Our history in healthcare and workwear – Part one: 1922-1971

In one of our recent blogs we talked about the launch of our new website being the next step in our long history. Here, in the first of a two-part blog, we take a look back at some of the key milestones in our history as a healthcare clothing and workwear supplier.

In this part we look at 1922 to 1971.

1922

Our humble beginnings as a hat-lining manufacturer was started by Arthur William Bent (the original AWB!).

1945

Company bought by Dennis Cook, when we start to manufacture institutional garments for local county councils, including nursing home uniforms.

1946

Our company is now called A W Bent (Luton) Ltd 1949 With the creation of the Health Service, we start making uniforms for nurses.

1960s

Move to Holsworthy and make nurses’ aprons, surgeons’ gowns and scrub-suits, with over 50 sewing machinists in the factory.

Some of our 60s and 70s brochures are shown below. Download our healthcare clothing and workwear brochure 2015.

1971

Move to our present site in Stratton, Bude, which had previously been council flats and before that a workhouse. Pictured are photos of the Stratton building at the time, an old workhouse, alongside a pic of the then factory.

In part two we will be taking a look at 1971 to the present day.