Dealer Support Festive edition 2023

Festive special 2023

Issue 337

WELCOME TO OUR

inspiring success in the workplace supplies industry

FESTIVE EDITION

Industry insights: The festive big ask Discover the Dealer Support community 2023 highlights, festive favourites and industry predictions as we find out what’s got you talking this Christmas season

‘TIS THE SEASON FOR SUSTAINABILITY

Simple eco-friendly swaps to make the office more sustainable this winter

SHAKE UP YOUR SECRET SANTA

Mix it up this Christmas with some alternative Secret Santa suggestions

ELEVATE YOUR BUSINESS GIFTING

Learn about the tradition that led to a gifting market worth over £78m

Scan it. Shred Scan it. Shred it. it.

and get a

* free *

and get and a get a

Buy the ScanSnap iX1600free

* free Leitz® IQ

y the iX1600 BuyScanSnap the ScanSnap iX1600 Leitz® IQ

Home Office Home Office P4 Shredder P4 Shredder

T H E S A F E R , T I D I E R , T H E TSHAEF E R ,FTEIR D,I ETR , IER, S A I D SR MTAER EA R YWTA SMA R TW OYWTOOR KW . ORK .

SMARTER WAY TO WORK.

From when you buy From now now until until 31st 31stMarch March2024, 2024, when your m now until 31stthe March 2024, ScanSnap iX1600, we’re offering a free* customers buy the2024, ScanSnap iX1600, we’re offering From now until 31st March n you buy the ScanSnap iX1600, ® * Leitz Leitz® IQ Home OfficeOffice P4 Shredder. them free IQ Home P4 Shredder. when you buyathe ScanSnap iX1600,

e offering a free* Leitz® IQ Home offering a free* Leitz® IQ Home It’s the ideal scanner/shredder combination that makes paperofwork for you, digitising e P4we’re Shredder.

Access more information, terms and conditions and a wealth enablement assets toyour help Office P4 Shredder. youpaperwork make the and most of this away promotion todaySimply at the claim partner portal of PFUIQ(EMEA) Limited clearing the clutter. your free Leitz® Home Office P4–

A makes Ricoh Company.

Sign todayofatpurchase partner.imaging-channel-program.com al scanner/shredder combination that paper work for you, Shredder between 30 days and up 60 days (see our Terms & Conditions for details).

our paperwork and clearing away the clutter.

Simply that claimmakes your paper work for you, It’s the ideal scanner/shredder combination IQ Home Office P4 Shredder between 30 days and 60 days digitising your paperwork and clearing away the clutter. Simply claim your

e (see our Terms Conditions for details). free Leitz®& IQ Home Office P4 Shredder between 30 days and 60 days

of purchase (see our Terms & Conditions for details).

FROM THE EDITOR

Feeling the festive spirit

Ho ho ho! Christmas is almost upon us! So, while we dig out the Dealer Support HQ tree and tinsel, we invite you to take ten minutes to relax and enjoy our special festive issue – with seasonal stories to brighten even the gloomiest winter day.

We countdown to the holidays with a look back over some of the Industry insights: The festive more upbeat stories from this year and a roundup of your highlights, big ask achievements and predictions for 2024 in the Festive Big Ask on page 8.

You can find some fun and original ways to add a twist to the traditional office Secret Santa on page 16 and, on page 14 we share some options for making Christmas more sustainable. We also offer some suggestions for up-to-date gift ideas that will suit every budget and wish list on page 18.

Returning once again are our ever-popular baubles, sharing special messages of thanks and positivity to you, the readers, from the dealer community. It is wonderful to see the spirit of the season shining throughout the Dealer Support readership.

We’d love to hear all about your success and to be inspired by stories of resilience and agility. Please do share all your news via LinkedIn and Twitter @dealersupport.

Festive special 2023

Issue 337

DEALER SUPPORT MONTH 0000 ISSUE 000

WELCOME TO OUR

inspiring success in the workplace supplies industry

FESTIVE EDITION

NAME NAME NAME

Discover the Dealer Support community 2023 highlights, festive favourites and industry predictions as we find out what’s got you talking this Christmas season

‘TIS THE SEASON FOR SUSTAINABILITY

Simple eco-friendly swaps to make the office more sustainable this winter

SHAKE UP YOUR SECRET SANTA

Mix it up this Christmas with some alternative Secret Santa suggestions

ELEVATE YOUR BUSINESS GIFTING

Learn about the tradition that led to a gifting market worth over £78m

Holly Tinsley Editor

EDITORIAL Holly Tinsley

CREATIVES Amanda Lancaster

COMMERCIAL Claire Peacock

PUBLISHING SUPPORT Angela Howland PUBLISHER & CEO Vicki Baloch

Dealer Support is the leading monthly publication for dealers in the business supplies industry. It provides information on the industry (both in the UK and overseas), information for and about the UK’s independent dealers, as well as information and advice on running a small business.

The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily the views of the publishers. Copyright of all the material published remains with Intelligent Media Solutions Limited. No part of this magazine may be reproduced, copied, stored in an electronic retrieval or transmitted, save with written permission or in accordance with provision of the copyright designs and patent act of 1988.

Printed in the UK by Micropress Printers Ltd. www.micropress.co.uk

hello@dealersupport.co.uk All email addresses are formatted firstname.lastname@intelligentmedia.co.uk firstname@intelligentmedia.co.uk

Annual subscriptions are available at a cost of £68.00 for UK and overseas by surface mail, £90.00 for airmail. Subscription enquiries should be sent to the address opposite

Intelligent Media Ltd c/o Soho Works Unit 4.1 The Tea Building 56 Shoreditch High Street London E1 6JJ Tel: 0203 794 8555 Fax: 0203 794 8554 Email: info@intelligentmedia.co.uk Web: www.dealersupport.co.uk

2024

Is it in your calendar?

