THE outdated image of the British tradesperson as a pie-eating, tea-drinking, white van-driving stereotype is officially a thing of the past.

New research from Isuzu UK reveals that today's tradespeople are embracing a modern, mindful, and environmentally conscious lifestyle.

From yoga and meditation to skincare routines and electric vehicles, this new generation is challenging perceptions and proving that being a skilled tradesperson is about much more than just the job-it's a way of life.

And, according to the research from Isuzu UK over half (56 per cent) of the tradies surveyed say they enjoy mindful activities, such as yoga, while 41 percent admit they prefer cricket to football.

Some 43 per cent care about the planet enough to recycle, while 62 per cent say that tradespeople are more likely to drive an EV vehicle now than a ‘classic white van' because of their concerns about the planet.

And 36 per cent describe themselves as an avid reader - and forget about "clean me" written on their vehicles - as three quarters (76 per cent) pride themselves on always keeping their van clean and tidy.

More than one in five (22 per cent) have a nightly skincare routine and 19 per cent drink herbal tea instead of the stereotypical milk and two sugars.

Three quarters (74 per cent) of modern tradespeople would rather have something healthy like a salad or wrap than a pie or pasty, while 10 per cent even meditate.

Wolf whistling out of the window (43 per cent), saucy images stuck to the inside of the van (41 per cent), empty junk food pockets cluttering up the footwell (39 per cent) and cigarette butts dotted around the vehicle (35 per cent) are all considered the most outdated stereotypes, along with fluffy dice hanging from the rearview mirror (34 per cent) and empty energy drink cans (28 per cent) on the floor.

"It's clear from the research that there is a new generation of tradespeople in the UK and they are not afraid to challenge people when they question it," says George Wallis, head of marketing at Isuzu UK who commissioned the research.

"It's also fascinating to see that vans are becoming a beacon of change for the industry with many keeping them spotless and turning their backs on the traditional fuel powered vehicles in favour of electric so that they align with their environmental beliefs. Modern tradesmen can get the job done whilst making a positive difference for the environment."

And it seems that first impressions do matter, as 72 per cent Brits think that vans and vehicles are vital for giving a good first impression, with a third (32 per cent) admitting they have judged a tradesman who has turned up for an appointment in a dirty van, so much so that 73 per cent were LESS inclined to give them the job.

Six in ten Brits (60 per cent) admit they have made a stereotypical joke or comment about tradespeople, even though more than half (55 per cent) have worked with tradesmen that have changed their opinion about tradies.

Seventy nine per cent agree that stereotypes are old fashioned and outdated, with 93 per cent agreeing that amassing a list of good tradesmen is vital in life.