
exists to transform cotton production
worldwide, making Better Cotton a
sustainable mainstream commodity.
What does the BCI aim to do?
Ken: The BCI has four specific aims:
1. To reduce the environmental impact
of cotton production
2. To improve livelihoods and
economic development in cotton
producing areas
3. To improve commitment to, and
flow of, Better Cotton throughout
the supply chain
4. To ensure the credibility and
sustainability of the Better Cotton
Initiative
How is Better Cotton defined?
Ken: The Better Cotton Principles and
Criteria lay out the global definition
of Better Cotton, by upholding the
following seven principles:
1. BCI Farmers minimise the harmful
impact of crop protection practices
2. Promote water stewardship
3. Care for the health of the soil
4. Enhance biodiversity and use land
responsibly
5. Care for and preserve fibre quality
6. Promote decent work
7. Operate an effective management
system
When these 7 principles are followed,
the cotton that is produced is
measurably better for the environment
and farming communities. This is how
Better Cotton is defined.
Who is involved?
Ken: The BCI has over 1,100
members, including retailers, brands,
suppliers and manufacturers. There are
also 1.3 million BCI registered farmers.
These farmers produce 3.3 million
metric tonnes of Better Cotton every
year, which is enough for 2.5 billion
pairs of jeans!
Where do Dimensions fit into this?
Natalie: Dimensions is committed to
sustainable sourcing, so when one of
our largest clients, asked us to help
them with their overall sustainability
strategy, we were more than happy to
help and they set us the goal of moving
all conventional cotton to BCI Cotton
by 2020, to fall in line with their overall
sustainability strategy as a business.
What did Dimensions do to help?
Natalie: The first step to help reach
our customer’s objective
was to identify the amount of cotton
they purchased from us each year.
To achieve this, our forecasting team
calculated the amount of cotton within
this customer’s uniform range, and
used our state of the art forecasting
software ‘TXT’ to calculate the annual
usage of each garment within the range.
From this we were able to accurately
assess the gross cotton usage per year.
What happened next?
Natalie: We liaised with the BCI to
better understand their principles and
how we could implement them into
our own supply chain, and also to begin
to build relationships with its certified
suppliers.
By 2014, we had fully implemented
BCI cotton into our supply chain – this
was 6 years ahead of schedule!
This is an accomplishment we are all
still very proud of!
Are other customers able to work
with Dimensions to source BCI
Cotton?
Natalie: Yes they can, because we put
in the hard work 5 years ago, we now
have the infrastructure in place so that
we can source Better Cotton for any
customer. We want to supply Better
Cotton to as much of our customer
base as possible so please do get in
touch!
Spring/Summer 2019 dimensions.co.uk 5

DIMENSIONS
GOES BACK TO SCHOOL
TO SHINE A LIGHT ON
THE NURSING PROFESSION
A pioneering team has been working on an innovative project
to widen recruitment to the profession who believes that
attitudes and ideas are formed as early as primary school and
considers a child’s dressing up outfit to be a key part of this
perception.
Colin McNulty, senior nurse manager with NHS Grampian,
said: “If you look at a typical nurse’s costume for a child, the
uniform often comes with a cape and hat, even though these
haven’t been standard uniform for decades. The tools they
have may be limited to a thermometer and a fob watch,
suggesting that nurses do little more than take temperatures or
measure pulses.
“We are delighted to be working with NHS
National Services Scotland and the Scottish
Government on such an innovative project. Not
only are we passionate about great uniform,
we’re passionate about people and it’s great that
we can have a positive influence on our younger
generation and their career choice.”
The reality of modern day nursing couldn’t be further from this
but first impressions matter. If this is what very young children
are learning about nursing then they may decide it is not the
job for them in years to come. As a qualified male nurse I
wanted to change the message.”
As such, Colin approached senior managers within NHS
Scotland and also at the Scottish Government to ask if childsized
versions of the national nursing uniform could be
made. Having gained permission, the project team worked
with Dimensions to arrange for the miniature uniforms to
be produced and launched the initiative at Braehead Primary
School, Aberdeen and Duddingston Primary School, Edinburgh.
Hayley Brooks, managing director of Dimensions said: “We are delighted to be working
with NHS National Services Scotland and the Scottish Government on such an innovative
project. Not only are we passionate about great uniform, we’re passionate about people
and it’s great that we can have a positive influence on our younger generation and their
career choice.”
Fiona McQueen, chief nursing officer said: “This is a fabulous initiative devised and
developed by NHS Grampian in partnership with NHS Lothian and local schools, to inspire
the next generation of the nursing workforce. I wholeheartedly support the approach to
showcase the breadth and diversity of nursing and midwifery careers. We are delighted that
Dimensions are able to provide gender neutral child size tunics to challenge crucial early
perceptions of what it means to be a nurse.”
Led by NHS Grampian and NHS Lothian, the pilot project will run in seven Aberdeen
primary schools and a further seven schools in Edinburgh. Feedback will be gathered from
teachers and pupils alike for full evaluation and consideration of future roll out. Partners
from SG, DYW and NES are involved to maximise opportunity for future impact.
6 dimensions.co.uk Spring/Summer 2019

