So, you’ve seen the big hits, the sparkly stuff: the launches, the wins, the deals that made 2025 one to remember.
But now it’s time for the real story. The juicy behind-the-scenes stuff (well, maybe not so juicy), but the early starts, the dodgy playlists, and the moments that made us laugh when we probably should’ve cried. Because at TuffStuff, we know it’s not just the highlights that define a year, it’s the daft day-to-day, the lessons learned along the way, and the team you share it all with when you’re up a certain ‘creek’ without a paddle.
So, grab that brew (or a hot toddy at this point), sit back, and join us for a look behind the scenes at the highs, lows, and laughs that made this year as ‘TuffStuff’ as it was good stuff.
Real Talk: Challenges & Lessons
The Tuffstuff team have become somewhat pros at playing a bit of workwear Tetris this year!
Every good year comes with its fair share of graft, and we’ll be honest, we’ve been thrown a bit of everything this year. From warehouse space to keeping things simple, and a team that somehow kept it all ticking, 2025 certainly gave us a few reminders that progress never comes easy, but it’s always worth it in the end.
- Warehouse Tetris
First up, warehouse space. Let’s just say it’s been as cosy as a Christmas Cottage at some points this year (if said cottage was filled to the brim with work trousers and jackets). With new products landing and demand skyrocketing, we’ve become somewhat pros at playing a bit of workwear Tetris to keep everything moving!
But, as slowing down isn’t in our DNA, the team pulled together, found creative ways to keep up, and made it work. One box, one pallet and one well-earned coffee break at a time.
- When to Shout
Talking about what’s coming next sounds easy until you’re trying to time it just right. Launching new gear means knowing when to shout about it, even when it's exciting, and this year reminded us that communication is a delicate balancing act.
We’re still perfecting it, but that’s part of the fun, and like a good brew, we’ve realised there’s a fine art and lots of practice that goes into getting the outcome ‘just right’.
- Keeping It Simple
Through it all, one thing has stayed the same. When things got hectic, we found ourselves going back to basics. Much like our workwear, we always find that no jargon, no overcomplication, just a focus on what works always wins. TuffStuff’s never been about fluff or fuss, and 2025 reminded us that sticking to that approach isn’t just what works, it’s what keeps us TuffStuff.
The Laughs & Little Wins
Stew's 'Zoolander’ moment for the TuffStuff wall of fame.
Despite the challenges, if 2025 proved anything, it’s that a good sense of humour is just as important as a good pair of trousers. Between busy days, big launches and endless brews, there were plenty of moments that reminded us why we love what we do.
- The Great Warehouse Radio Wars
After months of back-and-forth between pop, rock, and whatever the radio calls “classic gold,” a winner for the warehouse radio finally emerged- a German-speaking rock station.
Yes, that’s right, don’t ask us how it happened, but apparently, power chords sound even better when you’ve got no clue what they’re singing?
- Very ‘Urgent’ Orders
There’s always that one customer. Every week. The one who marks their order as urgent, like they’re standing in a field waiting for their trousers to arrive. We get it, when you need your gear, you need your gear, but you’ve got to admire the commitment, and clearly the kit is doing its job!
- Old School Still Cool
From urgent to old school, believe it or not, we’ve also still got a loyal customer who sends us handwritten orders in the post. No emails, no phone calls, just the good old pen and paper method. It probably costs them a small fortune in stamps, but honestly, we respect the dedication!
- Team Lunches at Chinny’s
Every few weeks, the warehouse crew sneak off for a well-earned free lunch at Chinny’s Sports Bar. If, like them, you’re a fan of sport, beer and oversized portions of loaded fries, it’s the place to be, and it has become a bit of a ritual that helps lift spirits after a busy week handling workwear.
- No Suits, No Stress
We like to think that at TuffStuff we don’t take ourselves too seriously. Don’t get us wrong, we work hard and put in the hours, but with no suits, egos, or drama to contend with, getting up on a Monday feels a bit easier in the TuffStuff team- even if there is the odd off-key sing-along to German rock in the background!
No suits in sight, just the cool and comfortable Icon Tees for the TuffStuff team.
And if you're wondering about the Zoolander image before, let's just say some customers found it very amusing that Stew ended up modelling our new Ranger Jacket, so they printed some pictures of the Zoolander character with Stew's face lovingly placed on top, and then had him sign them! Apparently, it was hilarious ( but maybe you had to be there?)...
