Reverse Engineering Solutions to Stay Ahead
Where Did the Waterproofs Go?
I don’t know if it’s hopeful optimism or a stubborn belief that I can prolong the warmer weather just a bit longer, but every year, I find myself in the same situation. As autumn sets in, I end up rummaging through boxes, hunting for the waterproof jackets and thick jumpers that I tucked away at the start of summer.
Hopefully, you’re feeling more prepared for the seasonal shift as winter firmly takes hold. The good news is that our latest issue is filled with stories of success and leadership, sure to bring a bit of brightness to even the greyest and rainiest of days.
This month, we caught up with TC Group’s Dan Wooler, who shared how training for the ‘world’s toughest rowing challenge’ and his involvement with the star* scheme has shaped his leadership values. Shane Wareing of OWS emphasises the importance of putting personality first while celebrating recent business achievements and Steve Carter also returns with his monthly column to talk about marking a significant milestone for Advantia.
In our Green and Eco section, we explore high-volume products and how small, simple changes can boost your customers’ eco-credentials. Meanwhile, in Business Success, Helen Colton is back with expert advice on keeping your marketing communications impactful and effective.
As always, 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 X @dealersupport.
Holly Tinsley Editor
“The key thing from the dealer point of view is having USP
knowledge”
INDUSTRY
06 THE MONTH THAT WAS
The latest news from the workplace supplies industry
08 SPOTLIGHT: CHOOSE RESPECT
A look at the facts and statistics around workplace bullying
09 COMING UP HEADS
Steve Carter reflects on his time with Advantia so far
10 CLICK IT
The best digital articles from the Dealer Support website this month
14 ROWING FOR THE STARS
Dan Wooler prepares for an epic ocean challenge
16 REVERSE ENGINEERING TO STAY AHEAD
John George, JGBM, on strategies for finding the best solutions
BUSINESS SUCCESS
20 THE ART OF COMMUNICATION
Helen Colton on why communication is a cornerstone of business
22 PUTTING THE PERSONALITY INTO BUSINESS
Shane Wareing talks about rebranding, branching out and building up
GREEN & ECO
26 IS YOUR INBOX ECO-FRIENDLY?
Why your emails might be less sustainable than you think
27 TORK ADVANCES INCLUSIVE HYGIENE
Helping people overcome discomfort with public bathrooms
28 SMALL CHANGES, BIG IMPACT
The high-volume products that can be easily swapped for quick sustainable wins
STRATEGIC GROWTH
32 BUILDING ORGANISATIONAL RESILIENCE SKILLS
Exploring the critical resilience skills modern organisations need SALES SUCCESS
34 WINTER WELLNESS: SOLUTIONS FOR HEALTHIER WORKPLACES
How dealers can help customers to conquer the cold
38 FINAL WORD
Chrisbeon are looking to the past in order to shape the future
THE MONTH THAT WAS
Small Businesses Fear Budget Tax Hikes
As reported by Yahoo News, small business owners warn that rising national insurance and wage costs may lead to employee cuts without government support. Small business owners have said they are “seriously concerned” by the prospect of tax rises in the Budget, with some fearing they will need to cut their employee headcount.
The government has already announced the national living wage will increase from April by 6.7% to £12.21 an hour while 16–20-year-olds will be paid £10
an hour – a 16.3% rise.
Tina McKenzie, from the Federation of Small Businesses, said: “Raising employer national insurance contributions at the same time as employers adjust to a higher national living wage is why the government should step up and significantly increase the employment allowance – reducing tax employers pay on wages is how you get sustainable rises staff actually feel in their pockets.”
Brother Launches Cartridge Remanufacturing Service
Business technology solutions provider Brother has become the first print vendor to remanufacture its inkjet cartridges, as part of a new free service to help users contribute to circular economies.
Brother has launched a new inkjet cartridge remanufacturing line at its Recycling Technology Centre in Wrexham, North Wales, and expects to remanufacture over two million inkjet cartridges a
year once fully operational. Its investment in the new service will create 20 new jobs to add to its 185-strong workforce in Wrexham.
The new service adds to its existing capability to remanufacture toner cartridges from laser printers. Brother has remanufactured more than 40 million toner cartridges globally since it began the service from Ruabon, near Wrexham, in 2004.
Ricoh Announces New Company
Ricoh Company, Ltd. has announced the establishment of a new company, Ricoh Printing Solutions Europe Limited, which will oversee its industrial printing business in Europe. RPSE will consolidate key functions related to industrial printing and begin business operations in April 2025.
RPSE, which will report directly to the Ricoh Graphic Communications (RGC) Business Unit of Ricoh Company, Ltd., will consolidate functions such as sales, engineering support, and evaluation of industrial inkjet printing business in Europe, including industrial inkjet heads and textile printers, to provide consistent and specialised support to customers.
RPSE will also leverage its collaboration with Ricoh’s headquarters R&D and other regional locations to enhance its expertise and develop next-generation inkjet technology, thereby providing new value to customers.
Deadline for Stationers’ Company Warrants Approaching
The Stationers’ Company is currently open for applications for new Warrants and 2025 Warrant renewals for companies in the Communications and Content Industries.
The Annual Warrants are formal recognition of the high quality that companies in these industries put into their products and services, recognising and acknowledging excellence, with the annual scheme now in its 11th year. The scheme distinguishes itself by being open to everyone in the Communications and Content sectors, both members and non-members of the Stationers’ Company.
Applications are reviewed by a panel of Stationers’ Company members, and presentation of new Warrants will take place at a formal luncheon in Stationers’ Hall on 10th March 2025. The closing date for applications is Friday 29th November 2024.
Advantia Celebrates 35th Anniversary
Last month, Advantia, one of the UK’s leading dealer groups, celebrated a major milestone in style as it marked its 35th anniversary with a special event in Birmingham. The occasion brought together friends, colleagues and partners, both old and new, for an evening of socialising and festivities, reflecting on more than three decades of success.
Steve Carter, managing director of Advantia, expressed his gratitude to those who made the evening memorable. “We wanted to take a moment to thank everyone who attended our 35th birthday party last month. From the great conversations to the laughter and the amazing atmosphere, it was a wonderful reminder of how lucky we are to have such a fantastic group,” he said.
NEWS EXTRA
Choose Respect: The Impact of Workplace Bullying
None of us like to imagine bullying happening in our workplace, yet recent data from the Chartered Institute of Professional Development (CIPD) reveals that it is still more widespread than we might hope
National AntiBullying Week will be held from November 13th to 17th this year, focusing on raising awareness of and taking action against bullying in communities and workplaces. The theme for 2024 is “Choose Respect.”
