Dealer Support September 2023

Expecting the unexpected

If the summer break taught us anything, it’s to expect the unexpected. The women’s football team narrowly lost out on the World Cup, the US saw its first Presidential indictment, and India became the fourth nation to successfully land on the Moon.

Overshadowing all this, however, has been the proliferation of extreme weather events around the globe. Wildfires suffocated Canada and devastated the Hawaiian island of Maui, intense flooding saw loss of life in India, and aggressive tropical storms ripped through parts of the world leaving devastation in their wake.

Whether climate change is affecting us directly or not, taking steps to be more sustainable is the ethical route, and it can make good business sense too, as Michael Morgan of South Walesbased Morgan & Morgan demonstrates in our in-depth interview. Along the same lines, we talk to some of the companies leading the way in sustainable cleaning products to see how we can keep it clean without damaging the environment.

Steve Carter, MD of Advantia, explains why the Exertis move to a bigger warehouse will benefit the dealer community, while Tim Beaumont, MD of Nemo Office Club, explains why signing up with Spicers as a third wholesaler makes sense for his members. We consider whether next-day delivery is even necessary anymore, and celebrate the innovations in the humblest of all office products – the mighty pen.

As we pass the midpoint of 2023 and look towards the two final quarters, industry experts reflect on what’s been learned so far, and what we can take forward to ensure a solid end to a tumultuous year. And, as usual, there’s some light hearted fun in our Live It section, perfect for a quick coffee break.

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

Joanna Bailey Editor

INDUSTRY

06 THE MONTH THAT WAS   The headline news from the industry

08 THE YEAR TO DATE: WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED SO FAR?

We reflect on the year that has been so far, and what’s to come next

12 THREE IN A BED: INSIDE NEMO’S TRIPLE WHOLESALER STRATEGY

We talk to managing director Tim Beaumont about hedging your bets

16 MOVING TO BIGGER PREMISES WILL BE TRANSFORMATIONAL FOR EXERTIS

MD of Advantia, Steve Carter, discusses the benefits to dealers of the recent Exertis move

LEADERSHIP

18 NEXT DAY DELIVERY? RETHINKING THE APPROACH

Can a more considered delivery model bring business and environmental benefits?

20 CARBON NEUTRAL BY 2025: THE MORGAN & MORGAN STORY

Managing director Michael Morgan shares insight on his journey to net-zero

23 WORKPLACE INTELLIGENCE FROM 3M

Identifying today’s trends to make tomorrow’s sales easier

SALES SUCCESS

28 KEEP IT CLEAN (AND GREEN)

Can high performance cleaning products also be sustainable?

32 THE MIGHTY PEN: REVOLUTIONS IN WRITING INSTRUMENTS

When it comes to planning and organisation, the humble pen isn’t going anywhere soon

36 UNLOCKING WORKPLACE EXCELLENCE: THE VALUE OF ERGONOMICS

Safe, healthy and productive workplaces are an essential consideration for business owners

LIVE IT

38 LIVE IT

Take a break and enjoy some lighthearted fun

“There has never been a better time to be part of the independent sector”

THE MONTH THAT WAS

The latest news and views from the world of office supplies

In the first year of the plastic packaging tax, HMRC collects £276m

The Government collected more than £270 million from the plastic packaging tax (PPT) during its first year, official figures show.

The HMRC report shows that receipts for the financial year of April 2022/23 totalled £276 million. It was £41m more than the Treasury predicted after it forecast receipts of £235 million from an estimated 20,000 manufacturers and importers for 2022/2023. Other statistics released by HMRC show that 4,142 businesses had registered to the PPT as of August 8, 2023.

Of the total plastic packaging manufactured in and imported into the UK in 2022/23, 39% was declared as taxable under the PPT, HMRC said. A further 40% was declared as packaging with 30% or more recycled plastic, and 21% as either exported, intended for export or converted. Of the total plastic packaging declared, 52% was manufactured in the UK and 48% was imported into the UK. The tax was raised to £210.82 per tonne as of April 1, 2023.

BOSS Special Interest Group to support collective members

UK Dealer Groups Advantia, Integra Business Solutions, Office Friendly, Nectere, NEMO Office Club, Superstat and Dealer Solutions Provider Office Power have come together with the BOSS Federation to form a special interest group. The group will work to highlight issues that affect dealers operating within the business supplies industry and provide a conduit where these issues can be fed back to the wider industry or taken to government.

The Forum held their first meeting on the 1st of June and elected Aidan McDonough, CEO Integra Business Solutions as their Chair.

Should employers be able to enforce a return to work?

