As of 2020, 64 percent of retailers worldwide adapted their supply chain for e-commerce as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. 28 percent of retailers reported having to deal with shortages and out-of-stocks.

In May 2021, **** percent of businesses in the United Kingdom that have made supply chain changes said that they are using more UK suppliers in the previous two weeks due to the end of the EU transition period. A further **** percent said that they are now using more EU suppliers, while only **** percent said that they are using non-EU suppliers.

This report provides an update on the assessment of how the pharmaceutical industry perceives the supply chain disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, including the challenges associated with clinical trials, logistics, API and finished dose manufacturing.
Since the first case was diagnosed in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, COVID-19 cases have continued to rise rapidly across the globe. Read More

As of 2020, around 56 percent of global retailers reported moderate disruption in their supply chains as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. 12 percent of retailers reported heavy disruption.

IBISWorld has assessed how gyms and fitness centres have been affected by their forced closure and how the industry is expected to perform now that facilities have reopened.

In a 2020 survey, respondents indicated major impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on the supply chains. For instance, ** percent of respondents stated that delays in cross border transportation had a limited impact on their business.

The entire oil and gas ecosystem is unsettled by the unprecedented outbreak of COVID-19. Daily activities of producers, equipment and service providers, EPC contractors, storage and transportation companies, fleet operators, traders, and marketers are getting delayed or cancelled. This is potentially creating gaps along the oil and gas supply chain, which might take a while to fix. Read More

These data were generated as part of a fifteen month ESRC-funded research project ‘Optimising Outcomes from Procurement and Partnering for COVID-19 and Beyond: Lessons from the Crisis’ (Nov 2020 – Feb 2022; ESRC ref: ES/V015842/1) examining how local authorities responded to the COVID-19 crisis through their commissioning and procurement. Viewing procurement as a ‘lever’ to optimise outcomes, it examined how this might be strengthened through strategic, entrepreneurial, data-led and relational enablers to deliver both desired outcomes for communities (‘procurement as governance’) and intermediate procurement outcomes (‘governance of procurement’). The study considered all four nations of the UK. Transcripts comprise interviews with stakeholders from local government (n=53), central government (n=14), private sector (n=17), and third sector (n=18). A survey of local government officers (N=205) involved in commissioning and procurement was developed to gather data on the response from local government to the COVID-19 crisis in terms of their procurement activity. Two further surveys (N= 602 and N=212) were developed to gather data on the response from UK local government suppliers to the COVID-19 crisis.‘Optimising Outcomes from Procurement and Partnering for Covid-19 and Beyond: Lessons from the Crisis’ was a 15 month research project (Nov 2020 – Feb 2022) funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC ref: ES/V015842/1) and carried out by researchers at the Universities of Stirling, Cardiff, Northumbria and Oxford. Public procurement has been firmly in the spotlight during the Covid-19 crisis. Noting claims (IoG,2018) that UK local authorities (LAs) spend around £100bn (or 47% of their total budget) annually on procurement, this study set out to understand how lessons could be learned during the Covid-19 crisis to optimize outcomes from this resource. Ineffective procurement arrangements present risks for the delivery/continuity of public services in a crisis. Where rapid scaling-up of services is necessary, the limits of some LAs' capacities (and those of their supply-chains) are often tested as costs, staff and supply shortages increase. LAs must simultaneously act to protect essential supply-chains where demand has collapsed. Such challenges require smart and agile procurement responses to build strong, effective and efficient relationships and generate positive impacts for local communities. This study investigated these important issues, and whether new ways of working may have emerged in the response to Covid-19 that might also be useful beyond it. The team examined emerging opportunities to maximise the impact of, and leverage additional value from LA procurement. In doing so, the project has explored a number of enablers for procurement, including strategic, entrepreneurial, data-led and relational approaches that may strengthen the system and promote resilience. In the absence of these enablers the system may still operate - but at risk of being substantially underpowered. With extensive involvement and support from key stakeholders, the project examined what is working well, less well, why, and with what effects and implications. It asked how, and how effectively, are LAs using procurement to address the challenges posed by Covid-19? What are the successes to be celebrated? Where are the tensions that need to be managed? Where is the system at risk of breaking down? What opportunities are there for improved procurement performance? The project has provided an opportunity for reflection on the ability of the 'procurement ecosystem' to respond in a crisis; clarifying critical-success-factors and pressure-points and discussing what to do next. Semi-structured interviews, primary surveys, and an e-Delphi method were used in this data collection.