In this article, we explore the surprising statistics on workplace bullying and discuss how business leaders can foster safe and inclusive environments.
THE EFFECTS OF WORKPLACE BULLYING
Workplace bullying can severely impact businesses, leading to decreased employee productivity and increased absences as workers try to avoid confrontational situations. It can also result in high staff turnover and, in the worst cases, expensive legal action.
A study found that certain groups are more susceptible to workplace bullying. Women report experiencing conflict more often than men (28% compared to 22%). Ethnic minorities also encounter higher rates of conflict
at 29%. Those with disabilities are especially vulnerable, with 35% reporting conflict, compared to 23% of those without disabilities.
WHAT CAN EMPLOYERS DO?
Identify patterns of behaviour leaders should closely monitor reasons for absences, recurring grievances and signs of low morale. Invest in training that promotes selfawareness, conflict management and inclusivity for all employees.
THE STATISTICS
● 25% of people have encountered workplace conflict in the last year
● Verbal abuse (34%) and discrimination (20%) were amongst the highest reported incidents
● Only half of employees who report workplace bullying feel satisfied with their jobs
● Employees who experience conflict are twice as likely to leave their job within a year
COMMON TYPES OF BULLYING
● Verbal abuse
● Intimidation
● Social exclusion
● Micromanagement
● Cyberbullying
● Sexual harassment
● Discrimination
Stay mindful of external factors that can intensify workplace conflict, such as rising workloads, deadline pressures, or changes in internal structure.
Establish clear policies and reporting channels for addressing workplace bullying.
It’s essential for managers to clearly define acceptable behaviour in the workplace, as bullying is not always intentional; some actions may be unconscious or not recognised as bullying by those who commit them.
Offering training and education can help employees understand these boundaries, promoting a more respectful and supportive environment.
Coming up Heads
This year Advantia celebrate their 35th anniversary. In this article, STEVE CARTER reflects on feeling fortunate to have been in and around the group for 32 of those years, and how he very nearly wasn’t
Ijoined an Advantia dealer on the first day back after the Christmas break, my role was to run the purchasing function.
Unbeknown to me at the time, January is a very busy month with new price files, customer contracts, delivery of catalogues etc. Thankfully my predecessor would at least be there for a couple of weeks, to show me the Progress system and take me through the daily routine; or so I thought.
IN AT THE DEEP END
Day one, I was informed that my predecessor had decided to leave early; brilliant, just what I wanted to hear. Everybody else in the office would muck in and help me learn the ropes but they were busy with their own roles, so help was a bit limited. It didn’t help when the sales team were asking me to source typewriter daisy wheels, Rolodex card indexes, inserts for Filofaxes etc, products I knew very little about, let alone
where to find them. I was like a rabbit in the headlights if I am honest.
After a few days, I went for a lunchtime walk, continually asking myself what the hell I had done. I was really struggling and felt that I was letting people down. I took a coin out of my pocket and flipped it; heads I would go back and tails I would call it a day. Looking back now, I am so, glad that it came up heads.
I went back into the office, rolled my sleeves up and asked for help. Thankfully we had recently joined the Advantia group (or COSTS as it was then known) and I can’t tell you what a relief it was to have them supporting me. The legwork was
I took a coin out of my pocket and flipped it
already done in terms of supplier negotiations, all I had to do was build relationships with the supplier’s representatives. They were there at the end of the phone when I needed guidance as to where I could find ‘specials’ along with any other help that I needed. From that first introduction to the group, it was like having a big brother by my side.
FINDING MY FEET
I think that steep learning curve did me the world of good and I now know the value of being part of a group. We do have some very good groups in our industry and help is always at hand for any members that need it, and it doesn’t matter what the topic is: never struggle alone, always reach out.
I wish I had kept that coin and framed it.
To find out more about how Advantia could benefit your company, please contact Steve Carter in one of the following ways: https://www.advantia.co.uk info@advantia.co.uk 02476 373738
CLICK IT CLICK IT
Dive into our latest round up of all the best bits from the Dealer Support website. From expert advice on business growth and strategy to top technology and surprising trends –get caught up on the ‘most clicked’ content from the last few weeks
SALES SUCCESS
Psychographics: Aligning Strategies with Customer Values
Understanding your customers is a fundamental aspect of any effective sales strategy. For dealers looking to gain insights beyond basic demographics, delving into psychographics can be incredibly beneficial
Read the full article HERE
‘Fewer than 5% of employees feel empowered or comfortable disclosing their disabilities to their employers’
The Dealer Role in Accommodating Invisible Illness
Despite progress in workplace accessibility, creating optimal environments for those with invisible disabilities remains an ongoing effort. Here’s how dealers help customers to meet these challenges
Read the full article HERE
MANAGEMENT
How to Break Free of the Doom Loop
These days we seem to find ourselves trapped in a relentless cycle of crises—ranging from global conflicts to escalating political divisions. Amidst these challenging times, finding hope may seem difficult, but it is not impossible. Here’s how leaders can uncover optimism and help others to break free of the doom loop.
Read the full article HERE
GREEN & ECO
Leading the Way in Sustainable Workwear
As winter months approach, many businesses will be looking to stock up on seasonal workwear. From PPE to outerwear, here’s how dealers can help customers to be more sustainable in their workwear choices.
Read the full article HERE
‘Did you know that more than 800 million gel dishwasher capsules are sold in the UK every year?’
‘Over the past two years, there has been a 16% rise in new artisan businesses, evolving far beyond online platforms’
LEADERSHIP
Getting Crafty: The Rise of the Artisanal Business
The market for handmade, niche and artisanal products is booming. With a significant rise in small businesses dedicated to crafting unique, bespoke items over recent years, it should only make sense for dealers to consider tapping into this growing demographic
Read the full article HERE
The Quiet Contributions of Introverted Employees
As business leaders, you will encounter a diverse range of personalities. While some people thrive on public praise, others may be less comfortable with it. The challenge lies in ensuring that the contributions of introverted team members are not overlooked simply because they are less inclined to seek attention
Read the full article HERE
Efficient hygiene Efficient business
Tork
your
Rowing for the Stars
Taking a break from training, DAN WOOLER of TC Group joined us to discuss his 3,000-mile rowing challenge in support of the star* scheme and how the workplace supplies industry has rallied behind the team
When you say, ‘rowing the Atlantic,’ it sounds like a joke. What do you mean row the Atlantic? More people climb Everest in a year than have rowed an ocean, which really puts it in perspective! I wouldn’t be able to do this without a great team. When I started star* scheme, I spoke with the TC board about what I wanted to do. I said if I step back, you guys are going to have to step up and they did. Every chance I get, I make it a point to acknowledge that if it weren’t for their efforts, the hundreds—and hopefully thousands—of children and families would not be able to benefit from the star* scheme.
