Newcastle Permanent’s staff stepped out of their branches and onto the catwalk on Wednesday 8 February to model the latest staff uniform due to hit branches later this year.
Designed in-house by Newcastle Permanent in consultation with an employee committee, the new wardrobe features pieces in a pattern interpreted from the building society’s iconic logo and a pop of purple in the trim and accessories.
Models from Newcastle Permanent’s branches and head office showcased the new designs in front of 200 of their colleagues at Newcastle’s Exhibition and Convention Centre (NEX).
CEO of Newcastle Permanent, Terry Millett, said the launch was a fun way to introduce staff to the new designs.
“It’s really exciting to a lot of staff that we’re rolling out a new uniform design, and it’s even more fun that we kept it a big secret so we can break cover with a big reveal at a runway fashion show using our own staff as models,” Terry said.
“Our current wardrobe has been in use since 2011, and we’ve been able to take on board feedback from employees about what it’s like to work in and how we could improve it for them.”
The uniform includes multiple combinations of outfits for men and women, as well as items for wear during pregnancy, to ensure all staff are comfortable and well presented at work.
“Our team was guided by three main objectives in re-designing our corporate wardrobe – unify, identify and revitalise. We’re bringing our teams together, making them distinctly ‘Newcastle Permanent’ and revitalising the way our employees look when representing the organisation,” Terry said.
“A uniform says a lot about an organisation, and needs to make employees proud to work for Newcastle Permanent at the same time as making them feel comfortable in all different regions and climates.
“We’ve included warm jackets for our teams in regions with colder winters, like the New England and Central West, and ensured the fabrics are cool and comfortable for our people in warmer areas, like Ballina and Grafton.
“We’ve also included a pop of colour in trims and accessories in a move away from our traditional monochrome, and I think our staff will enjoy that.
“We hope our customers will find our new uniform refreshing, which comes at the same time we’re rolling out a new, contemporary design in our branches as well.”
The new uniform will be used in all branches from June this year.
