Tuffking aims for boots on the ground across the globe

Tuffking, headquartered in Loughton, has a long history of providing hard-wearing protective boots since it was originally founded as Giffard Newton & Sons in 1854.

It’s now growing its global presence following increased demand for its products across the world, and aims to hit £50 million in turnover by 2030.

Currently operating in 15 countries, the firm is using an £850,000 funding package from Lloyds Bank, including trade finance, to service emerging markets. As part of this investment, Tuffking will be creating six new jobs, increasing its current workforce by 50 per cent.

The company has a rich history, supplying the armed forces during both World Wars, and repurposing its factory in Chesham to repair and redistribute footwear to the allied forces.

While still supplying the armed forces in 2024, Tuffking has also cemented its reputation as the go-to brand for the UK’s emergency services, nearly tripling its client base since 2021.

Now, after significant investment and innovation – and acting on client feedback – the business has unlocked new opportunities to modernise, diversify and grow.

Tuffking leveraged its 170 years of technical knowledge to update the designs of its entire catalogue. This led to the creation of an industry-leading boot, produced from 100 per cent recycled vegan material, and post-consumer waste. These boots are far lighter and more sustainable than previous models, making them essential for the modern workforce.

Tuffking now has a range of over 100 different products, and while they have been redesigned to be lighter, more comfortable and more sustainable, they still retain the quality and safety Tuffking is known for.

Ryan Dhindsa, Managing Director at Tuffking, said: “Our business has a long history within the UK and we’ve built a reputation for providing a high-quality product that our customers trust. But the last thing we wanted to do was become complacent, and we can see that many businesses are rapidly evolving. So, we wanted to adapt quickly with them.

“Our investment in innovation, supported by Stuart and the team at Lloyds Bank, gives us a platform for growth and ensures an edge over our competitors. We have technical knowledge and experience in spades, and for me, it’s all about using that to our advantage. With the number of new sectors needing specialist designs to meet their needs, the opportunities – and potential to grow – are endless.”

The result of this evolution and innovation is growth. It has more than tripled its turnover since designing new products, and has expanded in new sectors, such as manufacturing, electrical engineering and logistics.

Stuart Wiggins, Relationship Manager at Lloyds Bank, said: “Tuffking is an example of a British business built on heritage and consistent quality, but this does not mean it is resting on its laurels.

“Instead, it’s looking to the future and Ryan and his team have taken the brave decision to evolve to break into new sectors and markets. We’re proud to deliver a bespoke working capital package for the business, and support the team with its ambition.

“At a time when sustainability is high on everyone’s agenda, it’s moved quickly to work with its suppliers and create industry-changing designs, and it’s an approach I know other businesses will take inspiration from. That’s because they see Tuffking putting its best-foot-forward and investing where it knows it can add value for customers.”

Business confidence in the East of England rose by nine points during March to 48 per cent, according to research from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking – outstripping the UK optimism level of 42 per cent.

Companies in the East reported higher confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, up six points at 53 per cent. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, up 13 points to 44 per cent, this gives a headline confidence reading of 48 per cent (vs. 39 per cent in February).

The region’s businesses identified their top target areas for growth in the next six months as evolving their offering, for example by introducing new products or services, investing in their team and training and diversifying into adjacent markets or exporting to new ones.