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News and Updates
All the latest news and updates from the UK's leading supplier of safety clothing and equipment
Bringing together health and safety experts in parliament to tackle silicosis
01 July 2026
Arco has partnered with the Respiratory Health All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) to bring together policymakers, expert clinicians and respiratory health and safety specialists for a roundtable discussion on silicosis, an urgent and preventable workplace health crisis.
Silicosis is a serious and irreversible lung disease caused by inhaling respirable crystalline silica (RCS) dust. Over time, the dust can cause inflammation and permanent scarring in the lungs. While late-stage silicosis is incurable, the disease is preventable through effective controls, including wet-cutting methods and the correct selection, use and maintenance of quality respiratory protective equipment (RPE). Learn more about silicosis and why awareness matters in our recent article.
Health and safety experts join forces
Ian Lavery MP, chair of the APPG for Occupational Health, opened the roundtable and thanked Arco for partnering with the Respiratory Health APPG. The discussion was moderated by Christian Halford, Arco's Technical Quality Director, who shared insight on the role respiratory equipment can play in helping to keep workers safe. Alex Turgoose, Arco's Product Manager for RPE, and Kevin Williams, Arco's Respiratory Health Lead, also contributed their specialist expertise throughout the discussion.
Dr Johanna Feary, a respiratory doctor specialising in occupational diseases at Royal Brompton Hospital, shared new data on the prevalence of silicosis, alongside her personal experience of treating people affected by the disease. The UK currently has 52 confirmed cases of silicosis, with many affected workers aged between their 20s and 40s, and deaths already reported in people as young as 28.
Highlighting challenges
A key challenge highlighted by Dr Feary is that early-stage silicosis is asymptomatic, meaning workers who wait for symptoms to appear may risk leaving it too late to access treatment. She also highlighted the risk of misdiagnosis during the early stages, noting that GPs need more support and training to recognise occupational diseases earlier.
Dr Feary called for a national screening programme for stonecutters in the UK, better education for healthcare professionals to raise awareness of the symptoms and risks of silicosis, and improved coordination across the NHS to help people at risk of silicosis access specialist care sooner.
Professor Kevin Bampton, CEO of the British Occupational Hygiene Society, also highlighted the need for better training for doctors in occupational diseases and the current lack of health surveillance across the UK. He pointed to a disconnect between how the NHS treats diseases such as cancer and how it responds to occupational diseases such as silicosis, which he said must be addressed.
Key focus areas
Several roundtable members, including Ian Lavery MP, expressed support for recent Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidance for stonecutters, which banned dry-cutting of stone and mandated the use of water suppression. Mike Calcutt, representing the HSE, said the regulator is consulting with industry on reintroducing silicosis to RIDDOR, a move strongly supported by members of the roundtable.
Participants agreed that the key focus areas should be making silicosis a notifiable disease through RIDDOR, strengthening occupational health integration in the NHS so people at risk can access specialist care, and improving training, education and early detection.
Hugh McKinney, Policy Advisor to the APPG for Respiratory Health, closed the meeting by confirming he would write to attendees to gather their views on the key issues and share a report outlining what needs to happen next.
Roundtable attendees included Liz Twist MP, Lord John Hendy, Baroness Rita Donaghy, Dr Johanna Feary, Professor Kevin Bampton, Hugh McKinney of the Respiratory Health APPG, Mike Calcutt of the HSE, Alan Murray of the British Safety Industry Federation, Alex Turgoose of Arco, Kevin Williams of Arco, Gemma Murray of Arco, Matt Powell-Howard of NEBOSH, Daniel Zeff of the Federation of Master Builders, Emily Agyeman of the National Federation of Builders, Joe Duggan of the i newspaper and Huna Haq of the TUC.
Expert advice on respiratory protection
For further information and expert advice, read our introduction to respiratory protection, learn more about the risks of silica dust and see our guide to managing hazardous airborne substances.
TROJAN named title sponsor of Hull Seahawks ice hockey club
25 June 2026
It's time to put the champagne on ice, as our TROJAN workwear brand becomes the official title sponsor of Hull Seahawks ice hockey club in a major new multi-year agreement.
The partnership marks a significant milestone for both the club and the TROJAN brand, with the team set to compete as the TROJAN Hull Seahawks across competitions, club channels and supporter-facing communications.
For TROJAN, the move reflects a natural alignment with a club built on determination, teamwork and resilience. Created for people who take pride in demanding work, TROJAN shares the same hardworking spirit that Hull Seahawks bring to the ice.