ACES IN THE WORKPLACE
With the scheme, we offer ACES (adverse childhood experiences) training, focusing on its impact on the brain and behaviour. Almost all people have been touched by some form of trauma, and that goes for the people we work with.
People discuss mental health in business, but we’re focusing on understanding its root causes and compassion and understanding. Of course, that’s going to make you a more effective manager and a better colleague. It’s about creating safe environments in which people feel nurtured and loved. You’re going to be a better supplier,
when you meet an angry customer, you stop and think hang on a minute - what’s going on for them I don’t know about?
Training for this challenge has been punishing. We’ve been training for over a year, and it is gruelling! What it brings to the forefront is how much you learn about people and the skills they have that you never knew about. We’ve recently done an exercise where we completed questionnaires to better understand what motivates us and the best ways to communicate. An instruction manual for working together!
So many people have been involved with this challenge - there is a network of support that extends beyond the boat team. United is one of our sponsors and the level of energy they’ve brought to this is utterly inspiring. Darren Lloyd made introductions between the star* scheme and Clifton Rugby club, and they’ve created a golf day for the office products industry to support us. All our sponsors are fantastic, we’ve had huge support from Daren Spencer at AllBoxed, a sister company to Elm Interiors. Doing this brings a new level to these relationships that transcends business. We are collaborating on a greater mission, sharing culture and value.
The insights I’ve gained over the past year have definitely influenced how I approach leadership. When I think about business, I think about waypoints. Just as we set waypoints to reach while rowing, we have goals
because
READY TO ROW
The World’s Toughest Row Atlantic Challenge is a 3,000-mile race from La Gomera to Nelson’s Dockyard in English Harbour, Antigua.
and milestones in business. But there might be external factors and currents pulling us off course. The key is to stay focused and continue pushing forward - that way the waypoints become indicators of whether we’re generally on the right path.
If your business could gain from ACEs training, star* offers corporate training services. Christian Lang, MD, along with academic Nicholas Garrick and trustee Siobhan Collingwood, a world-renowned ACEs expert have developed a comprehensive training package designed to make a positive impact on your staff. https://www.starscheme.co.uk/
WHAT IS THE STAR SCHEME?
Support, Transform and Achieve Through Rugby star* scheme supports young people to overcome the impact of ACEs through engagement with grassroots rugby with everyone at the scheme committed to developing young people into leaders of the future.
Help your customers live their best WorkLife
Fellowes’ WorkLife Coach is a unique brand character dedicated to enhancing workspaces and work-life experiences. You’ll have seen him popping up in social media feeds and giving advice across a national digital media campaign.
Make sure you’re onboard with this campaign and its attractive promotions to help you secure more sales.
For more details, contact Evie: elacey@fellowes.com
Reverse-Engineering Solutions: JGBM’s Strategy for Staying Ahead
Achieving success in a specialised market like tech distribution demands a clear understanding of challenges, a value-added USP and a finger on the pulse of innovation - something JGBM is delivering by
When we sat down with John George, managing director of JGBM, to discuss strategy and business growth, it was evident the business was in the middle of a busy week gearing up to launch their own brand of ergonomic chairs, along with several new initiatives aimed at empowering resellers to sell office technology with confidence, including a major project based on ranking products based on each SKU’s sustainability integrity, due to launch early next year.
REVERSE ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS
“2024 has been challenging for sure. Volumes within traditional categories are down, and this is a picture amplified by many businesses across the workplace supplies industry. Thankfully, we’ve managed to buck that trend. The key to this is empowering our customers to capitalise on new and emerging categories. We’ve got a great team
in sales, marketing and development who are constantly innovating by reverse engineering issues at dealer level and brand level.”
The concept of reverse engineering solutions is central to JGBM’s approach in developing the support and resources that empower resellers. By focusing on USP, dealers can clearly differentiate themselves and highlight the value-added benefits of purchasing through a specialist reseller. This strategy ensures that resellers can effectively communicate the distinct advantages they offer, such as specialised knowledge, personalised service and tailored product recommendations through quality marketing.
KEEPING PACE WITH TECHNOLOGY
“The technological aspect of products, and the pace of the market causes a lot of issues for dealers, because they are changing all the time, as new products come to market. The challenge is how they get new innovation in front of their customers, as well as how to price it. As a business, we’ve always
been very strong on trade marketing, but the big shift we made in recent years has been to develop what we call brand marketing. Brand marketing is a suite of assets aimed at the dealer’s customers, as opposed to trade marketing aimed at dealers.
We’ve always got to be helping dealers to sell technology and helping brands to sell technology through the dealer community.
“That’s our role, and in terms of selling tech, the key questions from the dealer perspective are: Where do you get the knowledge to deliver a consultative sale, and how do you price technology? If pricing is set too high, and customers don’t have visibility of product differentials and promotions, it’s going to turn them off buying. So, we researched how can we fix the price issue? How can we solve the product knowledge issue? How can we get videos in front of dealer’s customers etc. Within our Supercharged Partner Programme, we now deliver online training for dealers’ sales teams. These are basically quick-fix 20-minute sessions on how to sell headsets, for example. It’s an overview of each
The key is empowering our customers to capitalise on new and emerging categories
category, and they can pick the categories they want to gain the knowledge in. In addition, we built a product configurator tool that gives dealers the questions to ask their customer, per category. So, on headsets, for example, dealers simply ask the questions listed in the headset configurator tool, and once the answers are entered, the tool will narrow down the SKU list to a handful that match their customers’ requirement.”
SUSTAINABILITY IN TECH
Relevant to the importance of dealers equipping themselves with the value-add skills to help guide customers toward the right purchasing decisions is the new project that’s being undertaken at JGBM - the huge task of building their own sustainability content for every product they sell, as well as creating a ‘sustainability integrity’ ranking system per SKU. This content will enable dealers to sell products not just by the features of a product, but by how sustainable each product is too.
“The plan is to launch in Q1 next year. We started with the BOSS sustainability attributes and then separated them into categories. A big part of making this meaningful is to then apply weighting to each attribute to identify what’s more important, country of origin, recyclable content, compliance, use of plastics etc. One of the big challenges was getting meaningful data from the brands. What helped facilitate that was that we built a multiplechoice questionnaire featuring drop-down menus for each sustainability metric, making it much easier for brands to populate the data.