BREXIT
By Roger Martin-Fagg BA HONS
What are the key indicators
currently telling us about the
next two years?
Forecasting the economy is
a mugs game, if a forecaster
makes the correct call then it
is more a matter of luck than
skill. As I write this there is
still no agreed way forward
for Brexit both in timing
and content. This being said
there are some indicators
which to date have never
yet failed to forecast the
economic cycles’ ups and
downs.
The first is the money supply.
We all depend on a money
inflow to live our lives: for
those in work it’s our salary,
for those not in work it is a
student loan, a pension, or
universal credit. This money
flow creates £2.1 trillion of
income and expenditure.
The growth of our economy
(i.e. our real income)
requires an ever increasing
supply of money.
The numbers are: for a
2.5% real GDP growth rate,
with an inflation rate of 2%,
we need the money supply
to be growing at 5% per
annum. If money supply
grows faster than this we
get inflationary pressures
particularly seen in house
price increases. If it grows
less than than 5% we suffer
lower growth and less house
price inflation.
TODAY’S MONEY SUPPLY DETERMINES NOMINAL GDP A YEAR LATER
The chart shows us that money supply is currently growing at 2%. If there is no improvement in this number then
the UK will be close to recession or actually in recession in the first quarter of 2020, and UK house prices will
stagnate. It also means employers will find it very difficult to raise salaries and profits simultaneously. It is of course
possible if productivity can be raised.
Spring/Summer 2019 dimensions.co.uk 7

THE UK ECONOMY PIPE
CPI 1.8% M4 2%
March 2019
Real Money in +0.2
THE UK PIPE
12-18 months
March 2020
Real GDP out +0.2
Another way of expressing this is by using the pipe analogy.
The economy is a big pipe, money (water) goes in one end it
flows (money changes hands as people earn and spend) and
assuming no leaks the same amount comes out the other end
(this is nominal GDP) after about a year. The next chart gives
the evidence.
CFOs are reacting to a weaker domestic outlook with a sharper focus on cost
control and building up cash. UK corporates are placing as much emphasis on
defensive balance sheet strategies as they did during the height of the euro crisis
and immediately after the euro area referendum.
Source: Deloittes June 2018
8 dimensions.co.uk Spring/Summer 2019

The money data tells us that business
will be challenging for the next 12
months regardless of the political
situation. However if Parliament
can agree a way forward which is a
managed exit or even no exit then in
my opinion, money supply will quickly
recover back to 4-5% per annum and
there will be no recession.
Many commentators are suggesting
that all the UK needs to do is agree
a comprehensive trade deal with the
USA and we could export our way to
prosperity.
A key forward indicator is the difference
between the yield of short and long
dated bonds. The yield curve measures
the gap between the interest rates (or
yields) on three-month and ten-year
government bonds. Central banks
largely determine short-term interest
rates. Long-term yields are influenced
by market expectations for growth and
inflation.
When markets anticipate a slowdown,
expectations for growth and inflation
fall, dragging down ten-year yields. In
the jargon this is a flattening of the yield
curve. When ten-year yields fall further,
below three-month rates, as they did in
the US briefly last month, the curve is
inverted. This signals that markets think
that short-term interest rates are too
high.
Each of the last seven US recessions
have been preceded by an inverted
curve.
The yield curve in the USA indicates the USA will be going into recession next year.
As I said at the beginning forecasting is a mugs game. But the forward indicators are telling us to be prepared
for a difficult two years. An economic historian would simply tell us that a recession happens every 10 years
so it is inevitable in 2020.
Prepared April 8 2019
Spring/Summer 2019 dimensions.co.uk 9