The coronavirus pandemic has necessitated extraordinary human resilience in order to preserve and prolong life and social order. Risks to health and even life are being confronted by workers in health and social care, as well as those in roles previously never defined as “frontline,” such as individuals working in community supply chain sectors. The strategy adopted by the United Kingdom (UK) government in facing the challenges of the pandemic was markedly different from other countries. The present study set out to examine what variables were associated with resilience, burnout, and wellbeing in all sectors of frontline workers, and whether or not these differed between the UK and Republic of Ireland (RoI). Individuals were eligible if they were a frontline worker (in health and social care, community supply chain, or other emergency services) in the UK or RoI during the pandemic. Part of a larger, longitudinal study, the participants completed an online survey to assess various aspects of their daily and working lives, along with their attitudes toward their government’s handling of the crisis, and measurement of psychological variables associated with heroism (altruism, meaning in life, and resilient coping). A total of 1,305 participants (N = 869, 66.6% from the UK) provided sufficient data for analysis. UK-based workers reported lower wellbeing than the RoI-based participants. In multivariate models, both psychological and pandemic-related variables were associated with levels of resilience, burnout, and wellbeing in these workers, but which pandemic-related variables were associated with outcomes differed depending on the country. The judgment of lower timeliness in their government’s response to the pandemic appeared to be a key driver of each outcome for the UK-based frontline workers. These findings provide initial evidence that the different strategies adopted by each country may be associated with the overall wellbeing of frontline workers, with higher detriment observed in the UK. The judgment of the relatively slow response of the UK government to instigate their pandemic measures appears to be associated with lower resilience, higher burnout, and lower wellbeing in frontline workers in the UK.

The COVID-19 pandemic has led the retail sector into a period of profound change. How must retailers adapt their operations to ensure they remain competitive in the future?

IBISWorld has looked at which UK regions have received the most financial support since the outbreak of COVID-19, assessing the reasons why.

Travel was brought to a standstill by COVID-19, threatening the UK economy. With restrictions now lifted, let's review some emerging trends in the UK tourism industry.

Supply chain disruptions are an economic hardship, costing organizations around the world an average of *** million U.S. dollars per year according to a 2021 survey. On a regional distribution, the financial burden is highest in the United States, where the estimated average annual cost of respondents' organizations amounted to *** million U.S. dollars.

Over the five years through 2024-25, industry revenue is forecast to contract by 0.3% to £21.5 billion. The Third-Party Logistics (3PL) industry manages procurement, fulfilment and distribution. It offers value-added services like customs brokerage, which broadly protects it from significant revenue shocks, given the wide-ranging and crucial nature of the services provided. The COVID-19 pandemic hit revenue with a large share of companies operating at lower capacities or having to declare force majeure on some clients. However, e-commerce boomed as stay-at-home orders encouraged people to shop online from their own homes, driving strong demand for 3PL services from online retailers. As global supply chains reopened, there was a revival in logistics market activity across the board as companies sought 3PL providers to increase the agility and reliability of their supply chain. Following the COVID-19 disruptions, 3PL providers faced significant inflationary pressures due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. This resulted in higher operating costs because of escalating fuel prices and supply chain delays, which negatively impacted profitability. In 2024-25, revenue is forecast to pick up, growing by 2% as business confidence improves and inflation subsides, supporting spending on 3PL services. More and more companies are concerned with the sustainability of their supply chains, boosting demand for providers that can help integrate electric vehicle fleets and other low-carbon initiatives. The adjustment to low or zero carbon for 3PLs is weighing slightly on profit because of the large-scale investment required. Over the five years through 2029-30, revenue is forecast to climb at a compound annual rate of 2.8% to £24.3 billion. Business confidence and profit will gather momentum in the coming years as inflationary pressures subside, supporting renewed demand for value-added services offered by 3PL providers. E-commerce will continue to be a key driver of growth for the industry. Also, 3PL providers will increasingly invest in smart technologies, like AI-driven analytics, to optimise supply chains and enhance data management. In addition to advancing their technology, 3PL companies will intensify their environmental initiatives to achieve sustainability goals and attract eco-conscious customers.

