Supported Business
At Keela we’ve been designing, manufacturing and supplying a range of technical workwear and outdoor wear for over 30 years – and we’re thrilled to be able to say that our UK manufacturing facility has now been approved as a Supported Business in 2022. We are also a member of BASE.
What Does It Mean?
Supported businesses are enterprises where over 30% of the workforce have a disability or disadvantage, with the award and definition being recognised across Europe. The achievement is awarded by BASE, the national voice for providers of specialist employment support, who promote the principles and delivery of high-quality Supported Employment services and work to improve the employment rates of disabled people.
We focus on the upside, finding what people are great at and supporting individuals to improve their skills – opening doors for ongoing employment.
History
Ilasco by Keela was born over 30 years ago, when our Director Rube realised that we could provide high-quality technical outdoor-wear with a base here in the UK.
We have become known for pushing the boundaries of innovation, with our range of testing machinery and skilled teams of machinists, designers and engineers from the local community.
Over the decades, we have always been keen to support staff with disabilities and disadvantages – it is something we are very proud of.
In 2022, we decided to make this official, and we are thrilled to be recognised as a Supported Business by BASE.
Products
Over 2020/21, our UK Manufacturing was expanded and we committed to production of gowns and PPE for the NHS during the pandemic. Ilasco by Keela provided over 750,000 gowns to hardworking NHS staff.
Post pandemic, our manufacturing has continued but we have shifted our focus towards more technical apparel including lightweight wind smocks for the outdoors industry, dog coats, protective coveralls for the Blue Light sector and garments for the Military.
In 2022, we were thrilled to have received a UK Government Early Day Motion for Covid efforts, along with a Civic Award from Fife Council, recognising the work of our team.