Research has revealed that the UK is divided on whether employers have the right to enforce a fulltime return to the office.

In a study conducted by Censuswide on behalf of flexible office specialists Space32, slightly more than half of the British population (53%) agreed with the notion that employers possess the right to request their employees to return to the office five days per week.

A mere 11% of the participants expressed

disagreement or strong disagreement regarding the authority of employers to enforce a complete return to the office. Another 36% of respondents remained undecided about whether company leaders held the prerogative to mandate a daily return to the office. These findings coincide with actions taken by various organisations such as Goldman Sachs, Google, Meta, Disney, and Twitter, which have curtailed flexible work options in an effort to enhance company culture and productivity.

Four-day work week lowers stress, increases retention

Almost every UK company that took part in the world’s biggest four-day week trial has decided to continue with the reduced working hours model. 92% of the 61 participating companies has confirmed the policy is a permanent change.

The UK trial showed the main benefits of shorter working hours were around wellbeing with 39% of employees saying they were less stressed, and 71% having reduced levels of burnout at the end of the trial. Also, levels of anxiety, fatigue and sleep issues decreased, while mental and physical health both improved.

Results showed increased productivity and engagement too, with organisations reporting revenue increases of 35% on average, compared with other periods, and the number of staff leaving decreasing significantly, dropping by 57% over the trial period.

BOSS 2023 Awards: Nominate your “Rising Star of the Year”

Scheduled to take place on November 30th, 2023, at the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel in Manchester, the BOSS Awards are on the horizon, poised to spotlight exceptional accomplishments within the industry. The event promises an evening of recognition and celebration for exemplary professionals who have demonstrated outstanding abilities in their respective fields.

An avenue to commend the hard work and dedication of colleagues, the BOSS Awards actively encourage individuals to either self-nominate or put forward deserving peers for consideration in the category of “Rising Star of the Year.”

This esteemed award is designed to highlight individuals who have propelled their careers through the assumption of increased responsibilities. Whether by significantly contributing to their company’s success or by providing exceptional service to customers, suppliers, and external stakeholders, recipients of this award stand out as exemplary professionals making a noteworthy impact.

A quarter (28%) of small businesses in the UK are now generating more sales from social media than from any other channel, including e-commerce and bricks-and-mortar stores.

A study by BT investigated social media strategies used by over 500 small businesses in the UK and found that Meta-owned platforms, particularly Facebook (30%), Instagram (18%), Twitter (10%), and TikTok (9%), were crucial for revenue generation.

Interestingly, social media is gaining popularity compared to other marketing tools for sales generation. A quarter (25%) of businesses use organic/non-paid social media, and 22% use paid social media posts, which are more widely utilized than traditional tactics like direct email marketing (18%), SEO (15%), partnerships (11%), and leafletting (11%).

Social media is now the top sales generator for one in four UK small businesses

NEWS REPORT

The year to date: What

With more than half the year under our belts, how has it really been going?

How has 2023 been for you so far? As we cross into the final months of 2023, we reflect on the year to date and lessons learned in the industry. Across the dealer community, the general consensus is that the first half of 2023 could have been better, but also could have been much worse.

It’s not been the easiest first half, particularly for the smaller dealers. Research from Aldermore’s SME Growth Index found that one in four SMEs who had experienced supply chain delays had seen a financial hit as a result. Of those affected, the average loss of income was in the region of half a million pounds - not a figure to be sniffed at.

But the good news is, as the first half wore on, things started to improve, as Sian Haskell, director of marketing at Integra, explained, “The first half of 2023, whilst still with its

challenges, has been relatively steady for members with figures showing an improvement against 2022. Price volatility and stock issues have started to settle, although increased operating costs and high inflation is still having a major impact on dealers’ businesses.”

Steve Carter, managing director at Advantia, echoed these thoughts, “The early part of 2023 was really a continuation of what we experienced in 2022, where factors beyond our control, such as raw material costs, the war in Ukraine, energy costs etc, continued to have a big impact on the cost of goods. Having recently had conversations with a large cross-section of manufacturers and suppliers, the general feeling is that pricing has stabilised and, unless something unexpected happens, should remain that way for the remainder of 2023.”

In terms of sales, the latest BOSS/GfK Panelmarket report suggests things have been a mixed bag. Tracking 36 product categories

have we learned so far?

in the Office & Stationery sector revealed sales in January and February were below those of 2022, while March to May saw things pick up and exceed 2022 levels. June saw a contraction, but BOSS expects things to pick back up once more for a robust final quarter.