One year on from the new
Regulation
how has the world of PPE been affected?
One year on from the introduction of the new PPE
Regulation, we caught up with Dimensions’ Quality
Assurance & Production Manager, Mick Spencer to find
out how Dimensions has tackled the legislative changes.
We can carry out quick audits to ensure products have
the correct technical files, while ensuring we conform
to the standard and meet the requirements of the
regulation. We can also identify products that
What practical difference has moving
from the old PPE Directive 89/686/EEC
to the new Regulation 2016/425 made?
Making the workplace safe is the first priority which
includes providing instructions, procedures, training and
supervision to encourage people to work safely and
responsibly.
However, should personal protective equipment be a
requirement, our customers can have peace of mind
that all the necessary steps are being taken to assure all
our items of PPE will be in conformance with the new
regulation.
This will provide the confidence that our customers
are investing in a product that will protect their greatest
asset: their workforce.
require ongoing testing and surveillance as part of the
manufacturing process, which led us to notice that
customers required hi-vis garments to be post-branded
with large logos. This led to some concerns, as we
felt larger logos could render the garments to a nonconforming
standard.
Under the new Regulation, if we as a business postbrand
a garment, we change status from distributor to
manufacturer.
Has it led to a general improvement in
standards and compliance?
The PPE Directive was over 20 years old and needed
updating in order to meet current technology, while the
What does this mean to Dimensions?
Having a dedicated coding system of PPE items has
greatly improved the access speed to products.
10 dimensions.co.uk Spring/Summer 2019

PPE
new Regulation (2016/425) provides a level playing field
for suppliers as well as enhancing end user safety.
Have we seen any older products
disappear from the market as a result
of the Regulation?
We have found some suppliers have dropped certain
styles in favour of new development. The change has
brought about a new enthusiasm to shake up styles that
may not have changed in over two decades.
We have also seen a lot of products fall into ‘category
1’ type PPE, which is for items that provide a ‘minimal
risk’. The services of a notified body are not required
for this category, as items can be ‘self certified’.
‘Category II’ and ‘Category III’ items must be certified
by a notified body.
Is market surveillance of
manufacturers’ compliance with
the underlying test standards good
enough?
PPE should always undergo continuous surveillance to
ensure that items do not change over the course of its
certification life. Periodic site audits and product testing
should be undertaken in conjunction with a notified
body.
With this Regulation (2016/425), the market
surveillance authorities have clear enforcement
guidelines, which will strengthen any shortcomings
previously identified by industry professional.
Are manufacturers providing the
necessary documentation to buyers
and/or distributors when they ask for
it?
It is surprising how well the suppliers have responded
to the changes. As well as our own internal systems,
websites have been rebuilt with clear links to important
documentation, user information sheets have also been
reworked to include additional links to key documents.
These changes are exactly the reasons it was necessary
to bring things up to date through the new Regulation.
Do people think there is a case for
further regulation and testing?
Through the practise of continuous improvement we
should always consider the possibility of additional
regulation and testing. We are in an industry where
we are protecting the most important asset – the
employee. This should always be taken seriously.
Spring/Summer 2019 dimensions.co.uk 11

PPE
MICK SPENCER
I have worked in uniform manufacturing for 40 years, with most of this
time spent producing for the Ministry of Defence. My first experience of
technical safety wear was producing Admiralty foul weather jackets for
the Navy. The complexity of these garments provided the motivation
to move into other specialist areas personal protection. I was the
senior training instructor for the uniform division of Coats Viyella with
responsibility for training the factory sewing machine instructors.
Following the launch of the Personal Protective Equipment at work
regulations in 1992, I created a standards team. We covered all PPE
items head-to-toe, I went on to develop a PPE advisory team that
would visit our customers to assist with the risk assessment and selection
of safety wear. I am currently responsible for PPE across our group
companies.
Did you know...
We have a PPE steering group here at Dimensions to ensure we are the
forefront of the latest developments in the PPE world.
OUR PPE EXPERTS HAVE
NINETY THREE YEARS
EXPERIENCE
12 dimensions.co.uk Spring/Summer 2019

