Why use a single source supplier?

Juggling workwear and PPE across multiple suppliers leads to delays, mistakes, safety risks, and higher costs.

Sound familiar? You’re not alone - but there’s a better way.

Take back control by using a single source supplier.

That means:

• Better quality and service
• Fewer delays and mistakes
• More time back for your team
• One supplier for all your workwear

This guide covers it all, including:

• What is single sourcing?
• Why do businesses choose it?
• Is single sourcing right for your business? 
• How do you find a single source supplier?

WHAT IS SINGLE SOURCING?

The simplest definition? It means one trusted supplier for all, or most, of your workwear, PPE, and site essentials.

It’s a popular choice for:

• Utilities 
• Logistics 
• Healthcare
• Construction
• Warehousing

WHY? Because single sourcing makes it easy to manage stock levels, safety risks, and budgets across many teams and sites.

SOLE SUPPLIER VS SINGLE SOURCE

Sole sourcing is when only one supplier can provide what you need (usually a specialist product).

Single sourcing, on the other hand, is a choice. It means choosing one supplier for smarter procurement, even when others are available.

With SMI, this includes: 

• PPE
• Tools
• Workwear
• Safety footwear
• Cleaning and hygiene products

Need branded uniforms? We can help!
Read our expert tips and tricks for branding success.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF A SINGLE SOURCE SUPPLIER?

BETTER SUPPLIER RELATIONSHIPS

Want better, quicker support from your supplier? Work with just one.

They’ll get to know your teams, your sites, and the workwear or PPE you need.

At SMI, that means:

• Fast 3-hour response time
• A dedicated account manager
• Fewer delays and better service

CONSISTENT PRODUCT QUALITY

Getting your PPE and workwear from one place means teams get consistent quality.

This means no surprises, plus:

• Better branding across sites.
• Fewer returns and complaints.
• Compliance with UK regulations. 

TOP TIP: Always look for gear that meets EN ISO standards.

This includes:

• EN 343 for hi-vis clothing
• EN 511 for thermal gloves
• EN 388 for general use gloves
• EN ISO 20345 for safety footwear

Learn all about hi-vis regulations in our blog.

SMOOTHER ORDERING PROCESS

Ordering from multiple suppliers means multiple sets of logins, invoices, deliveries, and contacts.

It’s a lot of work. Keep it simple with single sourcing.

You get:

• Clearer and easier invoicing.
• More time back for important jobs.
• Approval workflows and hierarchies.
• Fewer mistakes from simplified ordering.
• Easy to see spending, inventory, and approvals. 

DID YOU KNOW? MY-SMI® is our fast and user-friendly portal for smarter ordering and tracking.

BETTER COST SAVINGS AND VALUE

Combining suppliers means more than just combining orders.

It cuts indirect costs with: 

• Bulk discounts 
• Fewer deliveries
• Fewer non-compliance risks
• Long-term pricing agreements 

Choose the right supplier to see where you’re spending - and where you could save.

MORE RELIABLE SUPPLY

Stock forecasting is easier when your supplier understands your needs and order volumes. 

That means:

• Less missing kit and waiting around.
• Catching low stock before it runs out. 
• Smoother onboarding for new starters.
• Staying compliant without over-ordering.

Learn why too many suppliers are draining your budget and time with our blog.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF USING A SINGLE SOURCE SUPPLIER?

No procurement process is perfect. Manage potential single source risks with a bit of planning.

SUPPLY CHAIN DISRUPTION

Worried about missing stock or deliveries?

Here’s what to do: 

• Plan orders early.
• Keep buffer stock.
• Choose a reliable supplier with good stock availability.

LESS PRICE COMPARISON

Without shopping around, you won’t know if you’re paying a competitive price.

This helps:

• Agree on fixed pricing.
• Ask for cost breakdowns. 
• Run regular pricing reviews.
• Set clear KPIs with your supplier.

LESS FLEXIBILITY

As your business grows, so do your workwear needs. 

One supplier might struggle to keep up, especially if they rely on third-party stock.

Choose a supplier who offers:

• Fast alternatives 
• Free product trials
• Custom catalogues

Did you know? SMI offers free trials for ECOROKWEAR®!

IS SINGLE SOURCING RIGHT FOR MY BUSINESS?

It all depends on what you and your business need. 

Ask yourself:

• How many suppliers do you currently use?
• How much time are you wasting managing them?
• Would combining them help you meet your goals?
• Are you getting consistent quality, delivery, and service?
• Is your current system causing delays, safety risks, or extra admin?

HOW TO MAKE THE SWITCH

You don’t have to do everything at once. 

Start small. Find a supplier who offers free trials and flexibility.

Here’s how to get started:

1. List what you’re buying and from whom.
2. Shortlist suppliers who offer bulk ordering.
3. Look for core categories you can combine.
4. Track service, savings, and product feedback.
5. Agree on clear pricing, SLAs, and review periods.
6. Trial it with one product, team, or site before a full roll-out.

WHY SMI?

We make single sourcing easy for you, not the other way around. 

Here’s how:

• 97% stock availability
• Inclusive & eco-friendly ranges
• 2-day dispatch on branded gear
• 5PM cut-off for next-day delivery
• MY-SMI®: our simple online ordering and tracking portal

Ready to get started?
Explore our full range.

CHAT TO OUR FRIENDLY TEAM TODAY

Drop us a message, or give us a call on 0330 441 3500.

FAQs

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SINGLE SOURCING AND SOLE SOURCING?

Single sourcing means choosing one supplier for ease, even if others are available. 
Sole sourcing means there’s only one supplier who can provide a specific product you need.

WHEN SHOULD SINGLE SOURCING BE USED?

Single sourcing saves time, money, and hassle when:

• Managing a large team.
• Ordering in high volumes.
• Ensuring consistency across sites.
• Dealing with health and safety risks.

WHY IS SINGLE SOURCING BETTER THAN MULTIPLE SOURCING?

Unlike multiple sourcing, it reduces admin, improves safety standards, and often cuts costs.

With one trusted supplier, you get:

• Fewer mistakes
• Simpler invoicing
• Better stock control
• Stronger supplier relationships

CAN I STILL USE OTHER SUPPLIERS?

Yes. Many businesses use a hybrid approach to procurement. They might use one supplier for their essential gear, and others for specialist items.

Want a simpler way to manage your workwear and PPE? 
Talk to SMI. We’ll make the switch easy.