DIVERSIFYING FOR SUCCESS

Mitigating the financial pressures of the post-pandemic world has seen an increase in diversification among dealers. Our own ‘State of the Industry’ report earlier in the year showed that 53% of dealers are actively looking to diversify, with workwear a top target category for new products. Sian agreed, “The basket of products continues to diversify rapidly with growth in categories such as workwear, facilities supplies and tech.”

Diversification doesn’t always have to be a case of striking out into unfamiliar territory alone, either. Steve noted that, within Advantia, there is a sense of collaboration

which is helping dealers embrace new product streams in an easier, less daunting manner. He said, “We have recognised that many dealers specialise in specific areas. This has allowed us to roll out a collaborative working arrangement across the group, where our dealers can work together on enquiries and projects. We have been really encouraged by the success of this initiative during the year and have plans to develop this further as the year goes on.”

Price volatility and stock issues have started to settle

Of course, it’s not all just about diversification. A critical driver is also the need to adapt to the changing face of the workplace, as Sian noted, “The hybrid working model is the new norm, and we have seen dealers respond to this, adapting systems and resources to support their customers.”

Steve added, “We have come to accept that flexible working is here to stay, so we have had to adapt to this. I am a strong believer that wherever there is change, there is opportunity.”

The recent Greenhouse Candidate Experience Report, surveying over 800 UK-based employees, found that the large majority (77%) would actively search for or be open to a new job if their company rolled back flexible work policies. Alongside this, companies will struggle to hire top talent if they don’t offer hybrid roles, with more than 40% saying they wouldn’t apply to a job that doesn’t offer partial work from home.

While employers may be lamenting the loss of office personnel, dealers continue to capitalise on the opportunities presented by this new way of working, as Steve explained, “Furniture sales have been strong as many businesses have and continue to redesign the workspace, making it more attractive for employees to return to the workplace. For those employees who remain working from home, there is a requirement to kit them out with the right furniture and DSE.”

LOOKING AHEAD

The back half of 2023 is promising to be slightly smoother sailing. The latest update from the Office for National Statistics suggests that the supply chain problems of the post-pandemic world are largely behind us, with just 7% of businesses reporting disruption in June 2023, down 3% from May.

Other problems persist, particularly the stagnant UK economy. With the Bank of England raising interest rates to an all-time high of 5% in June, individuals continue to be financially squeezed, which will inevitably have a knock-on effect for businesses of all shapes and sizes. But it’s not all bad news.

Energy prices have dropped dramatically in recent months, including gas and electricity, as well as fuel for vehicles. The cost of motor fuel, in particular, has fallen almost a quarter in the year to July 2023, with diesel now averaging around 143.2 pence per litre

compared to almost £2 in July 2022. That’s a welcome bit of breathing room for dealers running their own fleets; forecasts suggest that prices will not go back up, and could even reduce further.

One thing that is not going anywhere fast is the push to be more sustainable in business and action. Steve noted, “Sustainability is an absolutely key factor in everything that we do as an industry going forward. This has to be the area of main focus, for the whole industry, throughout the remainder of this year and in years to come.”

That’s a challenge that all dealers will have to face in the coming years, and one which will inevitably require investment. Nevertheless, the outlook from dealer groups is full of optimism, as Sian noted, “We know that the independent dealer channel is resilient and has the ability to respond to the challenges it will face in the coming months.”

We have come to accept that flexible working is here to stay, so we have had to adapt to this

Three in a bed: Inside Nemo’s triple wholesaler strategy

Nemo Office Club is the first dealer group to sign with the revived Spicers; managing director TIM BEAUMONT explains his ethos behind spreading across three wholesalers

With over a decade of experience leading a dealer group, Tim Beaumont, managing director of Nemo Office Club, has an interesting vantage point from which to survey the world of resellers and dealers. Overall, his outlook is a positive one, as he noted, “There’s been a prediction for some time now that many dealers will go out of business, but that has not happened on any great scale, primarily due to entrepreneurship and agility, allowing them to avoid the break-up and disruption of other larger industry companies.”

Looking back over 2023 so far, Tim noted that there have certainly been some challenges. With dealers struggling to get their hands on enough supplies in a timely fashion, it’s been an uphill battle to provide great service while also managing the day-to-day. “It is improving, but it’s still not where it should be,” Tim added, “That’s been a distraction for dealers from the

important focus of growing their business.”

That’s not to say all dealers at Nemo Office Club are failing to grow; indeed, some are doing exceptionally well. “We have many dealers that are actually in growth through innovative customer service-led focuses,” Tim noted. He further explained that customer service is where independent resellers can really win, because it is an area where they can offer a unique service. “Our Keep It Local campaign and the way members have used that to differentiate themselves from the issues consumers and businesses currently face when now dealing with larger companies has been key.”