Once the weighting is done and the ranking is done, we can then apply that to our Product Selector tool, which defines each product’s features alongside its sustainability ranking. From a practical point of view, the purchase may be from a consumer who’s vaguely interested in sustainability, or it may be from a public sector organisation that’ll very much rely on sustainability integrity for the final purchasing decision. With that in mind our content will have an upfront sustainability ranking which can be drilled down into should you need full metrics, how the ranking is arrived upon and weighted etc. It’s a big project but it’s progressing well, and the team have been very excited to get stuck into it”.
CLARITY IN COMMUNICATION
For dealers, John emphasised the need for a clear USP and strong communication throughout the business about the company direction. Particularly with customers increasingly seeking more informed purchasing decisions, and dealers striving to meet the growing demand for clarity on environmental impact while expanding into new categories and verticals.
“In terms of how dealers can prepare for the challenges ahead, as in any organisation, it’s about having a clear vision that’s shared across the business. The scale of the opportunities and a cohesive sales and marketing strategy to go
It’s about having a clear vision that’s shared across the business
to market are critical. Delivering value-add, staying relevant, providing tools to help the customer make an informed purchasing decision, diversifying into new categories and verticals are all critical. In our case, our key USP is technical understanding of the products we sell, but the trick is in transitioning that knowledge to the reseller so they can use it to sell to their customers.
In a rapidly evolving market such as tech, by putting the focus on consultative selling and empowering themselves with the right tools, alongside developing product knowledge, dealers can unlock the door to success. By providing a suite of reverse-engineered solutions and their own meaningful product content, John and his team are ensuring dealers are fully equipped to seize new category opportunities and tackle challenges effectively.
The Art of Successful Communication
This month, HELEN COLTON explains why effective communication is a cornerstone of success in our industry and how it plays a vital role in building relationships, managing expectations and driving growth
The importance of communication in our B2B world stems from the complexity of transactions, the seemingly long sales cycles and the need for ongoing collaboration between businesses.
WHY COMMUNICATION IS IMPORTANT
Communication is vital for any business because it fosters trust and transparency. When we engage in a trading relationship, we depend on one another for key products or services. Transparent communication helps ensure that expectations are clear, and misunderstandings are minimised. Furthermore, communication enables us to address challenges promptly, build long-term partnerships and enhance customer satisfaction, which is essential for client retention and loyalty. In our B2B world, transactions are typically larger and more intricate than the consumer world, miscommunication can result in delays, financial losses, or damaged reputations, making consistent and clear communication indispensable.
HOW COMMUNICATION SHOULD HAPPEN
Communication should occur through various channels such as emails, meetings, phone calls, video conferences and industry events. It is important to tailor your communication methods based on your context and audience. For example, technical details may require formal documentation and emails, while relationship-building is better suited for faceto-face or virtual meetings. Clear, concise and professional language should be used, ensuring both parties have a mutual understanding of terms and conditions.
Communication also involves active listening and responding to feedback, making it a two-way process. It’s essential that you not only provide information but also remain receptive to your partners’ concerns or suggestions. Using tools like customer relationship management (CRM) systems and project management platforms
to streamline communication, can ensure all stakeholders are on the same page.
HOW OFTEN COMMUNICATION SHOULD OCCUR
The frequency of your communication depends on the nature of your relationships and the specific projects you have ongoing. For ongoing partnerships, regular updates, check-ins and reviews (monthly, quarterly) are common to maintain alignment on goals and performance. In more dynamic situations, such as during a product launch or a crisis, daily communication may be necessary to ensure smooth operations.
In conclusion, effective and frequent communication in our industry is essential for building trust, ensuring smooth operations and fostering long-term partnerships. Tailoring communication methods to the situation and maintaining an appropriate frequency are key to success.
It’s essential that you not only provide information but also remain receptive to your partners’ concerns or suggestions
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Putting the Personality into Business
At the end of last year, we noticed we were starting to see a change in the way we were talking to prospects and customers, which formed a bit of a turning point. We had a strong first quarter and saw a different pattern in terms of what people were buying and how people were reacting to our engagement. At the end of quarter one, my wife –who is a partner in the business – made the move to come full time into the business. That was a big change, but one that needed to happen for us to
With a new look and a new market to conquer, OWS have set themselves some big challenges this year.
Something driven by SHANE WAREING’S observations of the evolving customer landscape and shifts within the industry
push the business forward. Our accounts for last year were up, which is always a positive and recently we decided to branch out into different sectors. A big change was that we rebranded. We stopped trading as Omniwise and started trading as OWS. There were a few reasons behind the change. Two years ago, we were a Nectere partner and then we came away from that and felt it was important to establish ourselves as a standalone business. From a marketing perspective, we felt it was a bit catchier as well - all the logos and branding to look better.
Another change we’ve made is branching out into OWS Education. We have a few education customers, so we decided that if we were going be taken seriously in the sector, we needed to have a standalone section of the business specifically for those customers. They are two completely different trading styles with very different products. We still have the B2B side of the business, but we now have OWS Education under that same umbrella.
Growing the business, rebranding, stepping into new sectors – such rapid changes might be daunting for some, but for Shane, knowing when and where to take those calculated risks is the difference between success and stagnation I think everything in business is a risk. It’s no secret that our industry has always had its challenges, especially Post-Covid. It’s a different landscape. We are seeing people return to the office now, which is helping, but buying habits and spending is a lot less than it used to be.
There is always an element of risk but staying the same and not doing something when the business isn’t growing, or struggling is an even bigger risk. If you’re not going in the right direction, you’re never going to get to where you want to be. I’ve been in the industry 18 years and seen it at every level. I worked for Nectere for ten years, leaving in 2018 – what happened there was a sad situation, but it’s indicative of the industry now and what we’re facing. We’ve seen the fall out PostCovid of people having too many staff or a massive warehouse that isn’t sustainable. You must make sure you’re doing things for the right reasons.
There is always an element of risk but staying the same and not doing something when the business isn’t growing, or struggling is an even bigger risk
We did think, if we rebrand, if we have a different logo, yes, it’s a risk, because of course, people might not recognise us - that was down to myself and the team to push that rebrand, make sure all our customers were aware of it. If we had just changed the logo and rebranded, and that was it, that wouldn’t have been enough. It was down to us to make people aware.