The People Behind the Gear
Kev, Paul and Stew: The TuffStuff Hi-Vis Trio.
At the heart of TuffStuff, it’s always been about the people. We have an amazing team who design, pack, sell, and support the gear that keeps trades across the UK grafting, and 2025’s been another year that reminded us how much that team spirit matters.
- New Faces & Familiar Legends
This year we gave a TuffStuff welcome to Emma Davis, our new Regional Sales Manager for the South West and South Wales. With over 12 years in workwear under her tool belt, Emma’s already out there flying the TuffStuff flag and meeting customers across her patch.
A TuffStuff welcome for Emma Davis, our new Regional Sales Manager.
At the same time, we saw TuffStuff team member Josh Darling trade the warehouse for a very different kind of uniform as he headed off to join the Marines. We couldn’t be prouder, but we’re going to miss having him around (and maybe get a little jealous of the tan he’s probably got by now, too).
And finally, we want to give a special mention to Stew Carter, who’s kept spirits high and become a well-respected voice in the workwear community- when Stew’s around, morale’s never far behind!
Stew keeping morale high and accessories... questionable?
- Loyalty That Lasts
This year we’ve also had a few milestones worth shouting about in the TuffStuff team, as Mark McGovern hit 15 years with us, Sarah Mison hit the decade mark at 10 years, and Helen Bicknel celebrated a fabulous 30-year anniversary with the TuffStuff Team!
Liam Brabbin also clocked in for his 20-year anniversary at TuffStuff, after joining at only 18! So if there’s ever been proof that good people stick around, we certainly have it!
- Our Stockists & Partners
And of course, we couldn’t do it without the stores who back us day in, day out. This year saw new premium displays installed at T Brooker & Sons in Hitchin and expanded partnerships with George Tufts & Son in Bradenham and Bosh Workwear in Maidenhead (run by none other than Tom Skinner himself).
A fresh new TuffStuff display at T Brooker & Sons in Hitchin.
While these displays don’t just look great, they also prove what can happen when the right products meet the right people and play a massive part in representing the people behind the gear.
- Supporting the Next Generation
It’s not all been warehouses and workwear this year either, and whether it’s on-site or on the pitch, we believe in supporting those putting the effort in.
Supporting the next generation with Framlingham Town FC.
TuffStuff’s also been out in the community, backing local sport and youth development. We’ve proudly sponsored Fram Town FC, Fram Knights U8s, and Risden Wood U15s, plus supplied kit for Fram Town Youth coaches, who volunteer their time to keep grassroots football thriving.
Sponsoring local teams and supplying kit for their dedicated coaches.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Repping team TuffStuff at the Dataquest Darts Open.
If 2025 was about growth, 2026 is about building on it (quite literally!)
With planning permission signed off, we’ll be breaking ground on our new warehouse and office build in the spring, doubling our capacity and giving us space to keep up with growing demand- so we can finally stop playing warehouse Tetris! It’ll also give us the perfect backdrop for future lifestyle shoots (and probably a few lunchtime BBQs if Rob has his way, too).
The team’s also been busy behind the scenes developing new products, including a new TuffStuff hoodie that’s shaping up to be a belter…..Plus, after some serious work in Düsseldorf at the A&A Workwear Show, we’re teaming up with new suppliers and gearing up for even bigger things to come once the New Year rolls in.
Of course, we’ll also be back on the darts scene, with the TuffStuff Bull Hitters returning for the Dataquest Darts Open, and we’ll be cheering on our TuffStuff ambassadors competing at the World Darts Championships too!
Paul demonstrating his 'pro stance' stepping up to the Dataquest Darts Open Oche.
And as always, we’ll continue to back the people who have stuck with us for the ride. To every loyal customer, stockist, and partner who’s backed us along the way already, we thank you. You’re the reason TuffStuff keeps pushing forward, growing stronger, and turning ideas into proper workwear legends.
So here’s to 2026. New builds, new gear, and the same TuffStuff spirit that’s carried us through every challenge and laugh so far.
Thanks for being part of the journey. We’ll see you on-site (or maybe at the oche) in 2026.
Signing off to gear up, get on and get it done with the TuffStuff Workwear Range.