“In general, customer service in this country has gone out of the window, particularly at the biggest companies. If you deal with any utility firm, or any bank, it is a frustrating, time-consuming challenge that typically ends in an unsatisfactory conclusion. They’ve given up on customer service, so as independent businesses we have an opportunity to excel in this area; that’s where we are winning, and will continue to do so.”

INSPIRING GROWTH

Nemo Office Club has been working to encourage members to actively market to new customers. Through a programme called Affinity Booster, the group provides a year-long email marketing campaign to targeted sector prospects sourced from the UK’s leading B2B data source provider. Tim explained, “Marketing is always simple for me; if you sell to three solicitors, or any other high-spending profession, why wouldn’t you get a list of every other company in that profession in your area and go to them saying, ‘We supply businesses like yours, we understand your needs and how to deal with your pain points, and we’re very good at it. Can we talk?’”

But then comes the other challenge - to diversify or not. Tim believes that diversification is key to success, and notes that Nemo Office Club invests heavily in making it easier for its members to branch out.

“In our industry we have been slow to diversify, often for no other reason than it is not as simple as what we are used to doing and it involves facing unfamiliar competitors. In any sector, there will already be suppliers of these new products, and it is a challenge to confidently break into those markets; the support of the wholesalers remains fundamental.”

Tim confirmed that the wholesalers are generally supportive in this evolution, regularly enquiring as to what the dealers are selling and looking to add to their stocks. And Nemo Office Club has a unique strategy when it comes to wholesalers…

THRICE THE BENEFIT

Nemo Office Club has an ongoing relationship with Exertis that strengthens with each week that passes, and the group has recently renewed its contract with VOW for a further two years. Most interestingly however, Nemo Office Club became the first group to sign a new deal with Spicers.

Tim believes this three wholesaler strategy is the most beneficial to members. “We’re very straight and transparent when it comes to the wholesalers. We want a relationship with them all and let our dealers choose which is best for their business at the time. We have always believed in this approach and recent history has taught us that it is a sensible strategy, and one that provides our members with options and ongoing reassurances rather than having all our eggs in one basket.”

Tim also believes that the increased competition from having three players in the market will benefit dealers. “We all know what competition brings,” he explains, “better customer service and a stronger

In general, customer service in this country has gone out of the window

negotiating position for dealers with the wholesalers knowing that if they do not deliver to standard, there are alternatives out there – no room for complacency, which I think is an exciting prospect for the independent reseller and will help them in their battle against larger industry players.”

For Nemo Office Club members, the integration of a third supplier has not been an issue thanks to the unique coding used in their dealer marketing. This cross-references to sources of supply across all three wholesalers, along with manufacturer direct sources of supply. Of course, the dealer remains in control of their sourcing, and can switch without any impact on their customers’ ordering process, if the need arises. “It’s all about empowering members with the tools and information to be successful; the coding method is a tried and tested success story, and the re-introduction of Spicers fits perfectly into this model,” explains Tim.

A MILLION PRODUCTS

Spicers are making a strong comeback into the wholesaler market, and revealed earlier in the year that they are targeting having a million products on offer by the end of 2025. That’s an optimistic promise that Tim hopes they can keep.

“A million products seems a huge target, but it highlights the level of ambition that is required to support dealers at a time when they’re moving into a range of new markets and product categories. Whether they hit one million by 2025 remains to be seen; it will be a logistical challenge, but the direction of travel is right. If we head towards those targets, then dealers will be well armed to grow and succeed.”

There’s still a lot of ‘ifs’ to contend with, but overall, Tim’s message is clear: Having Spicers back in the mix is good for competition, and good for the independent dealer. “Three main wholesalers, competing for the business of the independent resellers creates an exciting battle with exciting times ahead. Our job is simple - to make sure that our members are the ones that come out the winners.”

It’s all about empowering members with the tools and information to be successful

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Moving to bigger premises will be transformational for Exertis

For the last three years, I have had the pleasure of working alongside the management team at Exertis Supplies, and when I say pleasure, that is exactly what it has been and continues to be. In the roles that I had previously held, I had spent a lot of time working inside both Vow and Spicers, and in both there were some very talented and personable people, many of whom I had great working relationships with and still do.

The one thing that I felt was missing was a real bond of togetherness; the feeling of more than just a supplier and customer relationship; the feeling where you are in it together side by side, warts and all. That is exactly the feeling that I have had for the last three years, and working alongside

the team at Exertis is like a breath of fresh air. I know where their strengths lie, and equally, they know the strengths of the dealers and dealer groups. When you combine the two and work closely together, you end up with a very strong and harmonious relationship.

