NEWS AND VIEWS

THE MONTH THAT WAS

Exertis to support LGBT+ History Month

Exertis is supporting LGBT+ History Month by hosting an exclusive webinar for its employees featuring guest speaker Alexis Gregory. The theme of this years’ LGBT+ History Month is ‘Politics in Art’. The webinar will cover topics including the histories of marginalised communities, the story of the Stonewall riots, Alexis’ work as a writer/performer, and the ways in which non-LGBT+ people can provide allyship and support to LGBT+ colleagues.

Alexis is a playwright, performer, director and producer, whose work explores LGBT+ themes. Alexis’ critically acclaimed show, Riot Act, returns in February to celebrate LGBT+ History Month. “We’re really looking forward to welcoming Alexis as part of LGBT+ History Month,” said Jo Lawrence, Exertis’ HR director. “As part of our ongoing commitment to driving diversity and inclusion across the business, it’s crucial that every voice is heard and celebrated.”

David Langdown steps down from BOSS Board

BOSS Federation has announced that David Langdown has chosen to step down from his position as a member of the Board.

David has been an active board member and will be missed by all, BOSS said. He brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to the BOSS Board having held numerous high-profile roles within the industry. “David’s contributions to BOSS have been significant and meaningful,” said BOSS chairman, Simon Drakeford. “His extensive knowledge of the sector, and length of service to our industry, has helped guide the federation and I thank him for his engagement and passion.”

David said that it had been “an honour and a pleasure” to have sat on the board. “BOSS has made some significant progress in that time and now represents the business supplies sector with clarity, professionalism and purpose,” he continued. “I’m happy to have played a part in that and wish the board, the federation and its members continued success.”

Simon Sanders appointed JGBM director

Simon Sanders has been appointed as purchasing director at JGBM, the company has announced. After starting in the warehouse at JGBM, many years ago, and progressing through the business to manage purchasing, warehousing and customer service departments, Simon has now been made a director.

Described as being popular with staff, customers and suppliers alike, Simon has given years of dedication and loyalty to the company.

Superstat announce July conference date

Dealer group Superstat has announced that its 2022 conference will be held on 7 July at the Nottingham Belfry Hotel. The one-day event has long been an industry highlight, with a reputation for connecting dealers and suppliers and providing a forum to get ideas and inspiration from likeminded people. With dealer-focused sessions in the morning, and a lively supplier exhibition in the afternoon, the event looks set to build on the success of the last two years - it was one of the few face-to-face events that took place in the industry at that time. Dealers and exhibitors can register their interest in attending now by emailing events@superstat.co.uk. You can also visit the Superstat website for more information.

Midwich Group has entered a binding agreement to acquire Nimans Ltd and its subsidiaries from Nycomm Holdings Ltd.

Nimans is a specialist distributor of unified communications, telecoms, collaboration and audio-visual technologies. Based near Manchester, Nimans was founded in 1981 and has a reputation in the UK telephony hardware market. In recent years the business has expanded into new markets such as unified communications, VOIP solutions, security and networking; key brand relationships include Yealink, Jabra and BT. The company trades with more than 2,500 telephony, IT and retail customers, and employs some 200 staff.

The transaction has been undertaken on a cash-free/debt-free basis. Completion is subject only to FCA approval and expected in the first half of 2022. “Nimans is a long-established business with a great reputation for technical excellence, customer service and logistics,” said Stephen Fenby, Midwich Group MD. “Its traditional telecoms market has experienced significant change in recent years, bringing with it new revenue opportunities, which the company has developed strongly, in areas such as unified communications, video-conferencing, security and networking.

“Midwich continues to grow its UC offering and Nimans brings further opportunities to the group, in terms of skills in new product and technology areas, service offerings to the trade, a large new customer base and new vendor relationships.

“I believe that the combined skill sets and capabilities of Midwich and Nimans bring a unique offering into the market with the ability to provide complex solutions involving multiple technologies. I look forward to welcoming the whole Nimans team into the Midwich Group.”

Midwich acquires Niman

Smithers joins Victor Stationery

Richard Smithers has joined Victor Stationery Ltd as sales director, taking responsibility for all sales across the UK, Europe and the USA. Richard joins Victor following 10 years in the office products wholesale channel, managing dealers for Spicers and, more recently, VOW Wholesale.“I am delighted to welcome Richard to the Victor business,” said Robert Moore, CEO. “His skills and experience will play a significant role in the ongoing strategic development of the business.”

“Victor Stationery is a well-respected company and a pioneer within paper converting through its Rhino and Aisling brands,” said Richard. “I’m excited to be part of the senior management team and to utilise my experience to provide proactive service and support to customers while growing sales.

“I’ve been immersed in the OP industry for over 26 years and look forward to working with my customers to understand their needs and come up with solutions that best fit those needs.”