JOIN US AT THE 9TH ANNUAL

and make industry networking and learning part of your 2024 resolution!

SAVE

THE DATE! 10th October 2024

REGISTER your interest at

hello@dealersupport.co.uk

THE INDUSTRY EVENT FOR ALL UK DEALERS Visit www.dealersupportlive.co.uk to learn more

FESTIVE SPECIAL 2023

Contents

06 THE MONTH THAT WAS

The headline news from the industry

08 THE FESTIVE BIG ASK

Find out more about the Dealer Support community 2023 highlights

14

14 KEEPING YOUR BUSINESS ON THE ‘NICE LIST’ FOR SUSTAINABILITY

We have some top festive tips for dealers to do their bit for the planet

16 HOW TO SHAKE UP YOUR SECRET SANTA

Why not mix it up this festive season with some alternative gift ideas?

18 A GIFTING GUIDE FOR BUSINESSES

We share some of the most popular presents and giving trends

16

24 TAXING TIMES MADE EASY Make digitising tax easier and hit deadlines promptly and efficiently with PFU (EMEA) Limited – a RICOH company

LIVE IT 26 LIVE IT

Take a break and enjoy some lighthearted fun

28 FINAL WORD

The past, the present and the future: Lessons in reflection

24 “One of the most popular corporate gifting trends for 2023 is sustainable gift boxes”

19

INDUSTRY

THE MONTH THAT WAS

THE MONTH THAT WAS Festive jumpers: not just for Christmas?

As reported by The Argus, supermarket retailers Lidl are offering fans of the much-loved Christmas jumper a cost saving alternative this year.

Sweater enthusiasts now have the chance to rent Christmas jumpers for the first time, aiming to enhance accessibility for budget-conscious

Tax break for businesses made permanent

consumers. Teaming up with the fashion rental app By Rotation, the

As reported by the BBC, in a

supermarket is offering this year’s

significant move as part of the

and previous year’s jumper

autumn statement, Chancellor

designs for hire at just £2 per day,

Jeremy Hunt declared the

with all rental profits donated to

permanence of a tax break

the NSPCC.

allowing businesses to deduct the entire cost of machinery and

For those who still prefer to purchase their winter

equipment investments from

warmers outright, Lidl are

their tax bills.

Originally set to conclude in

stocking their 2024 Christmas jumper for £7.99. After all,

2026, the policy has garnered

who says you can’t wear it

praise from major business

all year round?

groups, with the expectation that it will stimulate investment and foster economic growth. The

New look Dealer Support team ready for 2024

scope of eligible deductions

Holly Tinsley has taken up the

sector throughout 2024

construction machinery, and tools.

position of Editor across the Dealer

and beyond.

Support platforms encompassing

Vicki Baloch, CEO of

encompasses a range of equipment - from computers and office furniture to vehicles, The British Chambers of Commerce’s research indicates

the magazine, website,

Intelligent Media, Dealer

that, since its temporary

e-newsletters and the ever-popular

Support’s parent company, said

implementation in April, the policy

annual event, Dealer Support LIVE,

“Holly’s appointment to editor

has already benefited 34% of

following a successful tenure in the

felt like a natural progression

businesses. However, the revised

editorial department.

following her impressive start

economic projections suggest a

Holly will work alongside

with the Dealer Support team.

slower growth trajectory for the UK

the Dealer Support team to

She shares our aspiration to not

economy over the next two years.

further strengthen the editorial

only support and inform the

strategy and ensure focus remains

independent dealer community

resolutely on supporting the

but to champion their success and

independent dealer community

progression both as individual

to evolve and flourish within the

businesses and as a collective.”

[06] FESTIVE SPECIAL 2023

www.dealersupport.co.uk

THE MONTH THAT WAS

INDUSTRY

BOSS charity shatters fundraising record

Iconic Coca Cola truck tour hits the road The iconic Coca-Cola festive truck has launched its annual tour across the UK and Ireland, making 17 stops, including eight new locations. The beloved holiday symbol signals the imminent arrival of Christmas, offering an ideal company get together.

At each tour stop, visitors can enjoy interactive experiences

The BOSS Business Supplies Charity is celebrating raising an impressive £17,600 at the BOSS Awards £12,000 of this came from the two winners of the grand auction prize – a seven night stay at a stunning villa in St. Lucia, kindly donated by Prima Voca Ltd. The rest came from sales of raffle tickets for prizes donated by Trodat UK, Nestlé Professional and the BOSS Federation.

and the chance to win festive gifts in prize giveaways. The tour destinations remain a mystery, adding an element of excitement to the holiday season. Updates as made by the Coca Cola company are being announced via @coca-colaGBI on Instagram.

The tour promises a range of activities at each location. The Snowglobe offers a unique opportunity for guests to take photos inside a walk-in, snow-filled bauble. Attendees will be treated to the harmonious sounds of the Coca-Cola Christmas choir, performing carols.

For those eager to make a positive impact this Christmas, donations can be made online or by using the QR code provided at the Truck Tour to contribute to the Neighbourly Foundation.

FSB urges Ofgem for fair energy contracts in 2024

The chair of the BOSS Charity, Martin Wilde, commented: “The BOSS Awards are rightly considered to be an annual night of celebration for our industry, but last night was a real cause for celebration for our industry’s charity as we looked back on a year of giving grants worth over £100,000 to over 50 families in need, and looked forward to another year of helping still more, thanks to the amazing generosity of BOSS Awards attendees.

The BOSS Charity would particularly like to thank the prize donors, as well as our Honorary Patron the BOSS Federation for once again providing us with this fantastic fund raising opportunity.”

As reported by City A.M. the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has called on Ofgem to address rising utility costs for small businesses, emphasising the need for contract flexibility and a

To find out more please visit www.BOSSCharity.org.

freeze on standing charges.