How to combat extreme heat in the workplace
In this, the first of a two-part series, we’ll look at how
those who work in exceedingly hot temperatures can
stay comfortable enough to be productive, proactive and
maintain an effective workflow. Ahead of the summer
months, it’s time to look at extreme heat, and how we can
help those who work in such conditions to be comfortable,
while staying cool.
Readers may remember from our last issue, we covered the
epic Lyke Wake Walk that an intrepid team of Dimensions
staff took on, covering 40 miles inside just 24 hours across
the Yorkshire Moors. It, by chance, was the warmest day of
the year, which meant everyone involved in the walk had to
take precautions throughout the day, including keeping their
fluid levels high.
Both mainland Europe and the UK went through a
period of extremely hot weather in the summer of 2018,
setting records across the continent. Temperatures hit a
sweltering 46c in Portugal and Spain, while wildfires were
commonplace throughout Germany and Greece, with
droughts and hosepipe bans implemented across the region.
In the UK, last summer was regarded as the joint hottest
summer on record, according to the Met Office, with
Faversham, Kent attracting the hottest day of the year, on
Thursday 26 July, when temperatures reached 35.3c. The
extreme heat highlighted the wider issue of global warming,
with annual rises in temperatures continuing to pose
worldwide challenges.
Paul took on the extra challenge of wearing a suit made from
the 37.5 technology – while it was cooler in the evening,
the suit would do its job of keeping him warm, and in the
burning heat of the day, it would revert to keeping him cool.
It may be said that Paul did bring along a spare change of
clothes, in case the technology wasn’t all it was cracked up to
be, but Paul started and finished the walk, in style, wearing
his 37.5 technology-based suit. An incredible feat, made
even more incredible by such technology.
Technology put to the test
While all of the above stretches the boundaries for even
the most fervent sun-worshipper, could you imagine having
to work in those circumstances? Fortunately for many
workplaces and office spaces, amenities like air conditioning,
mean that many don’t have to worry about excessively hot
working conditions in the workplace.
There, however, is the issue with many professions, which
involve the great outdoors, where air conditioning isn’t an
option, and even further the need for heavy duty protection
gear can impact the user’s experience, that bit extra – posing
the issue of comfortability over usability.
At Dimensions, there are a number of innovations we use
when combatting the extreme heat. One of which is the
revolutionary 37.5 technology, which helps to regulate core
body temperature for wearers. A brilliant example of the
benefits of 37.5 in action, is the story of Dimensions’ Fabric
Technical Assistant Paul Mellor and the Lyke Wake Walk.
Paul on the challenge in his 37.5 technology-based suit.
Spring/Summer 2019 dimensions.co.uk 13

