A Safe Tomorrow is our strategic plan to help secure a safer future by being more sustainable in how we develop and deliver products and services and how we work with customers and partners.
Arco Announces Return to Profit and Ambitious Growth Plans
Arco Ltd, the UK and Ireland's leading safety expert, has announced a return to operating profit, with financial results ahead of target, one year into its 'Destination 2030' transformation plan.
The Hull-based company’s annual results, published today, show increased profits of £4.4m for the year ended 30 June 2024 (FY24), with the business making a pre-tax profit of £1.3m, excluding exceptional items, compared with a pre-tax loss of £3.1m in the previous year.
The turnaround in profit was achieved despite sales being 6 per cent lower, as the company focused on quality of earnings and improving gross profit margin. Arco achieved its highest gross profit margin in five years at 23.9% and ended the year with a strong net cash position of £3.5m.
'Stronger and more disciplined business'
Guy Bruce, chief executive of Arco, said the results demonstrated the effectiveness of the transformation programme in enhancing profitability while driving improvements in areas such as customer service, choice, sustainability and business efficiency.
“One year into our Destination 2030 plan, we have delivered much of what we set out to do in the initial ‘Fix the Foundations’ phase, with financial results ahead of target”, said Guy.
“Arco today is a stronger and more disciplined business than it was a year ago, with improved margins, a healthier cash position and extended capabilities to serve customers effectively as we execute the next phase, ‘Build for Growth’.”
Guy said he was proud of the work done to execute the improvement plans with “determination and rigour” and in line with the company’s core purpose of keeping people safe at work.
Improved customer experience
Arco’s annual report for FY24 outlines how the company has improved customer experience through better service metrics and product availability, employed data-driven decisions to improve margins, and made more efficient use of capital, resulting in its stronger cash position.
Arco has also strengthened its supplier relationships, working with fewer suppliers, but more closely, to develop a proposition that is better suited to its customers’ needs.
The company’s commitment to corporate social responsibility has seen £38.5m of social value generated in FY24, including more than £4m in Hull and East Yorkshire. Arco employees have supported numerous community and charity organisations with biodiversity, environmental and other projects, using the two paid volunteering days the business lets them take each year.
Arco has also continued to focus on sustainability, investing significantly in renewable power, doubling sales of its "Responsible Choice" product ranges and retaining its Gold award from EcoVadis, the world's largest provider of business sustainability ratings, placing Arco in the top 5% of businesses assessed.
Looking ahead
In FY25, Arco is moving into the “Build for Growth” phase of its transformation journey, in which it plans to double investment, enhance its customer value propositions, website and e-commerce capabilities, and introduce innovative new products with “category-defining” sustainability credentials.
The company is planning further investment in its Arco Professional Safety Services business, introducing new facilities and training propositions to strengthen its market-leading position as a provider of joined-up safety solutions.
As well as investing in organic growth, Arco is also seeking to grow through inorganic routes and is actively looking for businesses that would make suitable additions to the organisation.
Guy said: “Focus areas for potential acquisitions have been identified and we’re excited to explore opportunities that present a strong match to those criteria.”
Arco will also soon begin work on a new customer discovery centre in Hull, which will showcase the company’s customer value proposition as Experts in Safety, including its wide range of products and services and independently accredited product assurance laboratory.
Guy said: “We are excited about the progress we will make towards long-term growth this year, and the continued development of an even stronger Arco business.”
Arco FY24 financial summary (year ended 30 June 2024)
Pre-tax profit of £1.3m before exceptional items (FY23: £3.1m loss)
Exceptional items of £8.4m related to business transformation
Further improvement in gross profit margin at 23.9% (FY23: 22.0%)
Strong net cash position at year-end of £3.5m (FY23: £2.4m)
Arco Teams up with Hull KR Foundation to Fund Apprenticeship
Safety specialist Arco has teamed up with the Hull KR Foundation to fund an apprenticeship at the Super League club's official charity.
Arco has agreed to transfer levy funding to the foundation to pay for a Level 5 operations manager apprenticeship.
As well as having its own strong apprenticeship programme, Arco regularly makes funding available to local organisations who want to recruit new apprentices or offer apprenticeships as development opportunities for existing staff.
The 140-year-old Hull-based company has previously funded apprenticeships for Martin House Children's Hospice in 2022 and building repair and maintenance contractor KWL in 2023.
