Overcoming challenges

We did it, we got through January! Most of my resolutions didn’t make it to the end of the month, so I hope you’ve managed to outdo my efforts and carry some of yours through to February. Although we are only onto the second month of the year, there has already been some big changes happening in the industry and we open this issue by highlighting some of those stories in our ‘The month that was’ section.

The industry continues to contend with the challenges that have been with us since the end of last year and the looming threat of recession is enough to put a frown on any business owners face, but despite this we are still seeing many businesses adapt and thrive in the face of difficult times, and we speak to three industry figures who all share their stories of business success. Mark Wilkinson, regional vice-president and general manager of ACCO UK, tells us how ACCO Brands achieved further growth in 2022 and is eyeing a sustainable future, with dealers and consumers at the heart of its strategy. From nearly leaving the industry in 2018 to winning the Dealer Excellence award at the most recent Boss Awards, we speak to Alister Hall, Go2 MD, about the fascinating journey he has been on - including the lightbulb moment that changed it all. And David Forsyth, founder and MD at Document Data Group, tells us how his business has achieved exponential growth through multiple strategies.

We also continue with our new editorial strategy and focus on each one of our ‘Four Pillars’. As the labour market continues to be unpredictable, offices need to appeal to potential and existing employees more than ever before, we take a look at what should dealers be selling to make them more attractive workplaces. As well as making the workplace more appealing we also explore the sales opportunities the home office no longer being a temporary workplace, but a permanent one that consumers want to invest in, presents. As customers become increasingly concerned about the sustainability of their print solutions, we discuss what services businesses can offer in addition to a high quality and reliable print process to be more sustainable. We also look at why dealers should be considering mergers and acquisitions as a strategy for diversification.

As always, don’t forget to chat to us on Twitter and let us know your thoughts and opinions: @dealersupport.

Ellie Potter Editor

Industry

06 THE MONTH THAT WAS The headline news from the industry

08 NEWS EXTRA

Energy bill support to continue at reduced rate

10 BEING THE DEPENDABLE PARTNER IN UNCERTAIN TIMES

We sit down with ACCO UK’s Mark Wilkinson LEADERSHIP

14 GETTING TO GREATNESS

How one business is taking diversification to new heights

18 SELLING THE LUXURY OFFICE

The sales opportunities appealing workplaces present

20 THRIVING IN CHALLENGING TIMES

Document Data tell us about their impressive growth

Sales Success

24 SUSTAINABLE PRINT SOLUTIONS

What services can businesses offer in addition to a high quality and reliable print process?

27 DIVERSIFYING THROUGH MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS

How about buying a business that brings diversification right to your door?

30 THE HOME OFFICE IS HERE TO STAYHERE’S HOW TO SELL IT

The home office is permanent - and consumers are keen to invest in it

Live It

34 FATHER P. CLIP

The good Father on modernising the warehouse

36 LIVE IT

Take a break and enjoy some lighthearted fun

38 FINAL WORD

Building better businesses through representation