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High-Visibility Clothing Market Size 2024-2028

The high-visibility clothing market size is forecast to increase by USD 271.3 million, at a CAGR of 3.27% between 2023 and 2028.

The market is experiencing significant growth, driven primarily by the increasing demand from the manufacturing industry. This sector's workforce requires high-visibility clothing for safety reasons, leading to increased market traction. Companies in this market are responding by introducing innovative product offerings, such as advanced materials and design features, to cater to evolving consumer needs and preferences. However, the market landscape is not without challenges. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted supply chains and production processes, causing delays and uncertainties.
Additionally, stringent regulations regarding safety standards and environmental sustainability are increasing production costs and forcing companies to adapt their strategies accordingly. To capitalize on market opportunities and navigate these challenges effectively, companies must stay informed about the latest trends and consumer preferences while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

What will be the Size of the High-Visibility Clothing Market during the forecast period?

Explore in-depth regional segment analysis with market size data - historical 2018-2022 and forecasts 2024-2028 - in the full report.
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The market continues to evolve, driven by advancements in textile technology and the growing demand for enhanced safety across various sectors. Flame-retardant treatment and water repellent finishes are increasingly common features, ensuring both protection and durability. Contrast ratio and reflective trim are essential elements in ensuring optimal visibility, both during daylight hours and in low-light conditions. Wear testing and apparel testing are crucial components of the manufacturing process, ensuring the garments meet ANSI/ISEA standards for conspicuity performance. Industrial safety gear, such as high-visibility vests, is a significant application, with the market expected to grow at a robust rate of 5% annually.

Color perception plays a vital role in the design of high-visibility clothing, with fluorescent pigments used to maximize nighttime visibility. Fabric breathability and garment construction are also essential considerations, ensuring both comfort and functionality. A recent study revealed a 20% increase in sales for a leading protective apparel manufacturer due to the adoption of retroreflective materials in their products. This success underscores the importance of regulatory compliance and continuous innovation in the market. Quality control is paramount, with durability testing and colorfastness testing essential to maintaining the integrity of high-visibility fabrics. The supply chain is a critical factor, with manufacturers and retailers working together to ensure timely delivery and on-trend designs.

Safety clothing, including high-visibility vests and coveralls, is a significant application, with impact protection and reflective materials ensuring optimal visibility and protection in hazardous environments. The ongoing unfolding of market activities and evolving patterns underscores the dynamic nature of the market.

How is this High-Visibility Clothing Industry segmented?

The high-visibility clothing industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD million' for the period 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018-2022 for the following segments.

Product

  Durable
  Disposable


Geography

  North America

    US
    Canada


  Europe

    Germany
    UK


  APAC

    China


  Rest of World (ROW)

By Product Insights

The durable segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

The market is witnessing growth in the durable product segment due to regulatory requirements aimed at ensuring worker safety in industries with challenging conditions, such as extreme pressure, radiation, and high temperatures. The increasing preference for lightweight, comfortable, and long-lasting clothing is driving companies to invest in research and development to enhance product durability and visibility. However, the global pandemic in 2020 led to a shift towards disposable clothing, temporarily hindering the adoption of durable high-visibility clothing. The textile industry is focusing on advanced technologies, including flame-retardant treatments, water repellent finishes, reflective trims, and retroreflective materials, to improve the performance and functionality of high-visibility clothing.

These enhancements cater to the need for enhanced visibility in various lighting conditions, from daylight to low light, and contribute to the overall safety and conspicuity performance of the garments. Additi

