New look for firefighters as Bristol firm wins deal to replace uniforms

FIREFIGHTERS in the Bristol will be sporting a new look from next week.

The emergency workers with Avon Fire and Rescue Service are turning their back on the traditional blue uniforms in favour of a new gold affair.

The new outfit has been designed and made by Bristol Uniforms – a Staple Hill company which has grown into one of the biggest in the world.

The new look uniforms will be on show from next Thursday and mark a change of direction for the fire brigade.

The decision to change the uniform was made after the fire service's existing supplier came to an end. The replacement uniform is part of a national project to deliver standard specification kit for fire and rescue services across the country.

The new kit is major coup for Bristol Uniforms which will be supplying forces across the country. It has been made using modern, lightweight, durable fabrics that will protect crews from heat and moisture when they attend emergencies and incidents.

The naturally gold coloured fabric has undergone extensive testing by Bristol Uniforms to demonstrate its effectiveness in the most testing of conditions.

The change in uniform will take place on Thursday morning when firefighters in Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire will all adopt the new look.

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Jon Day, said: "The only change that members of the public will notice will be the colour of the uniform, however the improvements for our crews are more significant. The new kit has been tested robustly to ensure it meets the demands of our work.

"Despite being lightweight it is extremely durable and will ensure our firefighters are well protected during their work at emergencies.

"As our existing contract for firefighting kit was coming to an end we took the decision to move to the new uniform and take advantage of the benefits associated with the purchasing power of a national project."

Bristol Uniforms' joint managing director Ian Mitchell added: "Bristol Uniforms is especially pleased that Avon has chosen a local supplier and that we will be supplying them again with their new head-to-toe firefighter personal protective equipment.

"The contract includes the provision of managed services under which all the firefighter equipment will be maintained by Bristol.

"Avon began using their new station wear in 2010, supplied by Bristol as part of the national Integrated Clothing Project ."

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