Senior Designer at Dimensions, Sally-Anne Rowe is a big
fan of the technology, and had this to say about it: “37.5 is
a game-changer in that it is an amazing technology that has
been developed.
“Paul’s example of wearing it during the hottest day of the
year, while taking on the Lyke Wake Walk challenge is a great
way of showing its benefits in action. It has proved useful in
tackling both the heat and cold, for us, as designers.
“Obviously the technology can be used in a multitude of
different garments too – we often end up giving samples of
our 37.5 socks out at exhibitions we attend!”
A key design feature of uniforms in the 21st century, is
wearability, as business look more towards the wellbeing of
their employees, not just in their workwear but with aspects
such as mental wellbeing, as well as ensuring staff are eating
and drinking the right things, as well as comfort!
Sally-Anne adds: “We’ve found that more and more now,
customers want the best for their employees, with many
wanting as wider range of uniform options as possible, to
cater for different needs.
“37.5 is a game-changer
in that it is an amazing
technology that has been
developed.”
“This means that uniforms with layering systems have
become more of the norm, allowing wearers to self-regulate
their temperature as the weather around them changes
during a work shift – no more will workers have to commit
to one temperature!”
Another way of staying cool in extreme temperatures,
can be eyelet mesh. It can be implemented for use on
underarms and on the backs of garments, with breathability
being the key to its successful use. It has even been
mooted as an addition to headwear, through providing a
breathable mesh for sun hats, again giving the wearer that
level of flexibility that can help them to adapt to changes in
temperature.
“We’re looking at using eyelet mesh throughout different
ranges of garments that will enable a user to react to their
surroundings.
EXTREME WEATHER
“Perhaps you’re starting work early and there’s a chill factor
in the air – which is fairly common in the summer months
as the mornings get earlier – you’re going to have extra
layers on. But by midday, when the sun is at its peak, the
temperature has risen dramatically, with technologies like
eyelet mesh, the user finds it far easier to stay cool, with the
vents and breakable mechanic allowing for removal of the
clothing if necessary.”
There are also innovations in the works at Dimensions
that focus on accessories to combatting extreme weather.
Fabrics that regulate the heat and sun, with UV protection
woven into them are also of increasing significance for many
customers, as they look to combat the dual threat that overexposure
to the sunshine can cause to employees.
The above technology not only works to provide clothing
that is adequate for dealing with warmer temperatures,
but also, importantly, looks good. Keeping our customers
looking good, is an inherent part of the business, it’s
something we pride ourselves on, “We help people love
how they look” is our company motto
Sally-Anne added: “Whatever innovations we use, whether
it’s to keep you warm or to cool you down, we can promise
that our customers will continue to look good and feel good
– it’s what we do best!”
If your business
requires any form
of clothing to keep
cool this summer,
get in touch to find out more.
IN OUR
NEXT ISSUE...
look out for our guide on how
to tackle the extreme cold
with our hints and tips.
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You might have heard of 3D printing
before, whether it be through a crazy
viral video, or word of mouth, there
have been various amazing creations
put together via what is effectively an
array of futuristic lasers for a number of
years now. The technology has often
been heralded as “future tech”, and
something that many of us will be using
sooner than we think, but, what exactly
is 3D printing and how will it change the
way the world operates?
3D printers build parts based on one
sole principle: a digital plan brought into
real-life reality, turning virtual schematics
into a tangible, physical product. What’s
revolutionary about it, is that no special
tools are required: that’s no tools with
specific moulds to cut into, due to the
specific build platform, which works
with the layer-by-layer technology.
1981 was the earliest record of 3D
printing, by Japanese inventor Hideo
Kodama, who was the earliest to
use the layer-by-layer approach for
manufacturing. Fast forward a decade,
into the 1990s and the development of
the tech, saw it applied towards industrial
prototyping and production applications.
This was also around the time that
computer-aided design (CAD) tools for
3D printing became the norm, before
the first 3D printed working kidney was
created in 2000 – although it was a 13-
year wait to see it transplanted into a
patient’s body.
The next step saw the first 3D printed
prosthetic limb, printed in 2008. This
was a revelation, and the costly limb that
was initially created, has led to further
prosthesis being made available at far
cheaper prices. The immediate past few
years have seen the explosion of 3D
printing usage itself in the public eye:
NASA created a food printer, Urbee
made the first 3D printed prototype
car, medically the technology was used
further, for organs and tissues, as well
as prosthesis. The cherry on top of the
cake was in 2013 when US President
Barack Obama mentioned 3D printing
as a major issue for the future, in his State
of the Union speech. This cemented the
term “3D printing” in the minds of the
masses: 3D printing had arrived.
As you can see, the rise of 3D printing
from a niche, little heard of process,
to the rapidly growing juggernaut it is
today wasn’t exactly a quick transition.
Dimensions’ Senior Designer, Sally-
Anne Rowe explains why Dimensions
has been investing in 3D printing over
the past few years:
“3D printing has
massively exploded
within the last
decade, and right
now, it’s more
affordable and
quicker than it’s
ever been before.“
50 dimensions.co.uk Spring/Summer 2019

