Our history & timeline
1952
Established by George Mathias and his two sons, Albert and David in 1952, supplying Merchant Navy uniforms at Avonmouth docks.
1970
Mathias & Sons diversifies into Gents Outfitters at a time when British brands were highly sought after by crews on ships.
1987
Alan Mathias acquires the business from his father and uncle and diversifies into workwear.
1993
Alan’s daughter Sarah Mathias joins the business.
1996
First major uniform contract won with United Artists (which became Telewest and then Virgin Media).
1999
Alan’s son Jason Mathias joins the business. Sarah and Jason become Joint Managing Directors, and Alan retires.
2002
Strategic decision made to move out of retail and focus solely on workwear distribution, consolidating operations in to one warehouse. Investment in logo application equipment to increase margin and response rate.
2002
Awarded Scottish Courage contract (became Heineken) and won Best Supplier award.
2003
Our web ordering portal (MUMS) is launched to simplify workwear ordering and control spend.
2005
Rebrand to reflect our position as a respected national distributor of workwear and PPE.
2006
Rapid growth leads to expansion into new 11,500 sq ft premises in Avonmouth.
2007
Carried out our largest re-brand project to date as part of the Virgin Media brand launch.
2008
Overhauled warehouse with bespoke single SKU pick faces to support growth.
2009
Joined Eurosafe, transforming our purchasing power and PPE capability.
2010
Won major contract to supply Sky with head-to-toe workwear and PPE.
2013
Implemented SAP.
2014
Enhanced design-led bespoke capability in order to develop a market differentiator.
2014
Introduction of Growth Accelerator Program to introduce KPIs and training of management team.
2016
ISO accreditations achieved:
ISO9001
ISO14001
OHSAS18001
2016
Gained accreditation to the Safe Suppliers Scheme from the British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF).
2018
Sarah Mathias leaves the business, and is replaced by her partner, Adam Lane.
2018
Commenced supply of PPE to Hinkley Point C in Somerset – the largest construction site in Europe.
2019
Launched employee workwear self-ordering solution for over 5,000 Virgin Media field-based engineers.
2020
Winners of the prestigious 2020 Green Apple award for our work to eliminate single-use plastic packaging.
2021
Winners of the 2021 EMCOR UK Supplier of the year following major rebrand during the Covid pandemic.
2021
Awarded EcoVadis gold medal for sustainable procurement across across four themes (Environment, Labor & Human Rights, Ethics, Sustainable Procurement).
2022
Enhanced stock inventory management solutions, introducing PPE vending.
2024
Finalists for the 2024 BSiF Safety Solution Award following the implementation of an innovative PPE safety programme.
2024
Mathias is now a c.£7m turnover business with an established customer base, infrastructure and IT platform to support further growth.
2024
Signed a 3 year partnership agreement with Emmaus Suffolk, including a commitment to donate over £30,000 to directly benefit the local homeless community.
2024
Winners of the 2024 Encirc Safety Award for our pioneering PPE safety programme.