Darren Ford, Arco's head of organisational development and learning & development, said:
"At Arco, we pride ourselves on giving back to the community and supporting great causes.
"Apprenticeships are a great path for people starting out or looking to change careers and for employees looking to further develop their skills and expertise.
"It's great to be able to support the Hull KR Foundation in this way, and we're confident the apprenticeship will be a great success."
The Hull KR Foundation provides people in Hull and East Yorkshire with opportunities to improve their lives through community programmes across four areas: employability and skills, health and wellbeing, social inclusion and sports participation.
Paul Hamnett, CEO of the Hull KR Foundation, said:
"Connecting with Arco has enabled us to support the development of the foundation's staff.
"We want to be able to provide the higher-level development opportunities, and linking into the levy funds is a fantastic way to enable this.
"I am grateful that Arco wanted to support us and look forward to establishing a strong relationship between two Hull-based organisations"
Arco launched its Future Experts apprenticeship programme in 2015 as a key part of the company's talent development strategy.
Its apprentices benefit from a blend of on-the-job training and formal education, with 100 per cent of Arco apprentices having secured permanent positions within the company after completing their training, and 75 per cent remaining employed at Arco for at least 12 months after completion.
Ian Fenton, general manager of Arco's National Distribution Centre in Hull, recently completed a Level 5 operations manager apprenticeship.
He said: "The course was very informative and the sessions I had where other people from other businesses were present really helped me to understand and learn what happens in other businesses, not just Arco.
"I learnt new skills and refreshed myself on skills I already have, which gave me confidence along the way. I would recommend an apprenticeship as it develops you as a manager, a colleague and a person, which will hopefully allow me to progress in my career."
Arco Skydive Team Raise Almost £8,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support
A fearless team from Arco have taken on a 10,000ft skydive, raising almost £8,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support.
Chief executive Guy Bruce, commercial director Jamie Sadler and client manager Louise Brown, along with Guy's 18-year-old son, Max, all took part in the "Jump of Their Lives" for Macmillan, Arco's longest-standing charity partner.
Collectively, the Arco team almost doubled their fundraising target, raising £7,845 to help support people affected by cancer.
Guy Bruce, chief executive of Arco, said:
"What a thrilling experience! I am really proud to have completed the jump, but more importantly of what we have collectively raised to make a difference for such an important charity.
"Sadly, we are too often reminded about the important work Macmillan does as we are touched by stories of colleagues, friends, family and loved ones affected by cancer.
"Thank you to everyone for your support and contributions. It means a lot."
Since making its first donation to Macmillan in 1998, Arco has gone on to raise more than £260,000 over the past 26 years and hopes to hit the £270,000 mark in the next 12 months.
The company recently held its most successful Macmillan Coffee Morning to date, raising more than £1,600 for the charity.
"We are so thrilled that Arco have got involved with this year's 'Jump of Their Lives', building on their fundraising for Macmillan.
"It's thanks to fundraisers like Arco that we can continue to be there for people living with and affected by cancer. Every £34 raised during this event will pay for one hour of a Macmillan nurse's time.
"We can't thank them enough."
Anyone affected with cancer can contact the free Macmillan Support Line on 0808 808 00 00 (seven days a week, 8am to 8pm) or visit the Macmillan website.
Arco Launches Inclusion Committee to Champion Diversity and Equity
Arco has launched a new inclusion committee focused on driving equity and diversity within the business.
The UK and Ireland's leading safety expert announced the forming of the new committee as part of National Inclusion Week (23-29 September).
The theme of this year's National Inclusion Week, "Impact Matters", is about taking meaningful steps toward real, sustainable inclusion in the workplace.
Arco is inviting any of its 1,400 employees to take part if they choose to do so, with the aim of raising issues and discussing actions that create a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone can be at their best.
The committee is a strengthening of Arco's commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion (ED&I), and creating a workplace where every voice is heard, and every colleague is valued.
By joining, staff will have the opportunity to influence decisions and actions that foster a supportive and inclusive workplace environment.
Chief commercial officer Simon Allan-Brooks is the executive sponsor of the committee, which will be chaired by market research and insight manager Leigh Hanson.
Asked why he wanted to be the sponsor, Simon said it was important for people in all areas and all levels of the business to be part of the committee.