3D PRINTING
“The low start-up costs meant that it was a no-brainer for us
to get involved with the technology. For an initial investment,
it has provided a lot of benefits, the main one being that it can
bring a prototype to life within the same day at a very lowcost
to us.”
And that is really where the benefits of 3D printing begin
– it is cost effective to run and allows for a precise level of
customisation per intricate part, to be implemented. It is
perfect for testing out ideas in the real world, cutting down
the time between getting them off paper and into a physical
product. Normally, prototypes can take a number of weeks
to get from start to finish, between outsourcing the work and
the manufacturing itself taking place, but the technology has
drastically reduced this.
“A button, for example, takes just 30 minutes, while something
bigger, like a pair of glasses can be completed in just three and
a half hours – which is staggering compared to what has gone
before.”
Not only that, but 3D printing has opened up possibilities
to play with different types of materials. This, in particular,
is where 3D printing’s benefits expand the capability and
offerings for a business like Dimensions, as Sally-Anne explains
further:
“3D printed fabrics have been created that aren’t malleable,
such as traditionally harder items, i.e. metals and plastics.”
“We might not be quite there yet with more comfortable to
wear items, but if the technology continues to develop at the
rate we’ve seen to date, then it will not be too long before it
does.”
At the moment though, printing is often used to supply
customers with badges, tie-pins and cufflinks, smaller, intricate
items that can work alongside the traditional orders of uniform.
2012: The first
prosthetic jaw was
printed and
implanted.
The future of 3D printing is unknown, as it is such a developing
market, but there are an untold number of potential possibilities
for the medium to take. One theory is that the technological
developments will continue, to eventually change the nature
of commerce itself. Current consumers will be able to
become manufacturers themselves, jump up the user chain
by using their own 3D printers to create products - rather
than engaging in the necessity of trade in order to purchase
products from other people and corporations.
3D printing isn’t just set to revolutionise the fashion industry
though. No, it looks set to continue to impact upon a number
of different industries, from energy use to waste reduction,
further developments in medicine, art and construction, the
possibilities are endless, and the future of 3D printing is sure to
impact on every single one of us.
The printer is also a hit with potential customers: “We’ve taken
our 3D printer to a lot of trade shows and exhibitions, and
it’s gone down really well with crowds, attracting interested
people across to our stand and getting them to engage with
us. Even if they’re not necessarily interested in taking up any
3D printed objects with us, it can be a fantastic icebreaker,
which can lead to fruitful conversations.”
Above: A 3D printer in action.
Sources
https://www.sculpteo.com/blog/2016/12/14/the-history-of-3d-printing-3d-printing-technologies-from-the-80s-to-today/
If you’re interested in finding out how 3D printing could help
provide your business with a solution, then get in touch with
us at Dimensions:hello@dimensions.co.uk
Spring/Summer 2019 dimensions.co.uk 51

DON’T MISS OUR
NEXT ISSUE...
EXTREME
WEATHER
LOGISTICS
CENTRE
TREND GUIDE
VOLUME 5
Don’t forget to keep up to date
www.dimensions.co.uk
Spring/Summer 2019 dimensions.co.uk 52

WE TAKE A LOOK AT THE
LOGISTICS CENTRE;
The people and operations that keep Dimensions ticking
With over eighteen million garments
dispatched by Dimensions every year
in order to clothe clients with uniform
across the globe, the distribution and
processing of such a large quantity
of items requires an equally large
operational centre.
This is where the MWUK Logistics
Centre (LC) comes in. Based in
Derbyshire, just a stone’s throw away
from the Castle Donington head
office, the LC is renowned for its size,
perfect for millions of garments! The
group’s three corporate apparel brands:
Dimensions, Alexandra and Yaffy, are
serviced by the centre’s 630,000 sq ft
facility, equating to almost TEN football
pitches. Hundreds of staff are employed
at the centre, to ensure its operation
runs like clockwork, as orders are
actioned within just a few hours.
But how is such an operation kept in
shape, and, most importantly, kept
running like clockwork? We caught up
with Dimensions’ Logistics Operations
Director, Steve Cassapi, in the first of a
two-part look at the centre.
THE PEOPLE
As the old adage goes, “a company is
nothing without its people”, the same
is true for the workforce at the Logistics
Centre. With over 300 staff on-site, the
employees of the LC are the ones that
really keep the lights on at the centre,
both literally and metaphorically. Steve
is keen to emphasise the high-quality
level of work that these employees
produce, day in, day out, with some
statistics you simply wouldn’t believe…
“The people we employ to work
here, are exceptional people. We
have hundreds of ‘subject matter
experts’, who really understand what
our customers’ needs and wants
are.”
“There are instructions, of course,
to be followed. Department
area leaders talk to the account
management team, to ensure that
instructions are correctly cascaded
down the line, but we rely upon
them to continually improve our
systems and to be our experts.”
“Our pickers, packers, returners,
receivers – everybody is a subject
matter expert.”
It’s clear to see that Steve respects his
existing workforce of skilled workers
and he has a goal of continuing to
“
a company is
nothing without
“
its people
improve the high-level of service that
the LC currently produces – how does
Steve see this improving going forward?
“These people are an incredible
investment, and this is where I will
continue to invest during 2019/20,
in the training, development and
engagement of our employees.
“Our retention rate is really good in
this industry, we usually lose under
4% of employees at the end of a
turnover year. But that will get more
challenging over the next 18 months,
with the growth of the area [there
is a new distribution centre being
constructed in Long Eaton, minutes
from the MWUK LC] and over 6,000
new opportunities for people to seek
employment.”
It looks like the new developments
in the local area will potentially entice
some existing staff, so to maintain
such a high-level of staff retention may
prove difficult. Amidst new challenges
and changes though, Steve thinks
the commitment to his employees
will ultimately help to keep integral
members of staff.
“Our wages have to be competitive
and reflect the new-look industry. 10-
15 years ago people went to work in
warehouses because it was regarded
as an ‘easy’ job, and it was a trade
that anyone could do. With all the
Spring/Summer 2019 dimensions.co.uk 53