For the OWS team, communicating what the business is doing and how they’re doing it is a key part of their strategy. Shane explained why it’s important to make sure you’re bringing your personality to the table
We’re in an industry where, let’s face it, we all buy from the same suppliers or wholesalers. Just being a business that supplies workplace products isn’t enough.
I had a really good conversation with a prospect two weeks ago, and we were joking, because they said, “but you all do the same”, and they’re absolutely right. We all buy from the same places. We all have the same cost file, give or take. We all have the same delivery vans, unless you do your own.
We know that the only way we will be able to stand out is by using our personality and putting that into the business. We could describe ourselves as a ‘one stop shop’ and say we can lower peoples spend, but so does everyone else. For us, putting our personality into the business was a no brainer. It’s about actions speaking louder than words. Once we have a customer or a prospect, we bend over backwards for that customer, we show what we do to differentiate ourselves rather than just talk about it.
This really is a family business from the top. There’s myself, my wife and my father-in-law who will work in the business on a day-to-day basis.
Over the last few years, we’ve taken on some exNectere partners. We’ve got two that are local to me, and then we’ve got two down South as well. It’s very important that when you’re bringing people in from the outside, that everyone is on board with the business culture.
A key part of OWS’s culture is engaging with people and being out in the field. However, time constraints often make managing the extra workload challenging. Shane explained how the company has implemented systems to streamline
Social media is a difficult beast in our industry
operations, enabling the team to focus on building connections
We have automated systems in place, which makes it easy for us to manage the workload. We partner with Prima, and we’re quite lucky that we can take advantage of their systems. We use them to make sure that everything is automated where it can be.
We are very careful to make sure that even when we do automate things, we keep some things people-based, for example our emails and calls are handled by people rather than AI. But our back-office systems are automated, and that’s what gives us the time to connect personally with our customers. We speak to them, we contact them, we go and visit them.
Social media is a difficult beast in our in our industry. I’ve always said I don’t believe that we do a product that is social media worthy, if you compare it to something like a nice cafe or bistro that does good food, something that is a want rather than a need. That’s the difference, we’re selling something that people maybe don’t want but they do need.
Instead, I think what social media is good for as a visibility tool. If you think you’re going to post on Facebook and get 100 likes and make a sale off the back of that, you’re mistaken. Yes, it happens once in a blue moon, but what you need to be using social media for is to highlight the personality in your business, not necessarily pushing a sales agenda.
You’ve got to sell yourself rather than the business. It’s a bit like networking. People buy from people and then I think the business just comes naturally. People connect with you, they like what you do, drop you a message, you meet up for a coffee. Social media plays a key part in our industry, but I think it’s used wrong a lot of the time. It’s vital to have social media, but the way you use it makes the difference. If you’re just pushing sales posts all the time, that’s not going to work. If you’re injecting a bit of your company’s personality into it, that works.
With sights firmly fixed on becoming known as specialists in the education sector, and the upcoming launch of a new boutique retail store, it’s evident that OWS’s distinctive personality will continue to propel them forward as we move towards 2025.
The next twelve months will be hectic, but in a good way. We are focused on education, but we are also growing the normal B2B side of the business, pushing further into the markets we are already in.
I hate the cliche ‘one stop shop’, because, as I said,
It’s about actions speaking louder than words
everyone’s saying it. Rather than saying we’re a one stop shop, we’re focusing on what a customer buys once they’re on board with us, and then we can look at bolting all the other different categories on top. With office supplies, for example, we’re bolting on facility supplies, catering and so on.
On the education side, it’s about positioning ourselves as specialists. Asking, what can we be known for? The education market is very competitive. However, we know from our research that there is a need and want for an independent local supplier, as well as the big nationals that you see competing in the market. As mentioned, we have a standalone website for that about to be launched, which has its own logo but ties in with the OWS brand.
We’re also in the middle of opening a boutique stationery shop which supplies great products sourced from multiple suppliers. It’s in an old, converted stable courtyard on the grounds of an old manor house, which is 1000 years old, so it’s very niche. Attached to that is an arts and craft room for children, so that ties in nicely with the brand and that idea of injecting our personality into everything we do.
Is Your Inbox as Eco-friendly as You Think?
You’ve made the switch from paper to digital in a bid to be more sustainable in the workplace – but is your inbox as eco-friendly as you think?
No, we’re not talking spam, there really is such a thing as an eco-friendly inbox. While going digital can significantly help meet sustainability goals, it’s important to remember that emails also carry an environmental impact. If you haven’t yet integrated sustainability into your digital strategy, it’s worth reviewing your use of tools like email and WhatsApp to gain a clearer understanding of your digital footprint.
UNDERSTANDING IMPACT
Every time you send an email or message, energy is consumed, contributing to your carbon footprint. One of the major contributors to this is attachments. For instance, an email with a large attachment can generate up to 50g of carbon emissions, which might not seem like much on its own, but it adds up quickly across numerous emails. So, think twice before you send that GIF to a colleague!
Before sending a message, consider if it’s truly necessary. Is it something that could be communicated in person or next time you see them? Check if your inbox is cluttered with unread junk messages that are causing your devices to work harder than needed. If you often keep unnecessary tabs and windows open—particularly those with video content—closing them can significantly reduce data usage and lessen your digital footprint.
The point isn’t to stop sending these digital touches but to be aware of their environmental impact
The shift to digital, such as replacing in-person meetings with Zoom calls, has notably reduced carbon emissions by cutting down on travel and car use. However, it’s crucial to remember that small actions also play a significant role in sustainability.
DIGITAL FOOTPRINT
We don’t want to be total killjoys—sharing that fun team photo or GIF is still a great way to stay connected. The point isn’t to stop sending these digital touches but to be aware of their environmental impact. While transitioning from paper to digital is a significant step toward sustainability, it’s essential to recognise that digital actions still have their own costs. By being mindful of our digital footprint, we can enjoy the benefits of technology while also making more eco-conscious choices.
Tork Advances the Cause of Inclusive Hygiene in the Washroom
Nearly half of us feel anxious about using a public washroom, according to new research from TORK manufacturer ESSITY
This can inhibit us from taking part in social activities – and can even have an impact on our career.
Forty-four percent of people questioned in the inaugural 2024 Tork Insight Survey said they felt uncomfortable when using a public washroom.
A total of 73 percent said a bad washroom experience in a restaurant would influence their willingness to return, while 38 percent admitted to avoiding eating or drinking to limit their use of public washrooms.
Around a quarter of respondents claimed they had shunned a social event due to concerns about washroom access. And one-in-six said they had left a job on account of poor washroom provision.