He said: "It is a real privilege to be part of such a great committee and driving inclusion forward. I am looking forward to the self-education along the way with our team.
"For me as an executive, it's really important to be a sponsor for such an important topic. It's also a continuous education journey for me. As a middle-aged, white male, I'm stereotypically the person that needs to really learn about inclusion.
"So, while it's a topic I'm interested in and one I should be driving, I also have a lot to learn. And what better way than to be involved right from the outset?"
Arco has worked closely with Garry Clarke-Strange, of Think Inclusion Consulting, to define what inclusion means for the company.
Garry said: "From working with Arco this year to define their approach to inclusion, to now seeing change and action happen so quickly is refreshing and inspiring in equal measure; and something the entire industry should aspire to follow.
"I'm excited to see the impact the inclusion committee, with the support of Simon and wider executive team, will have over the next 12 months towards helping ensure that everyone at Arco can feel like they belong."
Arco Celebrates Success at East Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards
Arco's Chelsea Baxter has been named Advanced Apprentice of the Year at the inaugural East Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards, with Arco runner-up in the Large Employer of the Year category.
The awards, which celebrate apprentices, employers, colleges, trainers, and supporters across the region, were held last night at the MKM Stadium in Hull.
Chelsea, an E-Procurement Analyst at Arco, picked up the win after recently completing her Level 3 improvement technician apprenticeship with distinction.
Chelsea said: "It's scary going back into a learning environment so long after finishing university in 2014, but I had fantastic support from Arco, particularly from my manager Paul Burton, which made it not so scary.
"The apprenticeship took a lot of work and it's fab to see that acknowledged with this award."
Arco, the UK and Ireland's leading safety specialist, was highly commended in the Large Employer of the Year award, which was won by BAE Systems.
Arco's Future Experts programme was launched in 2015 and is an important part of the company's talent development strategy.
Apprentices benefit from a blend of on-the-job training and formal education, with 100% of apprentices having secured permanent positions within the company after completing their training, and 75% remaining employed at Arco for at least 12 months after completion.
Arco plans to expand its apprenticeship offerings in the future, increasing the number of higher and degree-level apprenticeships available to employees across the business.
Darren Ford, Arco’s head of organisational development and learning & development, said:
"We are so proud of our colleague Chelsea for winning this well-deserved award, and thrilled to be highly commended as a business for our apprenticeship programme.
"At Arco, we believe that investing in the future means investing in our apprentices. The recognition at the East Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards is a testament to our dedication to empowering individuals and driving business success through our Future Experts programme.
"We are proud of what we have achieved and excited for the future of our programme and of our apprentices."
Trojan Brings 'True Female Fit' to Unisex Safety Trainers
Leading workwear and safety footwear brand TROJAN has launched its most inclusive range of safety shoes to date, including unisex work trainers that offer "true female fit".
The new TROJAN footwear range, available exclusively from Arco, has been designed in a modern style, reflecting the growing shift in consumer preferences from traditional safety boots and shoes to more stylish, casual trainers and hiker boots.
Along with specific men's and women's options, the new collection includes unisex trainers that have been moulded on the contours of women's feet in sizes 3-6, offering a true female fit. This makes it easier for businesses across a variety of industries to kit out their whole team with the same level of comfort, support and protection.
The range includes five new styles, all made with lightweight materials and offering enhanced comfort and performance features such as improved footbeds.
All five options meet the latest safety footwear standard (EN ISO 20345:2022), providing slip resistance and steel or composite toe protection and midsoles. The non-metallic styles incorporate advanced midsole materials to provide superior protection.
Trojan products undergo extensive testing in Arco’s own Product Assurance laboratory, the first UK testing lab able to carry out UKAS-accredited testing against impacts, compression, midsole perforation, slip resistance and electrical resistance of safety footwear certified to the revised standard.
To help businesses achieve their sustainability goals, all styles in the new TROJAN footwear range incorporate recycled materials in the linings, laces and footbeds, with 45 per cent Global Recycled Standard (GRS) certified uppers.
Becky Casson, buying director at Arco, said:
"Arco is committed to leading the way in innovative and inclusive workplace solutions. This new Trojan footwear range not only modernises our footwear offerings but also reinforces our dedication to providing more inclusive workwear options.
