Case Study

Bee Network

When Transport for Greater Manchester launched the Bee Network, Dimensions were on hand to deliver an iconic new uniform.

At a glance

  4,400 wearers

  20 role fits

2 seasonal wardrobes

  21 delivery locations

Uniform Wearers 01

The Brief

Transport for Greater Manchester's Bee Network is Manchester’s trailblazing network of fully integrated London-style transport system, which saw bus services taken under local control for the first time in nearly 40 years. By 2025 all Greater Manchester's buses will join the Bee Network. 

Bee Network wanted to design a new staff uniform that provides passengers with a clear and visible way of knowing who to approach for help and assistance when they are travelling on the network.

Keeping inclusivity, quality, value and ethical practices at the forefront, Dimensions were successfully selected as the sole supplier for Bee Network's uniform. 

Design

Bee Network Uniform Design-

Drawing on Manchester’s long-time association with the symbol of the worker bee, the uniform features the distinctive Bee Network logo and its design ensures it can be worn by everybody. It takes into account gender identity and religious requirements – and has been tested to ensure maximum comfort, safety, practicality, and style.

Focused on inclusivity, the range incudes both a standard and fitted wardrobe for Drivers, Supervisors, Ticket and Information Shop colleagues, Highways and Operational Control Room staff and Bus Station Assistants & Porters.

The range includes short sleeved and long-sleeved polos, sweatshirts, softshell jackets, gilets, trousers, cargos, 3 in1 coat, hi-vis vest, hi-vis trousers and a 5 in 1 hi-vis coat. Accessories include beanies, snoods, caps, and rucksacks. The summer wardrobe includes cargo shorts and short sleeved polos featuring Better Cotton and recycled polyester.

Showcasing the Uniform

Click any image to expand. 

Timeline

Tender

Transport for Greater Manchester launched a competitive tender in 2022 for the supply of their Bee Network Uniform.

In February 2023, Dimensions were successful in the tender process, and were awarded the contract.

Collaboration

Dimensions collaborated with our sister brand, Alexandra to achieve the customers goal of creating an iconic personalised uniform within a short timescale. Being part of the Mi Hub family of brands means that Dimensions' customers benefit from Mi Hub's entire offering, including Alexandra's off the shelf, ready-to-wear solutions. 

Staged Rollout

A three-staged rollout to 4,400 colleagues began in September 2023 to facilitate the Bee Network's expansion. 

●  Tranche 1 to 1,200 colleagues
●  Tranche 2 to 1,200 colleagues
●  Tranche 3 to 2,000 colleagues

Summer Wardrobes

Launching alongside the tranche 2 rollout in summer 2024, the summer wardrobes see the addition of cargo shorts, and polo shirts made from Better Cotton and recycled polyester.

Personalisation

Utilising ready-to-wear garments, Dimensions collaborated with our sister brand, Alexandra to create personalised and branded garments for The Bee Network. 

Print

Embroidery

TESTIMONIALS

Words from Others

"Dimensions were selected to be the successful supplier of the Bee Network uniform as they demonstrated that they could provide a uniform design of high quality at a reasonable price to franchise operators, along with robust customer support.  We have been delighted to work with them along the journey developing the design and have received very favourable feedback from wearers in sample trials."

- Catherine Leach, Project Manager at Transport for Greater Manchester

Catherine Leach

 

"The uniform development process with Transport for Greater Manchester was genuinely a partnership in action. It has been exciting to work with a team that were driven to provide the best solutions for their colleagues and stakeholders. Transport for Greater Manchester genuinely care about the ethical sourcing and environmental standards behind the development of their uniform. It has been a privilege to be involved in such an ambitious project that will benefit residents across the Greater Manchester area."

- Phil Harland, Director of Client Management at Dimensions

Phil Harland