ACCESS AND PRIVACY
Factors that respondents found challenging in public toilets included the lack of privacy, loud noises and the inability to access soap and hand towel dispensers.
Essity is committed to advancing inclusive hygiene in the public washroom. The company aims to explore how hygiene may be improved and is looking at ways
of making washrooms more comfortable for users and cleaning staff whatever their health conditions, abilities, neurodiversities, hygiene concerns or stage of life.
“Comfortable access to public washrooms isn’t just about convenience, it’s a public health need,” said Essity global brand manager Jenny Logenius.
“Washrooms are the busiest room in a facility and our research reaffirms that they often aren’t equipped to accommodate the constantly changing capabilities of the population at large. This influences an individual’s ability to participate in social gatherings and work.
“Alongside experts and stakeholders, we aim to explore the ways in which hygiene in washrooms can be more comfortable for the majority of users.”
Comfortable access to public washrooms isn’t just about convenience
IMPROVING INCLUSIVITY
Tork announced its aim to improve inclusive hygiene in public washrooms at the New York Reuters Responsible Business USA 2024 event. Tork paper towels featuring notes from individuals facing barriers to hand hygiene were installed in the event’s washrooms to highlight the issue.
“Many people around the world experience discomfort or anxiety when they try to properly wash and dry their hands in a public or workplace washroom,” said Ron Clemmer, secretariat director of the Global Handwashing Partnership.
“We applaud Tork for leading the charge on this important initiative and continuing to push for attention and improvement of the accessibility of hand washing in public and workplace washrooms.”
This is a sponsored article, brought to you by Tork Essity. To find out more about Tork Essity products and services, contact them in one of the following ways: Website – https://www.tork.co.uk Phone01582 677570 Email - torkcs.uk@essity.com
Small Changes, Big Impact: Sustainability in High Volume
With the right choices, small, incremental changes can drive significant sustainability efforts. Here’s how dealers can guide companies toward high-volume eco-friendly alternatives and efficient purchasing, balancing immediate needs with sustainable practices
Business sustainability is often thought of in terms of large-scale strategic shifts, but it’s the small, incremental changes that can collectively make a significant impact. For companies that frequently order high-volume products, finding the balance between meeting immediate needs and sourcing sustainable alternatives can be a challenge.
This is where dealers play a crucial role. They can guide businesses toward eco-friendly alternatives for commonly used items that are often ordered out of habit, without considering the full range of sustainable options available.
Dealers are ideally positioned to help customers optimise their
purchasing processes by utilising customer data, offering combination deals and creating more efficient ordering schedules that lower both delivery costs and carbon emissions. By providing data-driven recommendations - such as suggesting products with a reduced environmental impact or advising on order consolidation - dealers can make it easier for businesses to adopt sustainable practices without disrupting their regular orders.
SUSTAINABLE STATIONERY
Workplace stationery is one of the most frequently needed product categories for many businesses, with items like pens, paper, storage and desk organisers requiring regular replenishment. Refillable solutions offer
a sustainable alternative to constantly replacing these products. Ranges of refillable pens and notepads, for example, not only reduce waste but also typically require less packaging and take up less space during transport. This allows for more products to be included in a single delivery, further minimising environmental impact.
Dealers can leverage customer data to identify high-use products, such as files and storage solutions, that are frequently subjected to fast wear and tear in certain work environments. By analysing this data, dealers can guide customers toward more durable, robust materials that extend the lifespan of these items, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
CLEAN AND GREEN
Workplace cleanliness and hygiene systems have seen significant technological advancements in recent years, fuelled by a growing focus on health and wellness. Utilising SMART cleaning solutions that track data - such as the frequency of bathroom visits, the most frequently used products and changes in usage patterns caused by business changes such as a rise in employee numbers - can empower customers to make more informed decisions about their purchasing needs. This data-driven approach allows businesses to optimise the amount and frequency of their orders, ensuring they are both efficient and responsive to the actual demands of their workplace.
Dealers can play a crucial role in promoting sustainability by offering combination deals on eco-friendly products tailored for different areas within a workplace. These bundles might include environmentally
Customers can enhance the environmental friendliness of purchases by selecting items that require minimal packaging
friendly window cleaners, biodegradable kitchen cleaners, non-toxic bathroom disinfectants and sustainable floor cleaners, ensuring that every room is covered. Additionally, dealers can recommend plantbased air fresheners, recycled paper towels and SMART refillable hand soap dispensers. By providing comprehensive, eco-conscious cleaning solutions, dealers make it easier for businesses to adopt sustainable practices throughout their entire facility.
BUNDLE UP
Items like tea and coffee are often ordered routinely, which can lead to overstocking or shortages as business needs fluctuate. For instance, during summer, employees might prefer cold beverages over hot ones. To address this, dealers could offer seasonal bundles tailored to these shifting consumption patterns. Additionally, they can recommend brands that provide sustainably sourced drinks and promote refillable options for coffee and tea, helping businesses make more environmentally conscious choices while better aligning their orders with actual demand.
By providing comprehensive, eco-conscious solutions, dealers make it easier for businesses to adopt sustainable practices
In addition to seasonal bundles for tea and coffee, dealers could offer a variety of other office bundles designed to promote sustainability and reduce costs. These bundles could be tailored to various aspects of office supply needs, helping businesses align their purchasing habits with both environmental goals and budget constraints. This could include regularly ordered items such as recycled paper, notebooks, and notepads, as well sustainable work-from-home kits or packages that include energyefficient office equipment, ergonomic furniture made from sustainable materials, and supplies that minimise waste.
ECO-FRIENDLY INKS
Compatible ink cartridges offer more than just the benefits of recyclability and refillability; they also require less energy and fewer resources to remanufacture. Unlike traditional cartridges, compatible ones are produced using fewer non-renewable resources. Additionally, these cartridges are designed to be compatible with various printer models, allowing businesses to use the same cartridges across multiple devices. This flexibility helps reduce the wastage of stock when upgrading or changing printers.
Dealers play a crucial role in this process. When customers are
upgrading or changing their printers, dealers can help by guiding them towards compatible ink cartridges that align with their new equipment. By doing so, dealers can ensure that businesses continue to benefit from reduced energy consumption and minimised waste. Moreover, dealers can advise customers on the environmental advantages of compatible cartridges, reinforcing the value of making sustainable choices and maintaining consistency in their printing supplies.
REDUCED PACKAGING
When placing high-volume orders, customers can significantly enhance the environmental friendliness of their purchases by selecting items that require minimal packaging. Dealers play a crucial role in this process by emphasising this as a further benefit of ordering in bulk, not only minimising packaging waste but also offering substantial cost savings. Bulk purchasing is especially advantageous for larger offices that consume supplies at a rapid pace, allowing them to meet their needs efficiently while reducing their environmental footprint.
