This week’s #TradesTalk discussion on Twitter looked at workwear – and the community discussed the importance of a professional appearance as well as the health and safety issues.
Here is our round-up of the best bits.
The first question asked why proper workwear is important to the trades.
Very, I think it’s all to do with first impressions. If you turn up to quote in professional looking workwear it sets you off on the right foot. It instantly starts to sow the seed in the potential customers sub conscious
“This is a professional… he looks looks smart.. 1/2— R. Kennedy Decorating (@RKENNEDYDEC) March 12, 2019
Good evening
A1. Very important,, it makes the company look professional and also with the knee pads in the trousers it's essential. As for reflective clothing can be useful in the winter times when working late. #tradestalk— Paul Williams (@AWilliamsltd) March 12, 2019
A1. I think you can look a lot more professional, decent work trousers, boots and logo'd shirt. #TradesTalk
— Bourton Handyman (@BourtonHandyman) March 12, 2019
The next question asked how much the trades usually spend on quality workwear.
Tbh I get a lot of my work wear from @baxiboilers as I can brand it through the website with my name and details on, most expensive purchase is work trousers, but I buy englebert Strauss trousers and they last around 3-4 years, brilliant products. #TradesTalk
— Keith Harrison (Harrisons Of Burwell) (@HarrisonHeating) March 12, 2019
A2 Gloves as I buy a new pair almost every week and they have to be Cut Resistant (£15.00-20.00) and every month I buy a pair of Anti Vibration gloves (£40-50). I also always need 1-2 pairs of Waterproof Gloves and a Thermal Pair for Winter. +£100/month on Gloves. #TradesTalk
— Oilcanfinish Landscaping and Property Maintenance (@oilcanfinish) March 12, 2019
Next the discussion moved on to branded clothing and whether it is important for the trades.
A3 – branded with my name and logo, Gas Safe, APHC, Watersafe and I’m going to have Viessmann added onto my next lot. #TradesTalk
— Damon Blakemore (@DamonBlakemore) March 12, 2019
https://twitter.com/AnslowElectric/status/1105566981602885640
One of the best discussions of the evening resulted from the fourth question – what do the trades want from workwear?
Surely there is the technology out there to make Painter’s overalls paint/water repellent now? pic.twitter.com/ALUlldvGuu
— R. Kennedy Decorating (@RKENNEDYDEC) March 12, 2019
Womens wear that fits properly and you can actually move in it, its supposed to be workwear after all.
— Viva Tiling (@VivaTiling) March 12, 2019
Yeah….bigger safety sized foot wear, finding size 15 stuff for my canoes is a nightmare!
— Matt (@DripFix) March 12, 2019
The last couple of questions looked at dressing for the weather – and staying comfortable no matter what the temperature.
Always trousers when working, can’t stand wearing knee pads that are strapped on, also can’t bare kneeling on a screw or fitting need them knee pads in when working. #tradestalk
— Andrew J Mayar (@Andy_J_Mayar) March 12, 2019
https://twitter.com/Eng32Mike/status/1105569872392740871
If you’re working hard enough, you won’t feel the cold. ☺️ #tradestalk
— John Taylor (@Jtjohnftaylor) March 12, 2019
A6. Is all about the layers. Double polo top, double hoodie (the legs look after themselves) but I can then strip down when working in houses where the homeowner insists on the thermostat being on 30°… And then I layer back up for a cosy jaunt home… #TradesTalk
— Al Fitzjohn (@AJFitzLtd) March 12, 2019
The final question looked at what the #TradesTalk community likes to wear when not working.
https://twitter.com/2StarKirbs/status/1105575230427279360
https://twitter.com/Gasman_Energy/status/1105573472871292928
If you’d like to talk with tradespeople around the UK, simply tune in to #TradesTalk on Twitter every Tuesday night at 8pm.
The #TradesTalk team will also be at Pro Builder Live this week in Manchester, kicking off at 10am on Thursday 14th at EventCity.