If I had a pound for every time somebody said that Exertis are great but they don’t have the range, I’d be able to buy a season ticket for Spurs. So, let’s try to put this one to bed once and for all. In my opinion, having 10,000+ business supplies lines, 4,000+ ink and toner lines, and 8,000+ lines in the tech category makes for a healthy range of products. The range is added to on a weekly basis, but the one slight hindrance has been a lack of warehouse space in the Exertis Supplies division, which leads me nicely on to the main point of this month’s column.

STEVE CARTER , MD of Advantia, praises Exertis and explains why they are no longer the third placed wholesaler

MOVING TO BIGGER PREMISES

When I was told that Exertis Supplies had taken the decision to move to far bigger and more modern warehouse premises at Interchange 26 near Cleckheaton, it was music to my ears. I’m sure it was to the whole Exertis customer base. Coming from an operational background myself and having visited the Exertis Supplies site in Elland several times, I could see that the next logical step would be a move to a bigger warehouse site, as Elland was full to bursting.

If truth be told, I wasn’t expecting it to happen quite so quickly, but that’s Exertis for you. They just get on with things in the background and don’t make a big song and dance about it.

without worrying about space constraints.

Having worked closely with the Exertis team, additions to the range are generally made after consultation with customers, as opposed to just putting lines in that may or may not sell. There will also be less of a reliance on drop-ship items, as many of the faster-moving lines can be pulled into stock.

A BREATH OF FRESH AIR

For me, the biggest positive is that DCC, the owner of Exertis and a £22bn business, is fully supportive and willing to invest in the industry. They have seen the huge strides that Exertis Supplies has made in recent years in becoming a leading wholesaler, and they have quietly supported that growth.

There is now a meticulous plan of action to follow in order for the move to begin, with the new site set to enter operation in October 2023.

From a personal perspective, I will refer back to my earlier comment: it is a real breath of fresh air working alongside Exertis. Until March 2023, they had never worked with a dealer group, and at that stage, they were probably viewed as a long way back in third place in terms of being an office supplies wholesaler.

I can see many advantages in the move to Interchange 26. First of all, Exertis Supplies has been operating out of two warehouses - Elland and Raunds - so the move will allow everything to be stocked and dispatched from one single location. Further additions to the range can then be made as and when needed

What Exertis Supplies has achieved in the last three years is quite remarkable, and I know that they won’t be resting on their laurels; they will keep pushing on. In my personal opinion, Exertis Supplies is no longer the third-placed office supplies wholesaler.

The one thing that I felt was missing was a real bond of togetherness

Next day delivery? Rethinking the approach

The post-pandemic era calls for conversations with customers and strategic changes in delivery approaches to embed the more considered delivery model, and not slip back into the rat-race

In a decade marked by a frenzied race for faster deliveries in the office supplies sector, the pandemic has prompted a pause for reflection. Do dealers need to engage in dialogue with customers to reduce delivery frequency, cut costs, and minimise their environmental footprint?

THE NEED FOR SPEED: THE FAST-PACED DECADE

Over the past decade, the office supplies industry has witnessed intense competition, with companies striving to outpace one another in delivering orders to customers at breakneck speed. Inspired by industry giants like Amazon, which promised ever-shorter order times, many jumped on the bandwagon. The ultimate goal:

same-day deliveries. However, the COVID-19 pandemic abruptly halted this race, compelling dealers to reconsider their priorities—and those of their customers.

Is it time to admit that we might have pushed ourselves too hard during this past decade by constantly trying to outdo our competitors, promising next-day or even same-day deliveries? The pandemic has

given resellers the opportunity to reconsider whether customers genuinely demand sameday or next-day delivery, or if it was merely an assumption. What was discovered during COVID times was that many customers are quite content to wait an extra day to receive a complete order rather than dealing with multiple partial deliveries on different days.

For many customers, they too have realised that receiving separate delivery notes for products arriving on different days has added unnecessary complexity to their administrative workload. This often requires extra time in their accounts department to reconcile deliveries and ensure nothing is overlooked.

So, for many, contrary to popular belief, a consolidated single delivery simplifies the process and can significantly enhance efficiency.

THE IMPORTANCE OF CONVERSATION

According to dealer groups, many dealers have now made the shift to 48-hour deliveries, and it has been a change welcomed with open arms. While there are instances where urgency demands immediate action, such as running out of ink cartridges, most customers appreciate receiving a complete order within a 48-hour window.

