At Arden Winch, we’ve been keeping people safe and comfortable since 1812 – and we’re just getting started. As a trusted supplier of certified PPE, professional uniforms, custom-branded workwear, and janitorial products, we’re proud to serve a wide range of sectors with reliable, risk-assessed solutions backed by genuine expertise.
This year, we’ll be showcasing our offering at the Made in Yorkshire Expo on Thursday, 16th October 2025 at the Accu Stadium, Huddersfield.
As part of Made in Yorkshire’s Exhibitor Spotlight series, a member of the MIY team recently caught up with our Managing Director, Steve Barker, to ask a few quick questions about what drives us, what we’ve achieved recently, and what exciting things we’ve got coming up next.
1. In one sentence – what do we do best?
We’re a trusted supplier of certified PPE, professional uniforms, custom-branded workwear, and janitorial goods – all backed by expert advice and a commitment to keeping people safe, comfortable, and compliant no matter the job.
2. What’s the driving mission or purpose behind Arden Winch right now?
Our mission is simple: to keep people safe and comfortable, wherever they work. We’re passionate about providing customers with the right equipment, not just selling products. That’s why every member of our sales team is NEBOSH or IOSH accredited – giving clients proper, risk-based advice on what PPE is actually suitable for their working environment.
As Steve put it:
“You shouldn’t be buying PPE just because it’s a pair of boots – you need to risk assess. And that’s what we do.”
We’re also proud to be one of just 42 UK members of the BSIF Registered Safety Supplier Scheme, which guarantees our PPE is properly tested and certified – a critical safeguard in an industry where counterfeit certifications are still worryingly common.
3. What’s been the biggest milestone over the past 12 months?
The last year has been transformational. We’ve implemented a new ERP system (OrderWise) that has overhauled our internal operations, giving us the digital infrastructure we need to scale. It hasn’t been without its challenges, but it’s already improving workflow and giving our warehouse team more control and visibility.
We’ve also stepped up our sustainability efforts, working towards carbon neutrality by reducing emissions, adopting greener practices, and embedding environmental responsibility into our everyday operations.
4. Any exciting developments on the horizon?
Absolutely. We’ve just completed a major site expansion, giving us an additional 5,000 cubic feet of warehouse capacity and a brand-new dedicated goods-in area. This not only improves stock flow and organisation, but empowers our warehouse team with dedicated scanning stations and better operational independence.
We’re also set to launch a brand-new customer-focused website with full bespoke portals, live reporting, spend controls, and a dramatically improved user experience. It’s being built by a dynamic local Sheffield agency and will evolve with us, thanks to future plans for AI integration, smarter search, and SEO-driven growth.
“We’ve taken a couple of steps back this year to take major leaps forward next year,” says Steve. “The systems, site and tech we’re putting in place will set us up to scale properly in 2026 and beyond.”
5. Tell us something surprising or little-known about us
Not many people realise we’ve been around for over 213 years – originally founded in 1812, with roots in Sheffield’s manufacturing and industrial heritage. The Winch family is still proudly involved in the business, and we still keep our original handwritten sales ledgers as a reminder of just how far we’ve come.
Come and meet us at the Made in Yorkshire Expo 2025
We’ll be on stand MIY136 at this year’s Made in Yorkshire Expo, taking place on Thursday 16th October 2025 at the Accu Stadium, Huddersfield. If you’re attending, pop by to see what’s new – and how we’re continuing to evolve to support manufacturers across the UK.
If you’ve not registered yet, now’s the time – click here to sign up.
See you there!