Putting a Spring in your step!

Happy March! It is officially Spring, the daffodils are here, Easter eggs are filling up the shelves and the clocks go forward in a few days’ time meaning the hours of sunlight will only increase from now on. I don’t know about you, but that’s certainly enough to put a spring in my step!

In keeping with the uplifting theme, this issue features three interviews with businesses who have grown, pivoted and succeeded despite the multitude of challenges they have faced in the last few years.

Steve Weedon, CEO of Print-Rite Europe, tells us how his company had to change their whole business model to deal with the impacts of COVID on ways of working and John Green, MD of Commerce Business Systems, describes how he has defied the odds to achieve business growth and success during the tumultuous times we have all experienced over the last three years. We also sit down with Jeanette Bresitz, managing director of Office Friendly, who explains why she believes dealer businesses are stronger when they work together.

As usual, we have a focus on increasing sales and pushing for diversification in dealer businesses, and this month we look at how dealers can diversify their product offering and make the most of the burgeoning education market. We also take a look at how dealers can capitalise on the benefits of effective collaboration in the office by selling products that encourage and support successful collaboration in the workplace. Talking of collaboration, Father P reflects on why in the unpredictable world of office supplies, attending conferences and mingling with your fellow colleagues, competitors and suppliers, and the feeling of camaraderie that brings, is beneficial.

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

How lack of collaboration can cause failure in the workplace

09 SELLING SUCCESSFULLY IN THE ECOMMERCE ENVIRONMENT

Advice from Ben Jarvis at ECI Software Solutions

10 ABOUT TURN: REPOSITIONING A BRAND TO COPE WITH COVID

Print-Rite Europe’s CEO Steve Weedon on the changes the business has gone through

Leadership

14 BEAT THE ‘GREAT RESIGNATION’ 2.0

How to attract and retain the best talent for your business

16 WHY SHOULD YOU ATTEND DEALER SUPPORT LIVE 2023?

Join your fellow dealers from around the country for a day of networking and learning!

18 GROWING AGAINST THE GRAIN

How Commerce Business Systems has defied the odds

21 EXPLORING NEW FUTURES WITH PREMIER

The paper ranges that are sustainability game-changers

22 EMPOWERING DEALERS THROUGH WORKING TOGETHER

Office Friendly on the benefits of working as a community

Sales Success

26 SELLING INTO THE EDUCATION MARKET –HOW TO FIND YOUR EDGE

How can dealers make the most of this burgeoning market?

30 COLLABORATION IS KEY

The products you should be selling to capitalise on collaborative working

Live It

34 FATHER P. CLIP

The good Father on the importance of conferences and camaraderie

36 LIVE IT

Take a break and enjoy some lighthearted fun

38 FINAL WORD Recycled vs virgin – or both?