As guardians of the TROJAN brand, we see this partnership as an opportunity to invest in a growing professional sports club with deep roots in the local community. The sponsorship will strengthen TROJAN's presence with fans through gameday visibility, club communications and wider community activity.
TROJAN branding will be introduced across key club assets, including playing shirts, arena signage, digital platforms and community initiatives, supporting the Seahawks as they enter the next stage of their development.
Pride in our community
Gemma Murray, Head of Brand for TROJAN Workwear added:
"Partnering with the Hull Seahawks is an incredibly exciting opportunity for us. The club has built a passionate fanbase and a strong identity within the city and beyond and we are proud to become part of that journey.
"We believe this partnership will help elevate both brands over the coming years and we look forward to supporting the club, its fans and the wider community as the TROJAN Hull Seahawks."
A huge moment for the club
Hull Seahawks Commercial Manager, Callum Gladding said:
"We are absolutely delighted to welcome TROJAN Workwear as our new Official Title Sponsor. This is a huge moment for the club and a partnership that reflects the ambition both organisations share for the future."
"TROJAN Workwear is a nationwide brand that understands the values of commitment, resilience and community across the UK. We are excited to begin this journey together as the Trojan Hull Seahawks from the 2026/27 season onwards."
"We're excited for the new season to get underway and look forward to supporting the TROJAN Hull Seahawks as they build towards success on and off the ice."
Learn more about the TROJAN workwear range.
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Arco in top 1% worldwide for sustainability with EcoVadis Platinum rating
01 May 2026
Read moreWe're delighted to have achieved a Platinum rating from EcoVadis for the first time, placing us in the top 1% of organisations assessed worldwide for sustainability performance.
Building on our EcoVadis Gold rating, awarded in 2025, we set ourselves an ambitious goal: to attain a Platinum rating in 2026. Through hard work and dedication across our business, this is exactly what we have done, achieving EcoVadis' highest level of recognition.
EcoVadis is a globally recognised sustainability ratings provider, assessing organisations on how well sustainability is embedded into business practices and supply chains. And, with this result, Arco is now ranked in the top 1% of all companies assessed by EcoVadis worldwide.
For our customers and partners, the Platinum rating provides independent assurance that we are actively managing environmental, social and governance (ESG) risks and strengthening ethical, sustainable practices across our operations.
What EcoVadis assesses
EcoVadis evaluates organisations across four areas:
- Environment
- Labour & Human Rights
- Ethics
- Sustainable Procurement
Platinum status is awarded only where organisations can evidence robust policies, actions and results – demonstrating that sustainability is embedded across operations, governance and the supply chain.
This milestone reinforces our commitment to responsible business and supports customers who need trusted partners able to meet evolving sustainability requirements.
How we achieved EcoVadis Platinum rating
In the latest EcoVadis assessment, we increased our overall score by 10%, achieving near-perfect results for Environment and improving by 23% in Labour & Human Rights.
Key areas of progress include:
- Enhanced colleague benefits, including the introduction of a health cash plan
- Greater colleague engagement and consultation
- Continued focus on listening to and acting on what matters most to our people
In Sustainable Procurement, Arco has built on its ethical foundations by engaging suppliers more deeply through newer product ranges and increased supply chain transparency, including:
- Sustainable raw material sourcing
- Risks related to conflict minerals
- Deforestation
These steps support customers – particularly in construction and the public sector — where supply chain visibility is essential and help us work alongside organisations tackling their own sustainability targets.
EcoVadis also highlighted our approach to governance, including:
- Data stewardship and cyber security
- Anti-bribery measures
- Whistleblowing processes
An important milestone
Jim Harbidge, Head of Sustainability at Arco, said: "Achieving EcoVadis Platinum is an important milestone and a strong, independent endorsement of the progress we're making. We'll continue to focus on meaningful action, transparency and long-term impact for our customers, our colleagues and the wider communities we serve."
As a safety partner, Arco remains committed to helping customers protect people at work while supporting more sustainable choices across products, services and supply chains. Why not learn more about our approach to sustainability?
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See our latest safety innovations at The Health & Safety Event 2026
14 April 2026
Read moreJoin us at Stand 2/G50 at The Health & Safety Event, NEC Birmingham, from 28th to 30th April 2026. Sign up for free and discover a world of expert safety, all in one place.
Looking to keep your workplace safer, smarter and more productive? This month, our friendly safety experts will be at The Health & Safety Event 2026, ready to help you raise standards across your organisation.