In August 2025, the UK inflation rate for goods was 2.8 percent and 4.7percent for services. Prices for goods accelerated significantly, sharply between 2021 and 2022, before falling in 2023. By comparison, prices for services initially grew at a more moderate rate but have also not fallen as quickly. The overall CPI inflation rate for the UK reached a recent high of 11.1 percent in October 2022 and remained in double figures until April 2023, when it fell to 8.7 percent. As of this month, the UK's inflation rate was 3.6 percent, up from 3.4 percent in the previous month. Sectors driving high inflation In late 2024, communication was the sector with the highest inflation rate, with prices increasing by 6.1 percent as of December 2024. During the recent period of high inflation that eased in 2023, food and energy prices were particular high, with housing and energy inflation far higher than in any other sector, peaking at 26.6 percent towards the end of 2022. High food and energy prices since 2021 have been one of the main causes of the cost of living crisis in the UK, especially for low-income households that spend a higher share of their income on these categories. This is likely one of the factors driving increasing food bank usage in the UK, which saw approximately 3.12 million people use a food bank in 2023/24, compared with 1.9 million just before the COVID-19 pandemic. The global inflation crisis The UK has not been alone in suffering rapid price increases since 2021. After the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, a series of economic and geopolitical shocks had a dramatic impact on the global economy. A global supply chain crisis failed to meet rising demand in 2021, leading to the beginning of an Inflation Crisis, which was only exacerbated by Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The war directly influenced the prices of food and energy, as both countries were major exporters of important crops. European imports of hydrocarbons from Russia were also steadily reduced throughout 2022 and 2023, resulting in higher energy prices throughout the year.

The Coronavirus outbreak has disrupted global trade, and triggered huge demand for sanitation, disease protection, and medical goods. Until demand subsides and international supply chains are restored, the only viable option for governments is to compel manufacturers of non-essential goods to retool to produce essential products during the crisis. Read More

In August 2025, the UK inflation rate for goods was 2.8 percent and 4.7percent for services. Prices for goods accelerated significantly, sharply between 2021 and 2022, before falling in 2023. By comparison, prices for services initially grew at a more moderate rate but have also not fallen as quickly. The overall CPI inflation rate for the UK reached a recent high of 11.1 percent in October 2022 and remained in double figures until April 2023, when it fell to 8.7 percent. As of this month, the UK's inflation rate was 3.6 percent, up from 3.4 percent in the previous month. Sectors driving high inflation In late 2024, communication was the sector with the highest inflation rate, with prices increasing by 6.1 percent as of December 2024. During the recent period of high inflation that eased in 2023, food and energy prices were particular high, with housing and energy inflation far higher than in any other sector, peaking at 26.6 percent towards the end of 2022. High food and energy prices since 2021 have been one of the main causes of the cost of living crisis in the UK, especially for low-income households that spend a higher share of their income on these categories. This is likely one of the factors driving increasing food bank usage in the UK, which saw approximately 3.12 million people use a food bank in 2023/24, compared with 1.9 million just before the COVID-19 pandemic. The global inflation crisis The UK has not been alone in suffering rapid price increases since 2021. After the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, a series of economic and geopolitical shocks had a dramatic impact on the global economy. A global supply chain crisis failed to meet rising demand in 2021, leading to the beginning of an Inflation Crisis, which was only exacerbated by Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The war directly influenced the prices of food and energy, as both countries were major exporters of important crops. European imports of hydrocarbons from Russia were also steadily reduced throughout 2022 and 2023, resulting in higher energy prices throughout the year.

The data in this resource represents the compilation and analysis of the intellectual property terms in the eleven publicly accessible advanced purchase agreements which were signed in 2020, i.e. prior to an approved vaccine being available, five concluded by the UK government and six by the EU Commission.

The agreements analysed are as follows (in chronological order of the date they were signed): EU & AstraZeneca (27 August 2020) – unredacted. UK & AstraZeneca (28 August 2020) – redacted. UK & Valneva (13 September 2020) – redacted. EU & Sanofi/GSK (16 September 2020) – redacted. UK & Pfizer/BioNTech (12 October 2020) – redacted. EU & Janssen (21 October 2020) – redacted. UK & Novavax (22 October 2020) – redacted. EU & Pfizer/BioNTech (11 November 2020) – redacted. UK & Moderna (16 November 2020) – redacted. EU & CureVac (17 November 2020) – redacted. EU & Moderna (4 December 2020) – unredacted.

According to the report undertaken by the National Audit Office published on the 14 December 2020, the UK the UK government had concluded, as of the 8 December 2020, five agreements with potential vaccine suppliers. National Audit Office, ‘Investigation into Preparations for Potential COVID-19 Vaccines’ (14 December 2020) https://www.nao.org.uk/reports/investigation-into-preparations-for-potential-covid-19-vaccines/ accessed 30 September 2022.

For access to relevant documents related to the EU Vaccines Strategy see https://ec.europa.eu/info/live-work-travel-eu/coronavirus-response/public-health/eu-vaccines-strategy_en accessed 30 September 2022.

Copies of each agreement are also on file with the authors and are available on request.