"We believe that every worker deserves footwear that fits well, looks great, and performs under pressure, and this collection delivers just that."
Arco Experts Teach Ron Dearing UTC Students All About Safety
Engineering students at Hull's Ron Dearing UTC have been learning all about workplace safety, thanks to the experts at Arco.
As part of the city centre school's Engineering Safety Week [September 9-13], the UK and Ireland's leading safety specialist held workshops for students, including an interactive display area based around virtual reality (VR) and a competition focused on working at height safety.
Arco's Brian Grunes, Louise Brown and Nerys Knight ran back-to-back sessions throughout the day, with groups of students ranging from Year 10 - 13. Students took part in a competition to see who could put on a safety harness and correctly fasten it in the quickest time, featuring a 'Top Gear' style leaderboard and a £50 Arco voucher for the winner.
The students were then introduced to a range of working at height scenarios using VR headsets. They experienced the fall potential and safety considerations of working at height, with virtual settings including Blackpool Tower and Hull's own landmark The Deep.
"The students seemed to really enjoy our virtual reality experiences, which allow learners to experience the dangers posed in high-risk working environments, but in a safe and engaging way.
"Many asked questions and appreciated the opportunity Arco provides as a future employer. The day was a huge success and we're all looking forward to returning in the future."
Kayleigh Whitehead, 17, who is studying double engineering, maths and physics at the UTC, said:
"It was a great experience that allowed us to see how the health and safety work we do at the UTC is used in industry and its importance to people's everyday life."
Arco has been a major partner of Ron Dearing UTC since the college opened in 2017, helping the college address the STEAM (science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics) skills gap.
Earlier this year, Arco donated personal protective equipment (PPE), including lab coats, safety footwear and safety glasses, for students to wear during their workshop training, as well as branding the UTC's workshop and digital lab space.
Glenn Jensen, senior assistant principal at Ron Dearing UTC, said:
"Health and safety awareness is one of the fundamental threads that flows through the different engineering pathways at Ron Dearing UTC.
"Having a prestigious sector leader such as Arco showcasing at the UTC is amazing for our students and further enriches our fantastic employer-led curriculum."
MSP Fiona Hyslop takes a tour of Linlithgow Safety Centre
Arco, the UK and Ireland's leading safety company, welcomed MSP Fiona Hyslop to its industry-leading Linlithgow Safety Centre this week..
The Linlithgow Safety Centre opened in the West Lothian town in 2021, providing consultancy, training, services and equipment to manage complex, high-risk, hazardous working scenarios.
Specialising in working at height, confined spaces, respiratory, and health and safety training, the Arco Professional Safety Services team delivers cutting-edge training for those working in situations with highest risk of serious injury.
During her visit, Ms Hyslop was shown around Arco's purpose-built facilities, which provide realistic, practical training environments. Ms Hyslop observed Arco's industry-leading training procedures for these specific working environments, and then took part in a Q&A session focused on training solutions for dangerous working scenarios.
Ms Hyslop was shown around Arco's facility by Steve McIver, Arco's training and consultancy team lead, who has 40 years' experience in the clean water and wastewater industry, and who also sits on the Water Jetting Association Technical Training Committee.
Steve said:
"We were pleased to welcome Ms Hyslop to our Safety Centre in Linlithgow, which provided an opportunity to showcase our expertise and commitment to customer safety in the region in the most challenging of environments."
Throughout the day, Arco's team and Ms Hyslop discussed the continuing partnership with NHS Scotland and Scotland Health and Social Care in relation to pandemic preparedness. Over two years during the Covid-19 pandemic, Arco supplied 200 million surgical masks, seven million FFP3 masks and 10 million visors, meeting around 87% of Scotland's healthcare needs. Arco also provided face fit testing to over 40,000 frontline staff across Scotland.
Fiona Hyslop MSP said:
"I was pleased to visit Arco's Safety Centre in Linlithgow on Monday. I was keen to hear about the history of the company and an update on where they are now.
"It is clear to see that safety is the number one priority at Arco, offering a vast range of health and safety training, including confined space training, training at heights and high-pressure water jet training. As well as providing physical PPE, Arco also ensures those receiving the PPE have had the appropriate training to use it.
"I was also interested to hear about the role Arco played in the Covid-19 pandemic, with the majority of NHS Scotland's requirements for PPE being fulfilled by the company."
