Uniforms for facilities management teams

On top of that, FM firms often run dozens of contracts, some branded with their own logo and some with the client's. Getting the right garment to the right person is half the battle.

One look across many roles

Pick a core colour and logo, then choose garments by role. Engineers get trade trousers and polos, front-of-house staff get shirts or blouses, cleaners get tunics. When everyone shares the same colour and logo position, the client sees one team even when the garments differ.

Supervisors and help-desk staff can wear a slightly smarter version of the same colours. A shared softshell or fleece across every role is the simplest way to tie it together.

Own brand or client brand

Some clients want your staff in their brand, so visitors see the building's own team. Others are happy with your logo. Agree this at contract stage, and get written permission before using a client's logo.

Dual branding, with your logo on the chest and the client's on the sleeve or right chest, is a common middle ground. It also makes re-tendering easier, because only one logo position changes if the contract moves.

Site rules vary by contract

A hospital, a distribution centre and an office block all have different PPE rules. Engineers going into plant rooms or onto roofs may need hi-vis, safety boots and helmets, while a reception host needs none of that.

Check each client's site rules and your own risk assessments, and set up the kit list per contract rather than once for the whole company. Remember that the PPE duty sits with you as the employer.

Ordering without the admin

Staff turnover and TUPE transfers mean a constant flow of new starters needing uniform. A Client Wardrobe gives each contract manager a private online shop with only the approved garments for their site.

The right kit is ordered without emails and spreadsheets, rules about who can order what are built in, and head office can still see what each contract is using.

Where to put your logo

Embroider the main logo on the left chest of every garment, at the same size, so a mixed team matches. Use the right chest or sleeve for a client logo or contract name where needed. Print role text such as 'Engineer' or 'Helpdesk' on the back of softshells or hi-vis for larger sites. On hi-vis, branding must stay on the fluorescent fabric only and never cover reflective tape.