Lean Six Sigma’s power to give people a sense of
“meaning and purpose cannot be underestimated.
“
complexities of our warehouse,
it does not warrant a base grade
operator wage, our people are
professional warehouse distribution
logistics operators and they are paid
accordingly.”
“The recognition of our people is
vital to us. These are complex roles,
they are making decisions about the
quality of the products going into our
boxes each and every day for all of
our valued customers.”
What do we do?
“Engagement.”
LEAN SIX SIGMA
As readers will have seen in our
previous issue of the Dimensions’
Magazine, Lean Six Sigma is a massive
part of the working culture of the LC.
The way of thinking means that every
single person is an integral cog in the
machine that is the Logistics Centre.
It is a form of devolution, giving more
and more opportunities to employees
across the workforce ladder, to become
empowered and make a difference
to not only themselves, but their
colleagues around them.
Steve explains: “Lean Six Sigma’s
power to give people a sense of
meaning and purpose cannot be
underestimated.”
“It helps employees to feel like
they’re accomplishing their own
personal goals, as they progress
up the scale, achieving new belt
levels, but also allows the company
to continue to be successful, while
continuing to develop their people,
who then become more loyal to their
employer.”
This spread of control and power
works in tandem with the spread of
subject matter experts that Steve talks
so fondly of. Lean Six Sigma is not an
easy way of working to implement into
a business, with many unsuccessful
attempts at other businesses who have
tried the same method, but by creating
a structure which saw training costs
put towards the people of the LC’s
development, it was found that big
forward steps were being made in a
quick amount of time.
“Within two months, the first year
costs of the programme were paid
for, after nine months, the year one
training cost had been repaid tenfold!
“It’s easy to see the benefits of
its implementation, both to the
individual, and to the business.”
CONCLUSION
When it comes down to it, there are a
number of different operations that the
LC carries out, but with automation not
on the cards any time soon, and a firm
commitment that PEOPLE are the life
and soul of the operation, it’s clear to
see the future Steve has envisioned for
the centre.
“We will continue to put our people
first, to invest in them and their
futures and to see them grow as
people – that is how our success will
continue. Not through machinery, but
through human beings.”
In Issue 4 of the Dimensions
Magazine, we will look at the
other stages in the LC story:
Processing and Quality Control
54 dimensions.co.uk Spring/Summer 2019

Spring/Summer 2019 dimensions.co.uk 55

Spring/Summer 2019 dimensions.co.uk 56

Apprentice nominated
for Enterprising
Women Award
Dimensions’ Sales Operations apprentice, Dominique
Arthur, was a finalist in the “Apprentice of the Year”
category at the 2019 Enterprising Women Awards.
Dominique’s fantastic achievement came after her first
year at Dimensions, and led to her attending a Gala
Dinner, at Derbyshire County Cricket Club on Friday
8th March, aka International Women’s Day.
Dominique said: “It was a total surprise, I was really
shocked to be nominated for the award. I filled out
an application form, with the help of my manager, and
sent it off, more hopeful than anything. “When I was
announced as a finalist at the pre-award evening I was
amazed, especially considering there were so many
other nominations.” Originally from Surrey, Dominique
found herself in the East Midlands to pursue studying a
History degree at Loughborough University, as well as
playing for the Hockey team.
However, she found the course wasn’t for her, so
decided to switch to a Business Administration Level
3 apprenticeship at Loughborough College and joined
the Dimensions team. Dominique explains: “I’ve
learnt ten times the amount I learnt at university, in
the same amount of time at Dimensions. It’s down to
the support of my team and managers, they’ve taught
me so much – I’ve gone from a blank piece of paper
to one full of knowledge. “I wasn’t encouraged to do
an apprenticeship when I was at school, and knowing
what I know now, I wish I had! I would definitely say to
people to think about doing an apprenticeship before
you do a degree, it doesn’t make you any less clever.”
Spring/Summer 2019 dimensions.co.uk 57

