South West based RTG, a world-wide specialist in textile and contract manufacturing, has won the lucrative tender to design, manufacture and supply a new corporate wardrobe for B&Q, Europe's largest home improvement and garden centre retailer.

The DIY giant ordered ½ million garments of RTG's winning designs in October 2008 following a nine-month internal review of the uniform and subsequent in-store trials. The finished product was successfully rolled out across the whole B&Q estate in the first week of January 2009.

Demonstrating its impressive manufacturing and logistic capabilities, RTG created 36,000 individually named 'manpacks' for each member of staff in just one month facilitated by the two factories it owns in China. Each 'manpack' contains the garments specific to the employees’ role, embroidered in line with their department and tailored to their unique measurements. Delivered to the UK in December, the mass roll out of uniforms was orchestrated with masterful precision to ensure the successful distribution to 330 UK stores, all in just one hit.

"We can't believe the speed and precision at which RTG has handled the project from concept to completion - it's been phenomenal," says Paul Warren, Concessions Account Manager, B&Q. "They've built in value rather than cost at every stage, providing innovative designs and fabrics that look great and which our staff love wearing," he adds.

Every B&Q employee has contributed to the design process, providing feedback on all aspects of their working wardrobe and how they would like to see their uniform evolve. Combined with RTG's design capabilities and expertise, their valuable insight has ensured the uniform retains the essence of the B&Q brand and remains fit for purpose.

Tasked with updating the uniform to create a consistent and professional image, RTG has introduced a pair of smart, black combats to the stable to replace the trousers which staff

previously sourced themselves. Balancing practical design with desirability, the original B&Q fleece has been overshadowed by a soft lightweight, insulating shell jacket with windproof and water resistant properties. A black polo manufactured using RTG's Coolskyn technology and incorporating improved wicking, is also a welcome new addition for staff, providing an original and enhanced performance fabric innovated by the company to be softer on the skin. Each Department now carries its own brand with new embroidery created on the uniforms for Macallister Tools, Cook & Lewis Showrooms and Colours Decorating. The One Planet Living identity has also been incorporated into garments to raise awareness of the company's commitment to provide affordable sustainable products that help reduce environmental impact. The iconic orange B&Q bib, however, has been retained having been judged by its wearers as an integral part of the general public's perception of the brand.

"We never compromise on quality or ethics and encourage our long term customers to regularly visit our Chinese factories," says Becca Watson, marketing manager, RTG, which has provided a fully managed uniform service for B&Q since it originally won the contract in 2000. "It's vital they know where their products are made and in what conditions. The reputation of their brands depend on it," she adds.

With its strong international reputation for ethical sourcing, representatives from B&Q have regularly visited RTG's factories in Ningbo & Lanxi, with the last trip co-inciding with production of the new staff uniform in November 2008. 

"We've enjoyed a strong working relationship with RTG for many years and are pleased that they pulled out all the stops to deliver before the New Year. Never complacent, the team delivered beyond the brief, providing impressive designs, excellent quality, a responsive service and total control - at a great price," adds Paul Warren.