Of course, it’s important to stress that any changes to delivery times should be based on conversations with customers to guarantee that the solution benefits both parties. The aim is to foster a sustainable approach that works for everyone involved, and for the industry not to revert to feeling pressured to offer same-day and next-day deliveries as standard. It seems clear that the 48-hour delivery model has proven its worth over the past few years, and it’s a model that benefits dealers and their customers on a number of levels.

DRIVING SUSTAINABILITY

Beyond the realm of efficiency and convenience, there’s a growing environmental aspect to consider when making fewer but larger deliveries to our customers, especially given soaring fuel prices.

While enhancing operational efficiency and customer convenience is, of course, important, it is also important to remember the escalating environmental concerns associated with frequent deliveries. Dealers could encourage discussions with customers about consolidating orders to reduce delivery frequency. This shift towards making fewer, consolidated deliveries bears significant ecological benefits, aligning with

Does the customer really want same day or next day delivery?

businesses desires to be more sustainable and actively driving down carbon footprints.

One of the most immediate and tangible advantages lies in mitigating the adverse impacts of rising fuel costs. As we continue to grapple with volatile and unpredictable fluctuations in fuel prices, the need to optimise delivery routes becomes not just an eco-conscious choice but also a financial imperative. By engaging in meaningful discussions with customers on the benefits of consolidating their orders, dealers can effectively cut down on mileage, which, in turn, dramatically reduces fuel consumption and the associated expenses, both environmental and financial.

Furthermore, embracing consolidated deliveries reinforces resellers’ positions as environmentally responsible businesses, which can be a compelling selling point for attracting and retaining customers who value sustainable practices. By aligning operations with eco-friendly principles, dealers can not only reduce their impact on the environment but also appeal to a growing segment of conscientious consumers who actively seek out businesses that share their commitment to preserving the planet.

Making fewer deliveries is a financially and environmentally responsible choice for dealers, and if customers find this approach agreeable, it could become the new industry standard.

Carbon neutral by 2025: The Morgan & Morgan story

Talk of sustainability and achieving net zero is becoming commonplace in the reseller community, but few independent dealers will have delivered such rapid progress as Morgan & Morgan, a leading office solutions company nestled in the beautiful Welsh countryside on the edge of a former mining town.

“We set ourselves an initial goal to be completely Carbon Neutral by 2026” founder and Managing Director Michael Morgan tells Dealer Support. “However, such has been our passion and determination to achieve this, we are ahead of schedule and on course to get there by 2025. That will be a fantastic achievement.”

SUSTAINABILITY FROM THE GROUND UP

The Morgan & Morgan sustainability journey started back in 2005, when carbon reduction was barely on the radar for most businesses. The company was building its own premises and had the foresight to consider how the world was evolving, leading it to specify the very best insulation in the form of Kingspan quadcore insulated panels. The building also incorporated other energy efficient technologies into the design, including structural curtain walling for high U-values and airtightness. At the time, many would have considered these unnecessary extravagances, yet today they are paying dividends in putting Morgan & Morgan ahead of the rest in quest for carbon net zero.

“Our office heating is provided by heat exchangers, and we encourage

the staff not to use the air conditioning - they have bought into this completely,” Michael notes. “On sunny days we simply open a window. The working environment for our staff is paramount, but there are simple measures that can be taken to avoid wasting power – our internal and external lights have infrared motion sensors switch off when not needed and all PCs and other office equipment have state-of-the-art standby devices to minimise consumption.”

With a purpose-built energy efficient building in place, Morgan & Morgan set about generating their own power. “We’re fortunate that we own the building that we are in,” Michael explained, “and we are also fortunate that it is south facing which gave us the perfect opportunity to invest in in solar photovoltaic panels for the roof. That’s complemented with a 60kw battery storage solution to prolong the availability of power.

“On sunny days 100% of the power to run our business comes from our own solar-generated energy. This means in summertime we’re now completely off grid; we are now looking at ways of achieving the same for the remainder of the year, with the installation of wind turbines currently being explored.”

REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE

Occupying space in a rural community means Morgan & Morgan are acutely aware of everything they consume and produce as a business. Over the years, the company has worked to reduce and reuse as much as possible, then recycle anything left over. These efforts have resulted in

Nestled in the Welsh countryside, Morgan & Morgan is tantalisingly close to its net-zero goals; Managing director MICHAEL MORGAN brings us up to speed

the entire 15,000-square-foot business producing only one wheelie bin of waste a week, which is a remarkable achievement for a company that reclaims and recycles all its clients’ packaging too.

“I think people forget a part of reduce, reuse, recycle. There’s some focus on the reduce; there tends to be even more emphasis on the recycle, but they don’t pay much attention to the reuse bit in the middle,” explains Michael. Reuse is a key element of the Morgan & Morgan strategy, turning potential waste into reusable assets such as shredding documents for pet bedding or repurposing outdated PCs for resale.