FSB national chair Martin McTague said, “While the fall in October’s energy price cap contributed to the slowdown in inflation, it’s important to point out that business tariffs are not protected by the cap, and many small firms are still living with higher utility bills, putting them under continuing stress,” Of 816 surveyed small businesses, over 57 percent said utilities were the main cause for rising business costs in the third quarter of this year. An Ofgem spokesperson told City A.M.: “We are committed to supporting an energy market where business customers receive excellent service, pay fair prices, and can rely on stable suppliers.”

www.dealersupport.co.uk FESTIVE SPECIAL 2023 [07]

SEASONAL INSIGHTS

THE FESTIVE BIG ASK

The festive big ask: what’s got you talking this year?

Keen to find out more about the Dealer Support community 2023 highlights and seasonal favourites, we sent our intrepid elves out armed with a list of festive questions, to discover what’s got you talking this Christmas season

Graham Barnes, director, Supplies

phones being the opportunity and a decrease in

Web is looking forward to

traditional OP being the threat.

What has been your

by next Christmas?

Christmas with family and friends:

What do you hope will be different in the industry

business highlight of 2023?

I’d like to think that customers will remember the

Growing our turnover beyond

value of service, local businesses, and the personal

pre-covid sales by nearly 19%

touch. In an age where everyone wants to do their bit to

What product trends do you predict for the

save the planet, buyer behaviour is completely at odds

first half of 2024?

with this - ordering multiple low value orders from whoever

We predict a continuation of the demand we have seen in

is cheapest online, regardless of the CO2 emissions

furniture and interiors sales. We’ve seen many companies

generated.

moving offices, re-purposing space or trying to improve

What is your new year resolution for 2024?

the workplace to coax their staff back to the office.

To spend more time with family and friends. Basic I know but

Technology represents both an opportunity and a threat

it’s been a crazy few years, and I’ve not spent as much time as

in 2024, with increased demand for items like laptops and

I’d like with the people I care about the most.

[08] FESTIVE SPECIAL 2023

www.dealersupport.co.uk

THE FESTIVE BIG ASK

SEASONAL INSIGHTS

Chelsea Peek, director of Summit

Creative, and the team shared their festive favourites with us: What has been your

business highlight of 2023?

Brogan: Launching a new

Rudolph's favourite singer? Beyon-sleigh!

internal system and the Summit team embracing it.

What’s your favourite Christmas cracker joke?

Holly: Who is Rudolph’s favourite pop star?

Beyon-sleigh!

Chelsea: What is green, covered in Christmas lights and Christmas bulbs, and goes ribbit? A mistle-toad!

Best or Worst Secret Santa gift you’ve ever received?

Graham Bourton, MD of United

will be donning his Santa hat again this year! He and Darren Lloyd,

Jess: The best I received was a huge fluffy husky blanket (I have a husky) ...so thoughtful!

Mike: Best: Proper drum kit when I was about 10!

Worst: A calendar of dogs pooping!

What’s your favourite festive treat?

Jack: Mint crisps! Elite Christmas snack!

Tina: Pan fried sprouts, chestnuts and pancetta.

Darren: Supply chain security.

What will be the biggest challenge in 2024?

Darren: Overcapacity in the marketplace will generate a

CEO, share their insights:

race to the bottom in pricing in the transactional space.

highlight of 2023?

would be at the top of your Christmas list?

What has been your business

If business Santa was to visit your company, what

Graham: The new warehouse and all

Graham: Something for the team, everyone has worked

our new team members.

so hard, maybe a nice weekend away.

Darren: Taking back control and becoming a fully

What’s your favourite Christmas film or song?

stocked reseller.

What has been the biggest business challenge of 2023?

Graham: Onboarding 26 new staff, quickly and within our culture.

Graham: The Grinch and Fairytale of New York

Best or Worst Secret Santa gift you’ve ever received?

Graham: A giant Santa hat – I’ve still got it, and it comes out every year!

www.dealersupport.co.uk FESTIVE SPECIAL 2023 [09]

SEASONAL INSIGHTS

THE FESTIVE BIG ASK

Sarah Laker at Stationery Supplies told us all about celebrating

heading a national campaign: What has been your business highlight of 2023?

The highlight for me was when I was asked to head up National Stationery Week. It is probably one of the biggest things I’ve ever

A little girl calls our shop the rainbow shop because it's so colourful and bright!

been asked to do - heading up a national campaign was quite an honour. I quite like being challenged and getting out of my comfort zone.

What product trends do you predict for the first

started calling our shop the rainbow shop because it’s

half of 2024?

so colourful and bright. I absolutely love that kind of

I’ve had increases in pen sales, notebooks and greetings

thing. It really warms my heart that you know we’re

cards over the last year - greetings cards are up 30%,

reaching that younger generation.

which is quite an impressive growth. I think we’ve also

What’s your favourite festive treat?

seen an increase in refillable pens.

I think it would probably be my mom’s homemade trifle

Can you share a funny/heart-warming story from

that she makes on Boxing Day every year! She only

the last year?

makes it at Christmas. I absolutely love that and because

We recently found out from a customer that a little girl has

it’s only once a year it’s a real treat.

Kevin Grant, director of Green

Office, is celebrating an award-

seeking more sustainable products in 2023, we anticipate this trend to continue across

winning year:

the board into 2024.

highlight of 2023?

what would be at the top of your Christmas list?

What has been your business

If business Santa was to visit your company,

It has been a big year for us in

A crystal ball with the answers to the next business

The Green Office. In January we

trends for 2024!

celebrated 30 years in business and in November, we had

What’s your favourite Christmas film or song?

the honor of being awarded Irish Family Business of the

Movie would be Muppets Christmas Carol and song

Year by The All-Ireland Business Foundation!

would be Fairytale of New York

What product trends do you predict for

Your favourite Christmas Cracker joke?

the first half of 2024?

We are pleased to see customers voting with their feet and

[10] FESTIVE SPECIAL 2023

www.dealersupport.co.uk

What’s the best Christmas present in the world? A broken drum, you just can’t beat it!

THE FESTIVE BIG ASK

Aidan McDonough, CEO, Integra Business Solutions Ltd predicts

sustainability will be a core focus for customers going into 2024: What has been your business highlight of 2023?

Celebrating 25 years of the group’s

SEASONAL INSIGHTS

continued rising costs and managing through price increases and/or equally challenging price deflation. The hybrid/remote model continues to present challenges for dealers. Environmental/sustainability conversations with customers are increasing together with the expectation of carbon reporting and ‘net zero’ strategies being in place.

If business Santa was to visit your company, what

own brand, Initiative, is one highlight of 2023. On

would be at the top of your Christmas list?

a personal level I was honoured to be reappointed

World peace and if not possible £5m sterling in a UK

Chairman of BPGI for another year and to have been

bank account.

recognised as ‘Business Leader of the Year’ at this year’s

Your favourite Christmas Cracker joke?

BOSS Awards. It was fantastic to also see Sian Haskell,

What did one snowman say to the other snowman?

our Marketing Director, pick up an ‘Unsung Hero’ award

"Can you smell carrots?"

and member, Supplies Web, the ‘Dealer Excellence of the Year’ Award in the under £5million category – congratulations and well deserved!

What has been the biggest business challenge of 2023?

The unpredictability of recovery and being able to anticipate what’s ahead. The last 3 years have been the most challenging I have ever experienced. As a group we have risen to the challenges and maintained our strong position within the industry.

Where do you see the biggest challenges

As a group we have risen to the challenges and maintained our strong position within the industry

being for 2024?

The unpredictability of the overall UK economy and

www.dealersupport.co.uk FESTIVE SPECIAL 2023 [11]

SEASONAL INSIGHTS

THE FESTIVE BIG ASK

James Morton, managing director

sustainability measurement criteria.

memories of classic Christmas films

The classic film, ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’. I remember my mum

of MBM Omega Ltd, shares fond with an important message: What has been your

business highlight of 2023?

Winning the Sustainability Award at the Surrey Business Awards in November.

What’s your favourite Christmas film or song? sitting me down to watch it with her when I was little, and it struck me how much potential positive impact one can have on others’ lives without realising it at the time.

What’s your favourite festive treat?

I am partial to a mince pie or two.

What product trends do you predict for the first half of 2024?

Among other growth categories like tech and hygiene, a continued shift to eco products.

Where do you see the biggest challenges being for 2024?

Balancing resources against demand while keeping at the forefront of market trends.

What do you hope will be different in the industry

It struck me how much positive impact one can have on others

by next Christmas?

A more unified approach to tackling the demands for

Åsa Sutton, category lead at

BiGDUG, is ready to take on the

ahead of the curve in adapting our technology and offering to provide customers with the right solutions

challenges of 2024;

will continue to be our main challenge!

highlight of 2023?

the industry by next Christmas?

What has been your business

What do you hope will be different in

Easy – Organising and attending the

I hope politically and economically the marketplace in

1st Ever BiGDUG supplier event! We

general will be stronger. I think we have a great industry

had great support from our supply partners and an all-round

and there are many good players and I think

excellent day for all our UK teams to meet suppliers and see

the partnerships with our suppliers and customers are

products upfront at Gloucester Rugby’s Kingsholm Stadium.

fantastic, so hoping to build on that for an exciting

What has been the biggest business challenge of 2023?

and successful end to 2024 moving into 2025!

I feel that the inflation, cost of living crisis, public sector

Can you share a funny/heart-warming

spend and international political unrest has had a knock on

story from the last year?

effect on the market place here in the UK in 2023.

Racing toy speedboats on the canal outside our offices in

Where do you see the biggest challenges being for 2024?

Gloucester during our summer party, and in particular the

The challenge is often the unknown and an increasingly

very unimpressed reaction from the kayaker we enlisted to

competitive online trading environment, so staying

help us in retrieving one that had capsized!!

[12] FESTIVE SPECIAL 2023

www.dealersupport.co.uk

THE FESTIVE BIG ASK

SEASONAL INSIGHTS

Terry Caulfield, chief

commercial officer at

Brother UK hopes to see

a sharper focus on waste

reduction in the new year: Where do you see being for 2024?

the biggest challenges

Many firms are moving to the ‘hub-and-spoke’ model of introducing satellite offices in commuter towns while downsizing their city centre HQ. This comes as more office leases signed before the ballooning of flexible work come to an end, prompting firms to re-evaluate their footprint. This

Supporting sustainability S

ustainability and net zero are becoming a high priority in more and more organisations.

Customers are driving the agenda as they

will present a challenge to IT teams needing to

increasingly want to know that the sustainability values of

reconfigure their infrastructure. However, this offers

their suppliers are in line with their own. Customers require

resellers opportunities to have conversations about

their suppliers' Environmental Policy along with information

a fresh network of connected devices.

on how they assess and manage the environmental and

What do you hope will be different in

social impact of the products and services they supply; and

the industry by next Christmas?

evidence of their suppliers’ carbon footprint to feed into

We will see a sharper focus on sustainability

their own supply chain reporting. Dealers need to be able

and cutting waste by this time next year,

to provide this information. This can feel incredibly daunting

supported by some of our own exciting initiatives

and overwhelming, which is where Advantia come in.

set for launch in 2024 to support circular economies in the print IT market.

What’s your favourite Christmas film or song?

CREATING A ROADMAP During 2023 we launched our ‘Getting Started with

My top Christmas song has to be Chris Rea’s

Sustainability’ programmes and have been working with our

Driving Home for Christmas – it’s a classic.

first group of Advantia Dealers. With input from Advantia

What’s your favourite festive treat?

member Adam from Red-Inc, our dealers receive expert

One of my favourite festive treats to tuck into is

advice and inspiration into the benefits of doing things

baked camembert with a late-bottled port.

differently, and are being equipped with a personalised roadmap and resources to enable them to make a confident start on their unique sustainability journey.

