About Us

Howsafe is a leading independent supplier of workwear and PPE. Our family-run business was established in Peterborough in 1978 and supplies products nationwide. Our retail workwear store in Peterborough is regarded as one of the best workwear and PPE outlets in the UK and is supported by a fleet of mobile showrooms, delivering and demonstrating products on our customer’s doorsteps. We’ve built our product range over many decades, selecting only the best suppliers and products to provide solutions that offer unrivalled safety, performance and value for money. For the very best personal protective equipment, workwear and industrial clothing, safety equipment and safety wear solutions, call us today on 01733 560669 or email [email protected].
Large Stocks
Large Stocks

We carry huge stocks at our Peterborough warehouse enabling us to normally supply off-the-shelf and despatch orders without moving stock from depot to depot. The bottom line is that you get your orders FASTER with reduced paperwork.

Quality Products
Quality Products

Howsafe's products are proven in the workplace by the critics that count - our customers. Over many decades we've honed our offering to supply only the best products from the most trusted suppliers and this process continues on a daily basis.

Loyalty & Experience
Loyalty & Experience

Howsafe has not only earned great customer loyalty with thousands of happy customers serviced, but also employee loyalty too. Our ranks are filled with experienced team members, some of them having been with us for many decades.

Company History

The Beginning
1978
The Beginning
When Howsafe's first iconic mobile shop first took to the road in 1978, Grease was enjoying a theatrical run at Peterborough's ABC Cinema on Broadway and Peterborough Power Station was still standing at the site that would later become Rivergate. Planning permission had been granted for the Queensgate shopping centre, but the complex would not open for another 4 years.
The first shop on Eastfield Road
1982
The first shop on Eastfield Road
Howsafe's first premises was a back bedroom in a bungalow in Stanground, before rapidly growing stocks necessitated a move to our first commercial property on Eastfield Road in Peterborough. The location, just off Padholme Road and close to the city centre proved to be ideal for serving the city's thriving business community.
A Move to Queens Drive West
1983
A Move to Queens Drive West
In 1983 the company once again outgrew its home and moved to a larger premises on Queens Drive West (formerly a bakery), a premises nestled between Aspect Photography and the Queens Drive Infant's School. Expanded retail showroom space and massively increased warehousing capacity allowed Howsafe to increase its product portfolio and workforce to cope with the growing demand for PPE and expanding customer base.
Branding begins
1991
Branding begins
Recognising the growth in popularity of branded workwear, Howsafe invests in its first embroidery machine. A steep but rewarding learning curve results in the establishment of a staffed embroidery department at Howsafe, which will expand rapidly over subsequent years with the adoption of digital colour print and cut vinyl badging.
A Move to Eastern Industry
2007
A Move to Eastern Industry
As the business continued to grow, parking at Queens Drive West became a real issue for the company and for residents. In 2007 the old site at Queens Drive West was redeveloped, and the old bakery was demolished and replaced with a residential development. At this time Peterborough's Eastern Industry was expanding quickly. New trading estates were being built, attracting new and established businesses
Howsafe joins the fight against Covid-19
2020
Howsafe joins the fight against Covid-19
As the Covid-19 pandemic grew in scale and the country went into lockdown, Howsafe continued to operate and launched a PPE bank to supply much needed free hygiene to the beleaguered care sector.
Expansion of Embroidery and Print Departments
2021
Expansion of Embroidery and Print Departments
To cope with increased demand and to offer a speedier service, Howsafe invested in upgraded equipment, expanded production teams and dedicated facilities for both the embroidery and print departments.
Green Initiatives
2022
Green Initiatives
Howsafe replaced sodium based lighting at the Peterborough warehouses with energy efficient, high bay, LED lighting. The motion and daylight sensitive system continued to save energy when not needed. Office areas, production areas and external signage are all uprgraded with energy efficient LED lighting. Company cars are replaced with plug-in hybrid models.
Howsafe's Commitment to Environmental Sustainability
2023
Howsafe's Commitment to Environmental Sustainability
Howsafe takes a significant step towards sustainability by working towards the Investors in the Environment (iiE) accreditation. This move aligns with the increasing emphasis on environmental responsibility in the business world.
An investment in Direct to Film Printing
2024
An investment in Direct to Film Printing
Howsafe invests in DTF printing technology from Mimaki, ensuring precision, efficiency and consistency, allowing us to deliver top-quality printed workwear with every order.
 Howsafe achieves Bronze level environmental accreditation
2024
Howsafe achieves Bronze level environmental accreditation
Howsafe Ltd achieves Bronze level accreditation from Investors in the Environment (iiE). This recognition is a testament to our commitment to environmental sustainability and our efforts to embed eco-friendly practices across our operations. Our journey does not stop here, as we are now eagerly working towards attaining the Silver accreditation.

The Workwear Store

Howsafe’s Workwear Store is open to the public 6 days a week. From rugged branded workwear and warm outerwear to the area’s largest display of safety footwear, thousands of products are waiting to be snapped up and wrapped up. Avoid the queues in town and park right outside the door at Units 18-20 Challenger Way, Edgerley Business Park, PE1 5EX.

You will be able to browse and try on our full range of workwear, safety equipment and safety footwear. Changing room facilities are available.

We are open Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm and Saturday 9:00am to 1:00pm.

Local Delivery Service

If your business is located within a 25 mile radius of Peterborough you can take advantage of our free delivery service. Our experienced sales team is able to supply, demonstrate and fit your workforce on your own doorstep to save you time and money.

Your Account Manager is our unique selling point - their job is help make your life easy by handling size exchanges, bringing out samples for consideration and taking care of any returns, plus handling all of your deliveries. This ensures that your order gets to the correct location within your company every time.

Call us today on 01733 560669 or email [email protected] and we will link you with your dedicated account manager.

Embroidery & Printing

Embroidery & Printing

Howsafe was a regional trailblazer in the realm of branded workwear. We launched our in-house embroidery and print service in the 1980s and now have dedicated branding departments and teams at our Peterborough HQ. Branded clothing not only generates awareness of your organisation, it also helps your employees feel part of a team and builds trust and credibility by identifying your employees. Click the button below to read our detailed guide and learn how embroidery and print can benefit your company, club or team.

Learn More
Embroidery & Printing

Safety Footwear

Howsafe are the largest independent stockists of Cofra Safety Footwear in the UK . As a specialist in the supply of protective footwear we have offered the Cofra range for many years and over this time the shoes and boots have proved themselves to offer the best combination of durability, comfort and price.

Our safety footwear is laid out in pairs in our showroom, therefore making selection much easier for you, we stock over 60 different styles, all of which are available from our website and from our Showroom.

View our Safety Footwear
Certified System ISO 9001, JAS-ANZ

Environmental Accreditation

At Howsafe, we recognise our responsibility to operate in an environmentally sustainable manner. We strive to minimise the environmental impact of our retail and distribution operations through responsible policies and continuous improvement initiatives. Click here to download our environmental policy