We are family…

Our family business was established in 1974. Since then, we’ve grown steadily, developing our product ranges and services each year. We’re now both one of the UK’s leading suppliers of workwear and PPE, and an advisor whose expertise is trusted and respected in many sectors.

Has being a family business helped? Undoubtedly. You might think we’re bound to say that, but research findings support our position. There’s a growing body of evidence which shows family-owned operations out-perform non-family owned companies over the long term. And this is the case in every sector across the globe. If you want the data, check Credit Suisse Research reports (since 2006) and separate studies conducted by McKinsey and the Boston Consulting Group.

Knowing that family businesses have an edge doesn’t answer the crucial question of why they have one. For that we need to delve into what’s known as the “4C advantage” – the blend of continuity, community, connection and command that allows family owned companies to compete effectively. Let’s look at those four C’s.

The 4C advantage

1. Continuity – Founders and their next-generation heirs aren’t thinking about short term wins. Instead of focusing on next month, they’re ensuring business continuity by considering the next three decades. They are forward thinking companies always on the hunt for innovations which will benefit their clients.
2. Community – Family businesses start with a natural a degree of unity that becomes an inherent part of the company. As the operation grows and other family members or external parties are brought into the fold, the sense of unity strengthens, and a community forms. With shared values and objectives, the workforce become cohesive and collaborative. Such communities often describe themselves as a tribe.
3. Connections – As business owners, founders generally invest time and effort in forging connections and shared experiences with both their clients and suppliers. As their business grows, these strong relationships continue and help to foster loyalty.
4. Command – Family-owned companies have control. They are more agile, can make decisions rapidly and act quickly when new opportunities arise – a key advantage over non-family peers which are often constrained by bureaucracy. Within families, communication is usually honest and unencumbered. Ideas can be discussed at breakfast; plans can be made at lunch and development can be actioned by dinner.

The Knights family business
Everyone knows that families have ups and downs and don’t always agree, but we’re stronger because of that. We each bring specific skills, strengths, and ideas to the business. We can voice our opinions, challenge each other and make better decisions as a result. We also know that even as a robust family unit, we can't do it alone. We have the backing of a superb team and external business coaches, who, although not related by blood, share the same commitment and passion for our customers and the success of Knights.

A future focused on you
Many companies sell workwear and PPE. Few focus solely on these products. Fewer still have nearly 50 years of experience and expertise. Our understanding of customer needs really is exceptional, and we are utterly dedicated to providing the best possible customer experience.
We have consistently invested, developed and adopted new technological solutions, and we’ll continue to do so. The approach gives us an unrivalled ability to deliver everything our customers need swiftly and at competitive prices.

We believe a good company uniform should:

• Create a first-class professional corporate image
• Inspire confidence in the company and its identity
• Be clothing the wearer dons with pride
• Be functional, practical and comfortable
• Ensure the wearer complies with all relevant safety standards!
• Instil confidence in the wearer through operational safety!
• Give excellent value for money!
• ​Be easy and simple to care for.

Our values
​“Keeping you Safe and Smart”

• Excellence: Uncompromising dedication to provide excellence at every level
• Honesty: To be completely open, honest and transparent in all our dealings
• Integrity: To instil trust in our customers, prospects, suppliers and employees
• Quality: Quality of product and service at every level
• Care: We care about our customers, employees and the environment

Get in touch.