Arco retail store gives sole trader new lease on life
19 October 2026
A challenging workplace
Self-employed Michael Oliver has been the owner of Bespoke Alloys since 2015, setting the business up himself. It's a body shop that sprays cars and alloy wheels, activities that unfortunately create a dusty working environment where extraction is not always available to be used.
Michael also uses a gun wash machine with highly concentrated paint thinner to clean equipment using harsh chemicals. The products he uses can also give off fumes even while being stored.
Time for action
Michael has had asthma since he was four and has smoked throughout his adult life, so has always had issues with his breathing. However, for the past two years, he has been struggling at work and began to need more time off sick.
He was diagnosed with the condition COPD by doctors and advised to use better protection that did not restrict his breathing. Michael was so worried about losing his business and having to shut down that he was compelled to take action.
Expert service and solutions
Michael's paint supplier advised him to seek help from Arco as experts in respiratory protection. He visited Arco's Nottingham retail store and spoke to an advisor who listened to his story and concerns. She investigated what products he was using and reviewed COSHH sheets in order to give Michael the best possible guidance.
Using the information provided and through additional investigation, a powered respirator with specific filters was advised. Equipment was reviewed in store and Michael settled on the Sundström SR500 Fan Unit with an SR570 Face Shield – a decision based on the high levels of protection and flexibility it delivered.
A life-changing result
By his own admittance, Michael had nowhere else to go had Arco not managed to help him and ease his breathing issues. He finds the respiratory equipment comfortable to wear and is now able to do tasks more easily. Michael's productivity has improved and he can sometimes be a day ahead of his planned workload.
He is also feeling healthier and more confident, and the worries about his business have eased. Now, Michael is more certain about the future and has since renewed the lease on his premises for another three years, ready to keep more customers happy.
"Arco's customer service was brilliant. The detail they went into to ensure I had the right protection went above and beyond. Now I've got a new lease on life and can look forward to working safely and confidently for years to come."
Michael Oliver
Owner, Bespoke Alloys
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