Draper’s successful storage brand Bunker has lifted the lid on the state of UK tradespeople’s vans, outlining ongoing security concerns and also finding that more than half of trade professionals describe their van as ‘messy’ whilst a staggering 77% even admit the state of their van can get them down.
Only available through merchants and retailers, Draper states that its research findings illustrate a clear business case for stocking the range, with enhanced security and a real need for improving the organisation of their vans strongly cited by trade customers. Indeed, with the launch of the new line up, the supplier tells merchants: “Your customers can confidently choose Bunker to maximise van space, boost efficiency and get complete peace of mind by creating a secure, custom van storage set up to suit their needs.”
Considering the research which led to the development of the new range, Bunker reveals that messy vans aren’t just eyesores, they’re decreasing efficiency by costing UK tradespeople valuable time. On average, tradespeople reveal that they waste the best part of an hour (51 minutes) each week searching for items in their vans. Over the working year, that could be as much as 40 hours and 48 minutes* lost to looking through mess.
Van Security Crisis
And while chaotic vans are clearly having an effect on tradespeople’s mental health, worries of tool theft from their van are also prevalent. The Bunker research found more than a third of tradespeople said tool theft was a daily worry for them. Already widely known as a huge issue in the industry, a recent update from On The Tools revealed that nearly 90% of tradespeople are worried about tool theft in 2025, highlighting just how widespread the issue is.
Despite campaigns and media attention, the issue of tool theft from vans remains a huge source of anxiety for the trade. Indeed, over a third of the tradespeople polled by Bunker felt that it was their biggest worry at work.
The research was commissioned by Bunker as part of the launch of its new secure van storage collection, which aims to protect and organise tradespeople’s tools. The study was designed to help the brand understand the state of the nation’s vans and how better storage solutions could help.
Sarah Hartland, Head of Marketing for Bunker Storage, commented: “We know that tradespeople are hard workers and it’s a stressful job, with long hours, challenging conditions and the perpetual threat of tool theft. With all that going on, it’s no wonder some trades just don’t have time to keep their vans organised – that’s why we’ve taken the time to listen to them and introduce a solution that can help with the launch of Bunker’s van storage range.
“Many of the tradespeople we spoke to said they were interested in products that would help make the tools in their van more secure. Our research found 2 out of 5 of tradespeople felt that spending money on products to deter theft was a worthwhile investment. That’s why the Bunker van storage range is packed with anti-theft design features including a Bluetooth tracker holder on every storage box.”
She added: “We’ve really tried to put security at the heart of this range, alongside organisation, to help give the nation’s hardworking tradespeople peace of mind.”
Secure & Sorted
With the new heavy-duty, ultra-secure in-van storage solution from Bunker, the supplier says that tradespeople can take control of their van chaos, as well as organise and protect their tools from theft. Security and protection are central to the range which “proudly holds” police-backed Secured by Design status and a silver rating by Sold Secure.
Customers will be able to choose from rigid, stackable boxes lined with EVA foam, plus sliders and storage boxes all designed to withstand heavy loads and built with anti-theft design features. Each item is “rigorously tested,” with rigid steel construction and uniquely has a built-in holder for a Bluetooth tracker, such as an AirTag or SmartTag.
See the full range at bunkerstorage.com or speak to your Draper Tools Area Sales Manager.
Survey commissioned by Draper Tools for Bunker Storage, conducted by OnePoll, June 2025. Sample size, 250 UK tradespeople.
*An average of 40 hours and 48 minutes is lost per year, assuming 48 working weeks a year.
The Bunker brand is already known in the automotive industry for its high-end modular garage storage and roller tool cabinets, and is now “proudly entering the construction sector” with its durable Load-Up portable stacking boxes and its van storage collection.