To further support environmentally conscious purchasing decisions, dealers should actively promote products that come in recyclable or refillable containers. Highlighting these options in product catalogues and online listings can guide businesses toward more sustainable choices. By strategically using combination offers and promoting sustainable products, dealers can help businesses reduce their delivery frequency while ensuring they still receive the necessary items when needed. Bundling products not only minimises the environmental impact by cutting down on transportation emissions, but also streamlines the ordering process, allowing businesses to optimise their supply chain. This approach not only supports sustainability goals but also reinforces the dealer’s role as a trusted advisor, helping customers maintain efficiency without sacrificing their commitment to eco-friendly practices.
RICOH Scanning Solutions
Building Organisational Resilience Skills
In this article, we explore the critical resilience skills that modern organisations need to cultivate for long-term success, featuring an excerpt from The Resilient Culture by CHRIS TAMDJIDI, LIANE STEPHAN, SILKE RUPPRECHT and MICHAEL MACKAY RICHARDS
Successful organisations need skills of planning, resource, allocation, review mechanisms and resource allocation plans, among many others. Each of these skills is learnt over time and needs to be anchored into the fabric of work. Much like other aspects of any business: for example, financial planning. This skill has a core monthly accounts reconciliation practice. But, again, this skill needs to be learnt. Let’s run through some examples of such resilience skills and see how modern businesses stack up in achieving them in our experience.
PHYSICAL HEALTH
The ability of an organisation to protect and positively impact the physical health and movement of their employees. Examples: Organisations have made fantastic progress in protecting their employees from physical harm and work-related accidents. Many companies have in-house fitness centres, offer subscriptions for fitness clubs, do step challenges and offer physical health screenings. They have sports teams, support sports and have ergonomic facilities.
REST AND RECOVERY
The ability of an organisation to support their employees in getting enough rest and recovery.
Examples: This is mixed. There’s been an overall reduction in work hours in the last 50 years. People work less on average in the West and more flexible work models are available. Maximum work times and rest times are subscribed to, and enforced, in manufacturing plants and in a number of other industries. Knowledge work, however, has struggled with this. Here, there’s a poor understanding of (and support for) rest and downtime, and a high likelihood of continual interruption of off-work time. Some companies have cultures which glorify lack of rest and staff are appropriately sick as a result.
EMOTIONAL REGULATION
The ability of an organisation to be aware and manage the emotional load of its employees appropriately.
Examples: This is a challenge for many organisations, especially technical, financial or administrative ones. Signs of poor emotional regulation include unresolved conflicts, a lack of interest in emotions (it being considered not professional to be ‘emotional’), high emotional load in staff, poor morale, high turnover, frequently tolerated toxic behaviour and poor employee reputation. Some companies have begun to address this, but there’s a long way to go.
SENSE OF MEANING
An organisation being clear about its purpose, and the ability to support employees in remaining connected to that purpose.
Examples: Some progress has been made. There’s been a lot of work on purpose statements and communicating purpose. Organisations that struggle with this tend to experience lack of clarity in goals and purpose, conflicting goals, disengagement, decline in reputation in the market, cynicism, burnout in staff and possibly innovation stagnation.
Many organisations function with dispersed teams but struggle to get the felt sense of forward motion
SOCIAL CONNECTION
Organisations being aware of and maintaining a positive social fabric at work and supporting social connection in their employees. Examples:This is an area where some companies have made a lot of progress, especially since the pandemic. But, in our eyes, just as many have regressed. Companies with poor social connection skills struggle with low engagement and belonging, a transactional nature of relationships, poor employee loyalty, low innovation and adaptability, more intense silos, lack of team building and even physical spaces which discourage communication.
SYNCHRONISATION
The ability of an organisation to synchronise its human resources, so there’s a felt sense of energy and connection.
Examples: This has only recently emerged as an important skill. Many organisations function with dispersed teams but struggle to get the felt sense of forward motion. This is because it requires cognitive alignment and feeling alignment to make change or innovation happen. Emotional synchronisation happens naturally in shared meetings, tasks and projects. But with the dispersal of people, virtual meetings and micro-tasks devoid of clear outcomes, it’s much harder to get the felt synchronisation companies need. Companies that lack synchronisation have difficulty making progress and adapting to change, often act in disconnected ways and have a lack of trust and engagement.
This extract from The Resilient Culture by Liane Stephan, Silke Rupprecht, Chris Tamdjidi and Michael Mackay Richards © 2024 is reproduced with permission from Kogan Page Ltd. Please note this has been shortened for magazine publication.
Winter Wellness: Solutions for a Healthier Workplace
Winter brings with it unique challenges that can impact employee productivity and wellbeing. We explore the practical solutions that dealers can offer to enhance workplace wellness and safety as the nights grow darker and the days get shorter
Research shows that over two-thirds of workers feel less productive and struggle with lower concentration levels during the winter months compared to warmer seasons. This decline in productivity is influenced by several factors, all of which can be effectively addressed with simple solutions. Dealers are well-positioned to guide customers towards these solutions, helping them maintain productivity and focus during the colder months.
As the clocks go back and the days grow shorter, employees may feel demotivated and less energised. During the winter months,
the UK experiences significantly darker days, with as few as eight hours of daylight. This lack of natural light, combined with the seasonal rise in illnesses—affecting 30% of UK workers who report that feeling unwell during winter negatively impacts their productivity—can take a toll on overall workplace performance.
Additionally, while the festive season brings joy and excitement for many, it can also be a source of significant stress, especially for those facing financial difficulties. This increased stress can weaken the immune system, making it harder for workers to focus during the day and sleep at night, further reducing productivity. Keeping employees happy, energised and engaged is essential for
helping them navigate the challenges of the winter months and enjoy the positive aspects of the season. Here’s how dealers can play a vital role in supporting businesses by guiding them toward wellness solutions that create safe and healthy workspaces during the colder months.
ENSURING AIR QUALITY
As heating systems are activated during the colder months, indoor air quality can deteriorate. The dry air produced by heating can lead to dehydration, fatigue and headaches, while the increased use of fuel contributes to higher levels of air pollutants. Additionally, the warmth generated by heating systems creates an
ideal environment for the growth of harmful mold and spores, making regular maintenance and cleanliness of these systems essential.