Where and when?
Taking place at the NEC Birmingham, from Tuesday 28th to Thursday 30th April 2026, you'll find us at Stand 2/G50. Here, we'll be showcasing innovative products, practical services and expert advice designed to support businesses across every industry.
A world of expert safety, all in one place
Whatever sector you operate in, safety never stands still – and neither do we. At The Health & Safety Event, we'll be showcasing solutions that help you stay ahead of changing demands, regulations and expectations.
Alongside TROJAN, you can explore the latest Arco made, Arco tested ranges. From gloves and footwear to everyday workwear essentials, these products are developed and rigorously tested to deliver:
- Proven quality and compliance
- Excellent value for money
- Thoughtful design focused on real-world use
- Increasingly sustainable choices
Responsible Choice: Supporting your sustainability goals
Sustainability is becoming a core part of safety decision making. Through Arco Responsible Choice, we're introducing products that help reduce environmental impact while still meeting the performance and safety standards you expect. At the event, our experts will be on hand to talk through how Responsible Choice can support your wider ESG and sustainability goals in a practical, achievable way.
Training with Arco Professional Safety Services
Keeping people safe means keeping them informed and competent. Arco Professional Safety Services offers a comprehensive portfolio of health and safety training courses, delivered by a single trusted expert supplier. From working at height and confined spaces to IOSH-accredited courses, we make it easier to manage training, save time and gain total peace of mind.
Specialist clothing services from the Arco Clothing Centre
The Arco Clothing Centre provides a complete specialist workwear solution, combining high-performance garments with professional personalisation. Delivered from a dedicated UK clothing facility and backed by a large team of experts, the service supports businesses with consistent, compliant and high-quality workplace clothing.
From TROJAN workwear to bespoke garments, the Clothing Centre offers durable embroidery and heat-seal branding, helping organisations ensure their teams stay protected while presenting a professional, on-brand appearance across every role and site. Learn more about our workwear personalisation service.
Sign up for free
Whether you're looking to upgrade your workwear, improve sustainability, streamline training or simply talk through your safety challenges, our team would love to see you.
If you haven't already secured your pass for this event, what are you waiting for? Simply register for your free entry to The Health & Safety Event today and visit us at Stand 2/G50.
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Arco colleagues spring into action for good causes
30 March 2026
Read moreDriven by our commitment to supporting people and the communities around us, Arco colleagues have been rolling up their sleeves – volunteering their time, backing brilliant causes and pushing themselves to raise vital funds. Here's a snapshot of just three inspiring events our teams have recently taken part in.
Planting positivity at Mires Beck Nursery
Thirteen colleagues from teams across Arco came together to support the charity Mires Beck as it prepares to reopen for spring. Since 1994, Mires Beck in East Yorkshire has provided lifeenriching work experience and social therapeutic horticulture for adults with learning difficulties, autism and physical disabilities.
During the visit, the team rolled up their sleeves to help organise seeds, clear moss and leaves, and pot new plants – while also gaining a deeper insight into the charity's incredible work and impact on the community.
Meg Fawcettward, from the Arco team, had this to say about the experience:
"We had an amazing day! Getting stuck in and seeing the incredible work they do for the service users was truly uplifting. It was inspiring to be part of something so positive and hands-on, and great to spend a whole day outside in nature."
Standing together for Warrington Foodbank
Arco colleagues Andrea Scott, Clare Macfadyen, Jacqui Burns and Tracy Wilson recently volunteered their time at Warrington Foodbank.
This charity provides essential assistance to people experiencing financial hardship, where rising living costs and unexpected crises mean that putting food on the table is not always guaranteed.
During their visit, the Arco team helped sort surplus donations, pick and pack emergency food parcels and worked alongside the organisation's regular volunteers to ensure support reached those who needed it most.
Hiking the Ullswater Way for Katherine House Hospice
A team from Arco Professional Safety Services recently completed the 22mile Ullswater Way Challenge, taking on the stunning route around one of the Lake District's largest lakes. Enjoying rare bright weather, the group powered through tough final miles and a few minor injuries to finish together – a testament to their teamwork and determination.
The hike raised funds for Katherine House Hospice, which provides vital care and support for people facing serious illness. The team has already raised £1,020, with donations still welcomed to support the charity's ongoing work.
Learn more
If you'd like to learn more about the fundraising and volunteering Arco colleagues regularly give up their time for, check out our latest news.