INDUSTRY
T H E M O N T H T H AT W A S
THE MONTH THAT WAS Exertis ‘Raises the Game’ to inspire industry change Exertis has become a pledge partner as part of the Raise the Game initiative. Raise the Game is a collaborative pledge to improve equality, diversity and inclusion in the games industry by creating
Quills Group acquires Control Office Supplies
cultures where everyone belongs, voices are heard, and ideas can thrive. The pledge is a holistic driven initiative, managed and facilitated by UKIE. To become a partner, Exertis has
Quills Group has acquired Control Office Supplies in a deal which sees
pledged to make meaningful change within
employees of the latter move across to Quills to ensure a smooth transition
the business to improve equality, diversity
and continuity for customers.
and inclusion. This involves committing to
Quills’ MD, Andy Efstathiou, has known the directors of Control Office
introducing a new activity, or to continuing
Supplies for more than 15 years and was delighted to reach an agreement to
to work on initiatives already in place to
acquire the business. The deal means that Control Office Supplies’ customers
improve diversity and inclusion (D&I).
will be able to utilise Quills’ service offering, which includes a live chat service,
Initiatives introduced by Exertis include
larger customer services team, dedicated specials department and additional
a dedicated Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
workplace services including facilities management, cleaning and hygiene,
Team (EDIT). The committee is focused on
waste management, recycling, shredding, print, copier and printer solutions,
collating diversity information beyond age
branded gifts and workwear.
and gender, improving recruitment and
“Control Office Supplies and Quills share the same customer-focused
induction practices through a D&I lens and
attitude, as well as common platforms in online technology, national distribution
driving education by building on celebration
network and many of the same suppliers,” said Andy. “Our aim is to provide
and awareness days with third party
a seamless transition where customers will continue to use the Control Office
engagements.
webstore, have access to the same staff and then, [later this] year, we will look to migrate customers onto our Quills webstore, which uses the same software. “I’m delighted to welcome the Control Office Supplies employees who
EDIT was set up as a grassroots group of allies who champion inclusion across the business. The team has executive
have joined us as part of the growing Quills family, and I look forward to our
sponsorship from two board members:
journey ahead.”
Vishal Chhatralia, chief digital officer, and Jo
Control Office Supplies directors Matt and Christy said: “We have known Quills for many years, and we are confident that they will continue to provide the high
Lawrence, UK HR director. Other initiatives include providing
service level and personal approach of Control Office Supplies. With many of the
managers with a D&I toolkit and are
Control staff joining Quills we are pleased we can continue existing relationships
committed to delivering a demonstrable
with our clients. Along with the additional services and solutions we can now offer
contribution towards diversity representation
under Quills, we feel this is a positive opportunity for the future.”
within their area of the business.
[06] JANUARY 2022
www.dealersupport.co.uk
