M3 Finance Specialist Thurnscoe Westport, Ireland

Founder

Charles Hughes, son of a small farmer on the Wild Atlantic coast, was determined to have the best workwear and footwear when he founded his business in 1904. To this day, his core principles of exceptional design, quality, value and service still apply.

• 1904 – Charles Hughes founded his footwear and drapery shop in Westport
• 1912 – Eight years later he started a wholesale business.

• 1945 – Started a clothing factory during the war years. This is now Portwest UC.
• 1970s – Pádraig also founded Hotel Westport and Carraig Donn, as the textile industry was in decline.

• 1978 – Cathal and Harry join the family business. Harry took leadership over the two factories in Westport and Castlerea where over 100 sewing machinists worked. Production changed from making shirts to making workwear, and a turnover of £200,00 was achieved this year.
• 1983 – Five years later, Owen joins the retail and wholesale division.

• Since 2015 – James, Orla, Stephanie, Henry and Cathal J. Hughes have joined the family business overseeing and working in a wide range of departments.

To be the world’s best supplier of protective wear through customer focus, innovation, service, and value, and all delivered with passion and care.

To be the world’s most requested and trusted protectivewear brand.

The Sales Department plays a vital role in the company’s success by driving sales and fostering strong customer relationships. Our global team of Field Sales Representatives are spread across over 70 countries, acting as the bridge between Portwest and its customers.

• Building strong customer bonds: Understanding specific needs is key.
• Product expertise: Mastering knowledge of Portwest’s workwear & PPE offerings.
• Customer support & training: Equipping clients with product knowledge.
• Collaboration: Working hand-in-hand with internal teams for a seamless experience.

By fulfilling these functions, the Sales Department plays a critical role in achieving Portwest’s sales goals and establishing the company as a leading provider of safety solutions worldwide.

The Marketing Department is the mastermind behind Portwest’s brand identity and market success. This collaborative team encompasses:

• Brand Champions: Maintaining a strong and consistent brand image.
• Product Powerhouse: Promoting Portwest’s solutions effectively.
• Campaign Strategists: Executing targeted marketing initiatives.

By working together, they craft a comprehensive marketing plan that propels Portwest’s growth and solidifies its position as a leader in the safety industry.

The Markets team acts as the bridge between Portwest’s sales force and its global customer base. They provide crucial support for our sales staff by:

• Customer Focus: Assisting with customer needs and market management.
• The Feedback Loop: Gathering valuable customer insights on product needs, expectations, and areas for improvement.
• Building Relationships: Organizing international customer visits and hosting sales conferences.

By fostering strong customer connections and acting as a conduit for valuable feedback, the Markets team plays a vital role in Portwest’s ongoing product development and customer satisfaction.

The beating heart of Portwest’s safety solutions is the Product Development department. Based in Manchester and Westport, this team brings cutting‑edge workwear, footwear, PPE, and more to life.

With expertise across:

• Quality & Certification: Ensuring every product meets rigorous safety standards.
• Product Innovation: Designing new and improved workwear categories.
• Sustainability: Developing eco‑friendly solutions based on customer feedback.

With a massive portfolio of over 1,400 products and 13,500 SKUs, the Product Development team is constantly pushing boundaries, making Portwest a leader in innovative safety solutions.

Imagine a team that translates Portwest’s passion for safety into visually captivating designs. That’s the magic of our Graphics Team! These creative minds are responsible for crafting the visual language that shapes the Portwest brand across all touchpoints.

• Br…