How Supply Plus Supports the Women Leading Our Industry Forward
At Supply Plus, we believe that a stronger Fire & Rescue sector is one where everyone - regardless of gender, background or physical profile - has the opportunity, support and equipment to thrive. Diversity is not only a value we uphold; it’s a vital component of innovation, safety, and operational effectiveness across emergency services.
Today, our commitment spans both people-focused initiatives and engineering innovation, supporting women in the fire sector through meaningful partnerships and equipment designed to reduce strain, improve safety and open opportunities to a wider workforce.
Empowering Women in the Fire Service
Supporting Women in the Fire Service UK (WFS) - we are proud to sponsor Women in the Fire Service UK, an organisation dedicated to advancing gender equality, professional development and supportive networks within the sector. Through leadership programmes, mentoring and advocacy, WFS continues to inspire systemic change - helping more women not only enter the fire service, but thrive within it.
Backing the Antarctic Fire Angels - we are equally inspired by the Antarctic Fire Angels - a pioneering pair of firefighters who have set-up an academy to empower future leaders and champion women’s health, mental resilience and gender equality within the fire and rescue community. Their courage and leadership show what is possible when barriers are removed and women are given the platform to excel.
Supply Plus is honoured to support this team and help amplify their message across the sector.
Engineering Inclusion: How +AS Fire & Safety PowerBeamTM Enables a More Diverse Workforce
A commitment to diversity must be matched with equipment that supports firefighters of all genders, statures and physical strengths. This is where our +AS Fire & Safety PowerBeamTM system plays a transformative role.
Modern fire appliances require fast, safe and ergonomic equipment handling. For many years, manual handling of ladders has been a source of strain, injury risk and operational inconsistency.
The +AS Fire & Safety PowerBeamTM directly addresses these challenges.
Reducing Manual Handling Risks for All Firefighters
Each +AS Fire & Safety PowerBeamTM model is specifically engineered to improve manual handling and reduce the risk of inadvertent injury when slipping [DP1] or stowing ladders and equipment.
This supports a more inclusive workforce - making equipment operation safer and more accessible to firefighters with varying physical profiles.
Key Features Empowering Operational Equality
- Powered raise and lower as standard, reducing physical strain and improving safety for all crew members.
- Powered headslide options draw ladders into position with reduced manual effort.
- Flat‑roof design increases stowage capacity, supporting ‘Clean Cab’ layouts that enhance crew safety and hygiene.
- Compatible with +AS Fire & Safety and +Bayley ladders, and with other manufacturers’ ladders, ensuring broad operational accessibility.
- High tensile aluminium and stainless‑steel construction, with DC motors, rack‑and‑pinion powertrains and limit‑switch safety features for consistent performance.
- Quick deployment to minimise effort and maximise operational readiness.
- With payload capacities ranging from 100kg to 300kg, the +AS Fire & Safety PowerBeamTM range provides scalable solutions designed around the needs of modern firefighting.
Training and Long‑Term Support
Supporting diversity also means ensuring every firefighter is confident in using the equipment that protects them. Supply Plus offers hands‑on training, enabling fire services to repair, maintain and operate our equipment effectively.
Our systems are supported by service packs, spare parts and a 12‑month manufacturer’s warranty, helping maintain reliable, safe operation year after year.
A More Inclusive Future for the Fire & Rescue Community
Our support for Women in the Fire Service UK and the Antarctic Fire Angels reflects a broader truth: when we invest in diverse voices and experiences, we help to create a stronger, safer and more innovative Fire & Rescue sector.
By pairing charitable sponsorship with purpose‑built engineering, Supply Plus is committed to:
- Increasing diversity and representation across the sector
- Supporting safe and inclusive fire‑ground operations
- Engineering equipment that works for every firefighter
- Empowering women to lead, inspire and transform the industry
Together with our partners, we’re helping shape a fire service where everyone has the opportunity to thrive - and where innovation and inclusivity grow hand in hand.
Find out more:
