A new Northern Ireland-based uniform and workwear business, BE TRIBAL, has been launched following a partnership between local company Tribal Branding and UK supplier BE Uniforms.
Operating from County Down, BE TRIBAL becomes the Irish arm of BE Uniforms, a well-established family-run business based just outside Edinburgh, strengthening the group’s presence in the Irish market.
The move represents a step up in scale for the local operation, which has developed from a small, hands-on business into one now supported by a larger production and supply infrastructure.
Claire Shields of BE TRIBAL said the partnership had been under discussion for some time.
“We’ve been speaking with BE for quite a while, and what stood out was the way the business is run,” she said.
“It’s a family-led company, with William and Ross Smillie at the centre of it, and that aligned with how we operate and what we’re trying to build here.”
She said the launch of BE TRIBAL allows the business to move into a more structured phase of growth.
“Having that level of infrastructure behind us means we can now take on larger organisations and manage uniform programmes in a much more consistent way,” she added.
“We’re still operating locally, still close to our customers, but with the backing of a much bigger setup.”
Ross Smillie of BE Uniforms said the move marked an important step for the wider business.
“Northern Ireland is a key market for us, and BE TRIBAL gives us a strong local presence with the right people in place,” he said.
“It allows us to build the business properly in the region while supporting customers with the scale and systems we’ve developed.”
BE TRIBAL supplies uniforms, workwear and branded clothing to businesses, schools and sports organisations, and is now focused on expanding its reach across Northern Ireland.
The launch gives BE Uniforms a dedicated base in the region, with further growth expected as the new operation develops.