We are excited to be working with Exertis Supplies as

One of my favourite festive treats to tuck into is baked camembert with a late-bottled port

they move into their new warehousing facility. 2024 will see an expanded product range, and greater depth of stock, helping to reduce the number of deliveries going into our dealers’ customers. Delivery partner DPD are committed to achieving net zero in 2040 - the carbon footprint of deliveries can be measured and reductions clearly seen.

What greater priority can there be than to ensure we act responsibly to protect our most precious resource, our planet. www.advantia.co.uk

www.dealersupport.co.uk FESTIVE SPECIAL 2023 [13]

INDUSTRY

E M B R A C I N G S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y

Keeping your business on the ‘nice list’ for sustainability 'Tis the season to be jolly – but with gift wrapping, empty advent calendars and all those discarded sweet tubs likely to be cluttering up offices come January, we have some top festive tips for dealers to share to help customers ensure sure the planet is as happy as their team this Christmas

I

mproving sustainability in the

RETHINKING WRAPPING

workplace is likely to be at the top of

Packaging is a key area in which more sustainable choices can

most business new year resolutions.

be made. For those all-important Secret Santa gifts, directing

But with so much additional activity

customers to wrapping and packaging made from recycled

(and therefore waste) over the

or Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified materials is a

festive period, now is the time to

great sustainable choice. Avoiding unnecessary packaging

start thinking about small steps that businesses can be

altogether is an even greater step in the right direction. It is

taking to ensure the festive season is both merry and

estimated that we discard enough wrapping paper annually to

environmentally conscious.

cover the entire globe several times over!

[14] FESTIVE SPECIAL 2023

www.dealersupport.co.uk

E M B R A C I N G S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y

INDUSTRY

EMBRACE NATURAL LIGHT

GET CREATIVE

Rethinking decorations to include LED and low energy

Cutting down waste can be achieved with simple steps

lights and avoiding keeping additional lights on when

and a little preplanning. Rather than sending out cards

natural light can be utilised will reduce energy use. Visual

this year (which although recyclable, may still find their

equipment which is already in use - such as monitors - can

way to a landfill), go digital with your Christmas messages.

also be harnessed to create a festive atmosphere, rather

If you are worried that generic festive emails to suppliers

than adding additional electric use. Think roaring log fire

or customers may seem impersonal, there are many ways

screen savers! Make sure if you are using fairy lights to

you can get creative. Consider sending out personalised

keep them switched off when rooms are not being utilised.

video messages or using social media to share festive team

While most businesses will be keen to avoid the inevitable

photos. When it comes to food waste, go for food sourced

mess of a real fir tree, those using plastic trees can reduce

locally that has a longer shelf life and can keep the team

carbon emissions by choosing ones manufactured in the

snacking well into January.

UK rather than imported from abroad. Plastic trees cannot be recycled, so repurposing them by donating to local

MAKE A LIST

charities or shelters offers an alternative.

Create a list and check it twice! Shutting down for the holidays can feel like a mad rush, but it is important to ensure all team members complete an energy and carbon-saving checklist in order to avoid any unnecessary energy waste over the

It is estimated that each year we discard enough wrapping paper to cover the entire globe several times over

holidays. Ask everyone to double check that windows are fully closed to avoid heat leakage, radiator settings are turned to ‘frost protection’ to avoid frozen pipes and that all electrical equipment is fully powered down and switched off.

Taking these small steps to ensure a more sustainable Christmas will have a big impact on carbon footprint and limit waste, leading to the sorts of good habits and environmentally friendly decisions that will make sure your business is at the top of the nice list this year!

www.dealersupport.co.uk FESTIVE SPECIAL 2023 [15]

INDUSTRY

CHRISTMAS WITH A TWIST

Shake up your Secret Santa this year The Secret Santa has been a mainstay of office festive traditions for years. Rather than the usual plethora of novelty socks and luxury bath bombs, why not mix it up this festive season with some alternative ideas?

S

ecret Santa

THINK VALUE NOT COST

offers a chance

Most Secret Santa gifts have a

REMOVE THE STRESS

to bring some

small budget, but what about

Take the stress out of gift buying by

excitement

adding extra value to your gift

having a fun theme that everyone

and fun into

exchange by agreeing on a theme

can get behind. You can ask staff for

the workplace.

that encapsulates the seasonal

suggestions and take a vote on what

But it can be more than just an

spirit? You might choose to only

everyone would enjoy most. Why

opportunity to banish the winter

‘buy local’ to support your

not have a ‘festive foodie’ theme?

blues. It is also a chance to promote

community, purchase from a

Asking people to gift a favourite

team bonding, help your staff get

charity or agree to gift more

holiday treat can be a fun way to

to know each other and support

environmentally friendly products.

introduce the team to different

one another to meet their personal

Not only will this lead to people

cultures and traditions they may not

goals. We look at some simple ways

receiving unique items, but the value

know. Another simple idea is to invite

to add an extra twist to your holiday

of your Secret Santa will also stretch

everyone to join in a book exchange.

celebrations this year.

far beyond the office breakroom.

[16] FESTIVE SPECIAL 2023

www.dealersupport.co.uk

CHRISTMAS WITH A TWIST

INDUSTRY

INCLUDE YOUR

REMOTE WORKERS

UPDATE YOUR WISH LISTS Choosing a gift for a colleague

In a world where most teams have at

you don’t know well or a new

least one hybrid or remote worker, you

starter who hasn’t been with the

can ensure your Secret Santa includes

company long can be tricky. Many

everyone by hosting a virtual gift

companies will ask colleagues

exchange. Set up a laptop or camera in

to supply a list of items they may

the breakroom and invite offsite team

want. A great way to mix it up

members to join in online, or have

is to ask that - instead of a wish

everyone meet over Teams or Zoom.

list - staff write down their New

You could consider making this part

Year resolutions and goals for

of a larger celebration, using it as an

the coming year. Knowing more

opportunity for some team-building

about the person, rather than

games, an online quiz or a Christmas

what slipper size they wear, will

coffee morning. If you want to do

ensure they receive a gift that

something really special, there are even

truly means something to them.

apps that help you build unique teambuilding events that are 100% virtual.

HOW ABOUT A

SECRET ADVENT? Instead of a quick gift exchange

‘What about adding extra value to your gift exchange by agreeing a theme that encapsulates the seasonal spirit?’

that lasts for a few minutes, why not keep the fun going for the whole month? Secret Advent is a great alternative to Secret Santa. Ask each colleague to bring in a small,

ALLEVIATE POST-HOLIDAY BLUES

wrapped gift before the first of

Santa might come once a year, but that doesn’t mean you have to limit

December and store them all in an

your gift exchange to the days running up to Christmas. Why not consider

‘advent’ box. Every day throughout

a New Year gift exchange? This can be a fun way to welcome staff back

the month, staff can take turns to

to work and catch up on their post-holiday news. It also allows people to

draw a gift - you may need to allow

regift any unwanted presents they might not use but someone else may

more than one staff to draw per day

love, saving money and reducing waste.

if you have a larger team!

www.dealersupport.co.uk FESTIVE SPECIAL 2023 [17]

FESTIVE SPECIAL

E L E VAT E Y O U R G I F T I N G

It’s the thought that counts…

A gifting guide for businesses In the 1800s, a token gift of a calendar - from John D Rockefeller to his employees - started a festive tradition that led to a corporate gifting market that today is worth over £78m in the UK alone

W

hether you are thanking employees

to look at more sustainable alternatives - such as

for their hard work over the year,

digital or video cards. In a bid to be more circular

sending out seasonal greetings to

when it comes to cards and gifts, think reusable

customers, or looking for a way to

rather than recyclable – switch out Christmas cards

promote an initiative, corporate

for decorations for the office or festive wreaths. A

gifts have become a mainstay of

reusable gift that comes out every year will highlight

the business festive season. This Christmas is just

your commitment to sustainability while still ensuring

around the corner, so we’ve collated some of the most

your customers know that you have thought

popular presents and giving trends that you may want

about them. Mr Rockefeller might have been onto

to consider this year.

something with his calendar gift – why send a card that lasts only a few days when you can maintain

SWITCHING UP YOUR CHRISTMAS CARD

visibility with your customers all year round? If you

Every year in the UK, around eight billion Christmas

want to stick with tradition and send out cards,

cards are sent during the holiday season. With just one

make sure the materials are responsibly sourced

in four cards being recycled on average, maybe it is time

and FSC compliant.

[18] FESTIVE SPECIAL 2023

www.dealersupport.co.uk

E L E VAT E Y O U R G I F T I N G

According to reports, 60% of annual corporate gifts are exchanged during the Christmas season

FESTIVE SPECIAL

WHAT ARE THE GIFT TRENDS FOR THIS YEAR? We have gathered up a selection of the biggest trends in gifting to help you make the perfect, budget-friendly selection;

ECO-FRIENDLY: Think local produce and

environmentally friendly packaging - one of the

most popular corporate gifting trends for 2023 is sustainable gift boxes. Try to opt for packagingfree options with reusable boxes. You can find

companies that pre-package boxes according to budget and team size, but if you are feeling

crafty and delivering locally, you could create

your own utilising local food suppliers to reduce on carbon emissions.

ARTISANAL: Look for unique, personalised gifts

created by small, independent businesses. Buying locally crafted gifts shows your commitment to strengthening the local economy and nurturing CONSIDER SOMETHING MORE MEANINGFUL According to reports, 60% of annual corporate gifts are exchanged during the Christmas season. Offering a gift with a deeper meaning can garner greater appreciation from customers and integrating a positive social impact aligns with the growing emphasis on corporate responsibility. Understanding your customers’ values, such as their support for local charities or engagement in social initiatives can help with gift selection.

Rather than conforming to traditional gift-giving practices, you could consider providing the gift of an experience for a small team. This fosters a shared enjoyment for everyone involved. By incorporating thoughtful choices that resonate with your customer's values, you not only make your gift memorable but contribute to a positive impact on

business relationships in your area.

MINDFUL: With growing awareness around mental well-being and comfort, there is an uptick in gifts that focus on mindfulness this year. Adult

colouring books have seen a huge increase in

popularity and are known to be good for relaxation.

Other options include soothing soaps, or stressrelief products.

GADGETS: In a tech-driven world, gadgets are

always a welcome and useful gift. Sending out tech gifts doesn’t have to break the budget either. It

is all about gifting something that is practical and can be used every day. Personalised earphones,

wireless charging stations and coffee mug warmers will all come in handy and won’t cost the earth.

the community and the environment.

www.dealersupport.co.uk FESTIVE SPECIAL 2023 [19]

INDUSTRY

FESTIVE MESSAGES

From all of us here at Dealer Support, we would like to thank you for your continued support throughout 2023 and wish you all health, happiness and prosperity for 2024.

Whatever you are doing this festive holiday, we hope you get plenty of chances to relax and enjoy, and spend time with friends and family. If the past few years have taught us anything, it is that no-one can predict what is around the corner, but the new year brings with it new opportunity and we know the dealer community will continue to embrace change and rise to any challenges as it has done so expertly over the past few years.

We are looking forward to returning in January, refreshed and ready to kick off 2024 with a bang!

We look forward to bringing you all the latest industry news, views and opinions and sharing your stories of innovation and inspiration and continuing to champion independent dealers in the channel.

We are very grateful to all our incredible readers, contributors, partners and advertisers for their support and invaluable insights as Dealer Support goes into its almost 30th year!

Wishing a very merry Christmas to you all!

The Dealer Support team

[20] FESTIVE SPECIAL 2023

www.dealersupport.co.uk

FESTIVE MESSAGES

Wishing you a wonderful Christmas from everyone at Brother.

We’re looking forward to being “At your side” again in 2024

INDUSTRY

Thank you to our members, suppliers and service providers for your continued support.

We look forward to working with you in 2024. Merry Christmas and a happy New Year from the team at Integra

Season’s greetings to all our customers and wishing everyone a happy, healthy and successful New Year

www.dealersupport.co.uk FESTIVE SPECIAL 2023 [21]

INDUSTRY

FESTIVE MESSAGES

Merry Christmas and happy New Year to our superb staff, customers, partners and suppliers.

Wishing you all a fantastic holiday and a joyful successful New Year!

We’d like to thank all of our customers for their support in 2023 and wish everyone a merry Christmas and a happy New Year!

We wish all our members and suppliers a merry Christmas and a prosperous 2024. Thank you for your support. #KeepItLocal

[22] FESTIVE SPECIAL 2023

www.dealersupport.co.uk

FESTIVE MESSAGES

INDUSTRY

Centurion and Spectrum thank all our customers for their continued support. We wish you a merry Christmas and successful New Year, see you in 2024!

Thank you to all our customers for your continued support in 2023. We wish you a wonderful Christmas and best wishes for the New Year

www.dealersupport.co.uk FESTIVE SPECIAL 2023 [23]

INDUSTRY

M A K I N G TA X D I G I TA L

Taxing time made easy by going digital Following the recent autumn statement which has helped clarify legal obligations relating to the government’s Make Tax Digital (MTD) programme, it seems clear that scanning and capture can help organisations address the requirements of the scheme – but are resellers ensuring their customers are equipped and ready?

What is involved and how can businesses reduce the complication of going digital?

B

y now most of you

technology to help simplify and streamline

will be well aware

the process. The ScanSnap range of

COMPLIANCE AND ORGANISATION

of HMRC’s ‘Making

productivity scanners take the complications

Scanning keeps things straight forward,

Tax Digital’ (MTD)

out of document imaging, offering one-

reducing space needed by eliminating the

initiative. The

touch usability and a smarter way to work!

requirement for onsite storage and negating

autumn statement

Users can scan everyday documents and

the need for costly shredding and disposal

confirmed that companies or individuals

seamlessly link to cloud accounts, smart

services once the document is no longer

with trading income over £50k per annum

devices and applications. For businesses

required. Find the information you need,

will need to come under the MTD ITSA

looking to digitise their documents, scanner

when you need it, while meeting legal and

regime from 6 April 2026. For companies

technology boasts a host of benefits that go way

regulatory obligations – such as for GDPR

over £30k, obligations will change the

beyond simply supporting the MTD efforts.

compliance and of course MTD.

IMPROVED PRODUCTIVITY

following year. But how prepared are your

Document scanning makes it faster and

SUSTAINABLE AND COST EFFICIENT

the potentially complex task of digitising

easier to find the information you need

In an increasingly paperless society, businesses

documents, PFU (EMEA) Limited – a

when you need it. This saves employees a

are looking for ways to reduce paper usage as

RICOH company has the perfect solution to

great deal of time as they find documents

well as reducing printing costs. Scanning is

help make digitising tax easier and hitting

in seconds, rather than the potential hours

a paperless process, distributing documents

deadlines promptly and efficiently, achievable.

it takes to dig out files. When it comes to

digitally without negative impact on the

customers moving forward?

As many companies are now faced with

With the deadlines to meet the MTD

ensuring documents are kept up to date and

environment. If documents are scanned, less

target dates fast approaching, there’s a strong

compliant, instant access ensures auditing

paper is wasted, less transport means a reduced

argument for businesses to turn to scanner

and updating records is quick and simple.

carbon footprint and mitigates landfill use.

[24] FESTIVE SPECIAL 2023

www.dealersupport.co.uk

M A K I N G TA X D I G I TA L

INDUSTRY

WHAT IS MTD? Making Tax Digital (MTD) is

a government scheme created to

encourage businesses to manage tax

records online using dedicated software. It

aims to simplify the process of record keeping and payment, and ease the burden of costly administrative errors. According to HMRC, the MTD initiative is about 'helping businesses and self-employed people get it right first time.'

physical documents.

While the imperative to meet the

Tech savvy businesses are already looking for ways to streamline their document storage processes

requirements of the MTD programme can be a major driving factor for digitising, tech savvy businesses should already be looking for ways to streamline their document management processes and improve sustainability credentials. There is a great opportunity for

TIME SAVING

With improved speed and handling, the range

resellers to simply highlight the features and

Using scanner technology to digitise

also comes with in-built hardware feeding

benefits, and let the products sell themselves!

documents saves time - unlike physical

functions to reduce the risk of double feeds.

Having instant access to information, safely

documents, scanned documents can

Various documents of different sizes and

stored and accessible from any place – whether

be accessed from anywhere by multiple

mediums, such as invoices, cards and notes can

remotely or in the office – allows companies to

users, meaning no waiting to get access to

also be scanned, and information exported to a

work more securely and efficiently.

information – a must in a world of hybrid

database or expense monitor system.

working and virtual collaboration. Bundled

For more enablement tools to help

OCR software means documents can be

SMARTER AND MORE SECURE

scanned and converted to editable Word, Excel

Storing scanned data together allows users

or PowerPoint files.

to access documents via smart devices

And the range can capture double-sided

and through cloud services. This keeps all

documents simply, scanning mixed batches

information in one, secure place that will

without the need for adjustment to settings.

remain unaffected by fire, flood or loss of

you position and understand the opportunity around scan please sign up to PFU’s partner portal here.

www.dealersupport.co.uk FESTIVE SPECIAL 2023 [25]

LIVE IT

TEABREAK

LIVE IT Life hack A quick ribbon-wrap turns holiday baking supplies into trendy tree baubles. Put a tiny bit of tape (instead of glue) at the beginning and end points and you’ll be able to reuse the set to shape cookies next year

Blenheim’s eco trees: Festive sustainability delivered This holiday season, Blenheim Estate presents an ecoconscious choice for Christmas tree shoppers with their sustainable, ‘zero miles’ trees. Grown on the estate and cut weekly, the selection includes Norway Spruces and Nordman Firs,

CAPTION COMPETITION

ranging from four to eight feet.

Each harvested tree is promptly replaced with a new sapling, ensuring a sustainable and environmentally friendly process. Trees will be available for purchase from December 1 to December 17 at the Estate Office car park in Woodstock, open between 10am and 4pm on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Moreover, Blenheim Estate offers an ‘end-to-end’ service, allowing customers to drop off their trees in the new year for recycling into compost for various estate projects.

Embrace the festive spirit while making

TWEET CAPTIONS TO @DEALERSUPPORT

an eco-friendly choice with Blenheim Estate’s Christmas trees this year.

Quote of the month

There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self.

Ernest Hemingway

[26] FESTIVE SPECIAL 2023

www.dealersupport.co.uk

?

TEABREAK

Did you know?

In 1965, ‘Jingle Bells’ made history as

the first song played in space during the

Gemini 6A space flight, a festive prank by astronauts broadcasting to Earth below

THUMBS UP!

In North Yorkshire, a heartwarming initiative is urging locals to donate unused toys and games to brighten Christmas for children who may otherwise go without gifts. The appeal encourages people to drop off well-maintained items at household waste centres throughout the county. Collected goods are carefully sorted and passed on to charities, ensuring they reach families in need.

Last year’s Reuse Santa Appeal successfully distributed over 3,000 toys to charitable causes. Managing

PUB QUIZ 1. Which country started the tradition of putting up a Christmas tree?

2. How many ghosts show up in A Christmas Carol?

3. What year did Mariah Carey’s ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’ come out?

4. In which country is it tradition to eat KFC for Christmas dinner?

5. What colour suit did Santa wear until Coca Cola rebranded him in red?

Answers: 1. Germany 2. Four 3. 1994 4. Japan 5. Green

Toy donation drive

LIVE IT

Director of Yorwaste, Sandy Boyle, emphasised the campaign’s significance in aiding children in economically challenged households

Knock me down with a feather

amid increasing costs. The initiative not only brings joy to children but also promotes sustainability by repurposing toys, fostering a sense of community and environmental responsibility. Residents are encouraged to contribute items suitable for infants to teenagers, fostering a season of giving and compassion.

FESTIVE MAGIC AT WHITE HOUSE The White House has been transformed into a festive haven with 98 Christmas trees, 142,000 twinkling lights, and 34,000 ornaments. First Lady Jill Biden, embracing the theme of “Magic, Wonder, and Joy,” hopes to kindle visitors’ inner child. The official 18.5-foot Fraser fir in the Blue Room showcases scenes from across the nation. The State Dining Room becomes Santa’s workshop, featuring an elaborate gingerbread White House. The decorations pay homage to the 200th anniversary of “’Twas the Night Before Christmas,” with the Library of Congress contributing historic editions.

www.dealersupport.co.uk FESTIVE SPECIAL 2023 [27]

LIVE IT

FINAL WORD

Past

Present

Future

The past, the present and the future: lessons in reflection

“Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has many - not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.”

I

(he was far too busy writing novels and

t was in December 1843 that Charles Dickens wrote A Christmas Carol, the beloved festive classic from which the

above quote was taken. The UK saw three major financial crises during the late 1800s, so clearly Mr Dickens knew what he was talking about. Something that likely resonates with

Counting your blessings can be hard as we face an uncertain future’

onto something with his attitude towards reflection. “I will live in the past, the present, and the future. The spirits of all three shall strive within me. I will not shut out the lessons that they teach!”

Nobody can predict what the next twelve months will bring - but if there is one thing that we are sure of, it is that the reseller

many of us, as we face an uncertain future in a

community will continue to showcase the

particularly unstable economic climate.

Counting your blessings can be hard when

looking philosophical) but he was certainly

As you prepare to take some well-deserved

determination and tenacity needed to rise to

it seems that every day we are bombarded

rest and relaxation over the next few weeks,

the challenges of a changing world.

with yet more doom and gloom from the

we encourage you to spare a few moments to

From all of us here at Dealer

media. 2023 has certainly been a rollercoaster

reflect on the highs and lows, the triumphs and

Support, we wish you a wonderful

- yet despite the challenges faced, whether

tribulations and the changes that have brought

holiday season, a healthy and prosperous

personally or professionally, the dealer

you to where you are.

new year and – to quote just one more

community continues to show unrelenting resilience and an inspirational spirit.

[28] FESTIVE SPECIAL 2023

Charles Dickens might never have known the frustrations of trying to run a business

www.dealersupport.co.uk

festive classic – “Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”

The paper that plants trees Turn over a new leaf with Woodland Trust paper; produced to the most demanding environmental standards. l Energy for production generated from waste material l Zero CO2 emissions from fossil fuels l Wrappers are 100% recyclable

Woodland Trust paper is a high white, high quality, all-round office paper for laser and inkjet printers, photocopiers and fax machine.

Every sheet of Woodland Trust Printer Paper supports projects that improve biodiversity, enhance social wellbeing and help the UK landscape adapt to climate change.

Premier Paper & Materials, Delivered by Experts

www.paper.co.uk

2024

Is it in your calendar?

JOIN US AT THE 9TH ANNUAL

and make industry networking and learning part of your 2024 resolution!

SAVE

THE DATE! 10th October 2024

REGISTER your interest at

hello@dealersupport.co.uk

THE INDUSTRY EVENT FOR ALL UK DEALERS Visit www.dealersupportlive.co.uk to learn more