For Morgan & Morgan, however, it does not stop with reusing what they and their customers produce. They even collect the rainwater falling on the roof of their building and use it to wash company cars and vans. In the future, the company hopes to integrate this into the water supply to office toilets as well.

Achieving net zero will certainly be helped with all these technologies in place, but Michael noted that the final push to success must come from the buy-in of the staff using the building. “It’s all very well for me to take it on board as MD, but I need to take the

entire Morgan & Morgan team on the journey and get them buying into the drive and the benefits of working for a sustainable company.” One such benefit has been providing staff with access to the solar power app and the energy being produced on-site. With a swathe of EV chargers installed, Michael encourages staff to use these to charge their cars, whether they are work vehicles or personal vehicles. “60% of our van fleet is now electric with more on the way, but we also encourage our staff to switch to electric and take advantage of our self-generated power. This gets them engaged with our aspirations and makes them passionate about the project.”

MAKING THE MONEY WORK

Morgan & Morgan is all about ethical practice, and that extends beyond just energy and carbon emissions. The company is part of the Nemo Office Club dealer group’s Keep It Local campaign, supporting local businesses and lowering their carbon footprint in the process.

“It’s important that we are consistent with the Keep It Local message,” considers Michael, “Whatever we buy for Morgan & Morgan, from vans and solar panels to EV chargers, we look to source from local companies. Keep It Local is not just a marketing gimmick - it is at the heart of what we do.”

“As a business, we’ve never sold on price, ever. We sell on quality, reliability, longevity and of course our amazing service – something that we believe can only come from a local independent supplier that has a passion for what they do. There is still work to do to educate some customers about the benefits of opting for sustainable products rather than always looking for the cheapest price. As a business we will never get dragged into the race to the bottom - no business ever should. If you have your proposition right – a good sustainable message and unmatched customer service – price should not be the key deciding factor.”

But ethics and sustainability need to be balanced with profitabilityinvestments for net zero are high and need to be financially sustainable. This is a fact not missed by Michael, “Yes, the solar panels and the electric vehicles come at a cost, but when tax breaks and financial savings are considered, these investments make financial sense too. You must look at the whole cost of the investment. Electric vehicles are more expensive to purchase or lease, but when you consider the ongoing maintenance and fuel costs, they often work out cheaper. It is important to look at the bigger picture and not just the initial investment when considering the financial impact.”

In summertime we’re now completely off grid

DIVERSIFICATION MEANS RESILIENCE

Turning to pandemic recovery, Michael proudly pointed out, “We’ve got a large technology side of the business. So, in truth, the pandemic was a growth period for us overall, even though there was a significant decline in office supplies. However, like many businesses, we had to adapt and worked hard to win business like the Nightingale Hospitals in the region which helped to support our numbers also. It is about acting fast and adapting your business as necessary. For us, managed print declined massively, but that was compensated by 100% growth on the technology side.”

Michael notes that this diversity in his revenue streams enabled Morgan & Morgan to thrive during what was a very difficult time for most dealers. He added, “For 15 years, I’ve been banging on to everyone that you must diversify, and I think the pandemic is a good example of why businesses need to do that. Those that adapted did

ok, thrived even. You need to figure out a way to carve a niche and be an invaluable resource. If you do, you will be resilient. And I think we are resilient.”

Post-pandemic, Morgan & Morgan has seen a bounce-back in categories outside of technology, although Michael notes that this has been at a lower volume than previously. Part of that, he attributes to the working from home and hybrid working shift, but he also notes that people are changing the way they are doing business.

“As a dealer it is important to stay abreast of trends and changing markets. For example, on the one hand, we sell loads of paper and printers. Yet, on the other hand, we sell solutions such as DocuSign, which is electronic signature software that reduces the need for paper. As a business we need to sell all these solutions to ensure that the reduction of paper sales does not have a detrimental impact on our overall income and profitability.”

Within that change of habits is a change in buying behaviour too. Michael noted that there has been a shift from businesses looking for different specialists to towards single source suppliers they know they can trust. “As independent resellers, we have long pitched ourselves as single source solutions. With our ability to diversify and a change of attitude from businesses towards what is important when sourcing for their company, there has never been a better time to be part of the independent sector.”

You need to figure out a way to carve a niche and be an invaluable resource

Workplace intelligence from 3M

Identifying today's trends to make tomorrow's sales easier

The Post-it® Brand is one we’re all familiar with. For over 40 years, these humble sticky notes have been part of our world, keeping our day-to-day lives on track and making us more organised individuals.