DERBY FASHION
STUDENTS PRODUCE VISIONS OF THE WORKWEAR FUTURE
“They are very generous, supplying us with fabric for
prototyping and donate a large quantity of fabrics, with
functional technical qualities for the students to utilise.”
The project culminated in a presentation display, following
students presenting to their lecturers earlier in the day. The
evening event saw each created uniform on display, with
students, lecturers and family and friends able to observe.
Fashion BA (Hons) student, Chloe Twigg, said: “We had to pick
a work wear and try to improve upon a uniform that already
exists. “Dimensions visited us regularly, giving talks on industry
days and having different people from the business talk to us.
Second year students from the University of Derby’s Fashion BA (Hons) course have presented their uniforms of the
future, following a collaboration with Dimensions.
The partnership between ourselves and the university is in
its second year, and sees students take on the challenge of
providing uniforms to be used in years ahead, with our awardwinning
Design department setting the brief. Those who have
impressed in the past have been offered work placements.
Programme Leader of Fashion BA (Hons) at the University of
Derby, Colin Thompson said: “The Dimensions team came in
and thoroughly briefed the students at the start of the year, as
part of the Directed Projects in Fashion module.
“We have clear academic outcomes we’re aiming for and
working with Dimensions puts the students in direct contact
with industry, which is great for their development.
“Dimensions were hands-on and eager to come in and review
the work in progress, helping us to crystalise the project
brief, installing key themes and topics to be addressed by our
students.
“It’s helped us to realise what elements to focus on, like
sustainability, which were incorporated into the finished
product.”
Above left: Second year student Rory with his design.
Above right: Colin Thompson, with Rhoda, second year student.
Fellow Fashion BA (Hons) student, Charlotte Cope, added: “I
met the CEO of the customer I designed a garment for, which
was amazing!
“Recycling was a big factor for me, which was emphasised by
Dimensions, so I focused on sourcing local materials for use
within my project.”
Dimensions’ Design Director, Clare du Mughn, said of the
partnership: “It has been great to work with the University of
Derby, who have a brilliant team that we work alongside.
“The students have been creating some fantastic work this year,
it has been a pleasure to monitor their progress throughout
the year.
“We took a student on last year for a work experience
placement and their contributions were fantastic, as they got
heavily involved in customer projects and attended external
meetings.”
Programme Leader of Fashion BA (Hons) at the University of Derby, Colin Thompson, with second-year
student Chloe Twigg.
The partnership is indicative of our commitment to the future
workforce, Clare mentions that if the opportunity arose, there
could be the potential for more permanent employment
opportunities: “In the future, if we are looking to add to the
team, the University of Derby will be my first port of call.”
58 dimensions.co.uk Spring/Summer 2019

2019
CHARITIES
ANNOUNCED
We hope you have enjoyed this
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
We at Dimensions are delighted to announce
our charities for 2019, with the annual vote finding three
fantastic causes to support.
Dimensions (MWUK Ltd)
dimensions_mwuk
Fancy a chat about your uniform
needs? Give us a call today
01332 697045
or email us at:
REGIONAL NATIONAL GLOBAL
hello@dimensions.co.uk
Homeless charity, Doorways
Derby has been confirmed as
the regional charity, as they look
to provide food to the city’s less
fortunate.
Nationally, mental health resource
Mind, are set to benefit from the
team’s support.
Globally, Save the Children will also
be receiving donations as a result
of another year’s fundraising.
DIMENSIONS RAISED
£
IN 2018
Spring/Summer 2019 dimensions.co.uk 59

WE CAN HELP YOU
PPE is changing. With the recent Regulation 2016/425 being
implemented, employers can now be fined millions if they do not
fall within its boundaries. To stay in line and not be fined, get in
touch with Dimensions for all your PPE needs!
of noise induced hearing loss is
preventable if proper hearing
protection is used.
It’s estimated that in 2018 non-compliance
cost businesses £79 Billion.
Wearing gloves reduces hand risk
by 60%
workers are estimated to be suffering
from work related hearing problems.
of workplace injuries involve hands
and fingers.
of workplace eye injuries are preventable
with the use of proper safety eyewear.
Last year Dimensions dispatched nearly
one million items of PPE and footwear.
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE ON
UNIFORM AND PPE PLEASE VISIT US AT
www.dimensions.co.uk/lp/ppe-what-you-need-to-know
Spring/Summer 2019 dimensions.co.uk 60