Dealers can help businesses ensure their heating systems are in top condition by offering a range of products and solutions designed to maintain and improve system performance. High quality air filters are particularly important during the winter months when ventilation is limited. Customers should ensure regular replacement of filters to prevent the buildup of contaminants that compromise air quality and system efficiency.
Specialised cleaning products and tools designed for heating system maintenance,
The warmth generated by heating systems creates an ideal environment for the growth of harmful mould and spores
such as coil cleaners, duct cleaning brushes, and antimicrobial sprays can help prevent the growth of mould and bacteria within the system, ensuring that the air circulated throughout the building remains clean and safe.
Furthermore, dealers can supply monitoring devices like carbon monoxide detectors and air quality sensors that alert businesses to potential issues with their heating systems. These provide an added layer of safety by ensuring that any harmful emissions are detected early.
COMBATING COUGHS AND COLDS
Winter bugs are a major contributor to workplace absences, with viruses on shared surfaces like desks or door handles potentially spreading to 40% and 60% of the workforce within just two to four hours. To combat this, businesses can significantly reduce the risk of germ transmission by enhancing their workplace cleanliness routines. Dealers can guide customers toward effective cleaning products that support these increased hygiene measures. For instance, by recommending highervolume versions of antibacterial sprays, such as larger bottles or bulk packs, which provide the necessary supplies for more frequent and thorough cleaning schedules.
In addition to cleanliness, it is essential for businesses to consider other strategies for maintaining worker health during the winter months. One of the often-overlooked aspects of winter wellness is hydration. While staying hydrated is typically easier in the summer due to the heat, maintaining proper hydration during the colder months is equally important.
Adequate hydration helps boost the immune system, making it more resistant to infections and viruses that are more prevalent during winter.
To further support workplace wellness, dealers might also consider offering wellness kits that include essential items such as insulated water bottles or thermal flasks that can make it easier for employees to keep hydrated with warm beverages, herbal teas and vitamin infused waters.
SLIPS, TRIPS AND FALLS
Ensuring worker wellbeing inside the workplace is crucial, but it’s equally important to address safety in outdoor areas such as parking lots, pathways and external buildings. Slip and trip accidents tend to rise during the autumn and winter months due to adverse weather conditions. Rain, snow and ice can lead to hazardous walkway conditions, causing surfaces to become slippery and prone to cracks. These hazards increase the risk of accidents, making it essential for businesses to implement effective safety measures to
One of the oftenoverlooked aspects of winter wellness is hydration
protect employees and visitors in these outdoor spaces.
Dealers should use conversations about winter wellness product orders as an opportunity to remind customers about the importance of maintaining safety in outdoor areas, such as parking lots and pathways. In addition to offering outdoor lighting solutions, such as additional lights or replacement bulbs, dealers can suggest a range of products to enhance safety and maintain outdoor areas. For example, dealers can provide gritting containers and ice melt products to help prevent slips and falls on
icy surfaces. Pathway sweeping equipment and snow shovels can also be essential for clearing snow and debris from walkways, ensuring they remain safe and accessible. Additionally, dealers can offer signage solutions, such as warning signs about slippery conditions or directional signs to guide employees and visitors to safety equipment locations. Reflective safety vests or markers can further enhance visibility in low-light conditions, helping to prevent accidents in poorly lit areas. To enhance this further, dealers should recommend that customers install outdoor mats and anti-slip coatings to provide extra traction on walkways, as well as inside entry points around the building.
With winter upon us, now is the perfect time for dealers to guide customers in making any necessary winter wellness and safety adjustments that may still be pending. By proactively recommending essential products and solutions, dealers can help businesses create a safer, healthier work environment that addresses the challenges of the colder months.
Honouring the Past, Shaping the Future
Celebrating 50 years in business, the team at CHRISBEON have been digging through their archives, uncovering quirky memories and retro relics
uccess in business is not only about forward-thinking and innovation; it also involves remembering your roots and the journey that brought you to where you are today - something that Chrisbeon partners Richard and Craig Hughes have been reflecting on.
S“As the team celebrates our 50th anniversary in 2024, we’ve been taking a trip down memory lane, delving into our photo archives. A few of the snaps we found showed old government desks that we refurbished and transformed in the early days, so we wanted to share our story.”
GETTING NOSTALGIC
Reflecting on our history isn’t just about reminiscing; it’s about understanding the journey
“Back in the early years of our business, we sourced many of our desks from government surplus sales. These desks were solidly built but often a bit dull in their original state. The colours they originally came in also could have been more appealing. Orange, for instance, was a particularly tough sell back then, and finding a buyer for them in their existing state took a lot of work. We began refurbishing these desks, by putting a new vinyl top on them and giving them a new lease of life by sanding them
down, fixing any blemishes, and applying fresh coats of paint, and what started as a standard government-issued desk became an excellent option for workplaces.”
STEPPING BACK IN TIME
“As we prepared a showroom display to mark our 50 years, one of the original desks was found tucked away in our warehouse – as well as some photographs of the desks being collected on our lorry which was nick-named TAT! We decided to bring this piece of history out of storage and put it on display for our customers to see. Seeing it in person is like stepping back in time; it is still in its original orange colour with a blue top, and it would probably be snapped up in 2024 as a colourful retro style!”
“Reflecting on our history isn’t just about reminiscing; it’s about understanding the journey that has brought us to where we are today. The desks we refurbished in those early years are a testament to our commitment to quality and creativity - although Chrisbeon has changed in many ways over the years, our ethos and the fact our business is family-run means there are lots of similarities between now and then!”
BOOKS FOR YOUR NOTES
Notebooks, planners and diaries
As human beings, our thoughts are our most powerful tool. They come and go, passing us by in milliseconds. The trick is to become conscious of them, hold on to them and allow them to unfold.
SIGEL RE-UP
The sustainable way to take notes: no trees are felled during the manufacture of Re-Up. Instead, the paper is made of coffee husks and cotton scraps. Next level recycling and upcycling.
100% recycled materials, vegan
SIGEL CONCEPTUM
SIGEL LINESCAPE
This is where colour comes into play. Mustardyellow accents paired with practical features and an unmistakable design. Linescape stands for note-taking at its most individual.
FSC-certified vegan
Enjoy all the advantages of Conceptum in the form of a cleverly designed business book that takes making notes to the next level – a wide range of features, a unique design and top quality for use in the professional sphere.
FSC- & PEFC-certified vegan
SIGEL JOLIE
For ladies only?
Not at all! The Jolie notebooks and diaries with their high-quality cover finishes and numerous features have long since won the hearts of a large fan base.
FSC-certified, vegan