Over the past couple of years, the workplace has changed significantly. As a long-standing brand that is a must-have in any dealer’s listing, Post-it® Brand has worked hard to stay on top of the changing trends and ensure it is supporting its resellers in the best ways.

Recent research into workplace trends is a clear example of this thought leadership. In 3M’s Flexible Working Trend update, released at the end of last year, the firm found that 62% of employees work from home at least part of the time.

In the UK, 70% of workers wish to work on a hybrid basis, although only 6% want to work from the office all the time.

This hybrid environment naturally brings with it some challenges too. The number one challenge identified in the 3M study was keeping connections within teams. Managers say

their jobs are becoming more complex, with issues such as maintaining team cohesion and facilitating collaboration some of the most pressing issues.

RESPONDING TO THE CHANGING OFFICE NEEDS

In response to the findings of this research, 3M has built out the Post-it® Brand to be more appealing, and easy to sell in these changing times. This includes making products more appealing to hybrid workers, highlighting the variety of communication activities that can be facilitated with Post-it® Notes, and ensuring there are budget-friendly options to suit all corners of the market.

People know the Post-it® Brand, and the majority of those looking for sticky notes will head directly for the best product they can. That makes them an easy sell, and as a premium brand with unrivalled product performance and brand loyalty, Post-it® Notes are an invaluable addition to any dealer’s catalogue. Nevertheless, understanding what the industry’s challenges are right now and how brands such as Post-it® Brand can help solve them can add more leverage to the proposal.

70%

of employees want to work on a hybrid basis Only 6% want to work from the office all the time

FACILITATING COMMUNICATION AND COLLABORATION

The functionality of the humble sticky note doesn’t stop at timely reminders. Hybrid workers need to make the most of their time in the office, undertaking effective and efficient collaboration to share knowledge and progress projects while the team is all together.

Colour and Super Sticky Post-it® Notes really come into their own when it comes to collaboration - functioning as excellent brainstorming tools, labels for items, and tracking progress in a project or discussion.

Alongside the standard square note, workplaces are finding benefits in using the larger formats to make more detailed notes and to-do lists. Combining large and small notes of different colours creates a project management timeline that is flexible, adaptable and easy to read.

CREATING AESTHETIC APPEAL

Hybrid workers demand more from their environment, something that has been reflected in the trend to make offices more aesthetically appealing. Colour is a crucial part of this, and Post-it® Brand has responded by revisiting the colour palette available for its products.

In early 2022, Post-it® Brand partnered with the Pantone Colour Institute to develop even more colour ranges. What came out of that partnership was 11 new and refreshed colour collections, perfect for reflecting individual

style and personality at home, work and school.

From the vibrant tones of Carnival to the soft neutrals of Soulful, Post-it® Brand has created a palette that is designed to inspire every type of personality and preference.

As well as looking good, the variety of colours makes it easier for workers and teams to stay on track, organising thoughts in a colour-coordinated manner. Naturally, the range of flags and tabs that come with the Post-it® Brand can further facilitate planning and collaboration, highlighting important events or adding notes and markets to existing planning boards.

THE POST-IT ® BRAND HAS GONE DIGITAL TOO

The switch to digital hasn’t gone unnoticed either.

Collaboration with brands like Teams and Miro has moved Post-it® Brand from the physical world to the digital, letting team members take visual planning tools with them wherever they are. Today, both mobile and Microsoft Team versions of the Post-it® App allow you to instantly capture your team's Post-it® Note brainstorm sessions via the device's camera and share this to a multitude of applications and team members within a matter of seconds!

of UK workers currently work remotely in 2023, which is made up of 16% full-time remote workers, and 28% hybrid workers - source: ONS

TACKLING SUSTAINABILITY

While businesses remain keen to facilitate effective hybrid working, the theme of sustainability runs strong through everything they are doing. Post-it® Brand has strengthened its eco credentials to demonstrate its commitment to helping businesses achieve their climate goals.

All Post-it® Notes are fully recyclable, but that’s just the start of the journey. The paper used for all Post-it® Notes and Post-it® Meeting Charts are PEFC Certified.

The adhesive itself now uses 60% plant material from a non-food plant that grows annually. Across the brand, Post-it® is driving towards 100% recyclable or reusable packaging, swapping plastic boxes for cardboard and removing PVC from over 1,000 product lines. Post-it® Recycled Notes take things a step further, with 100% recycled paper and PEFC RECYCLED Certification.

On top of all this, Post-it® Notes’ life cycle management ensures the best possible sustainable solution, from manufacturing right through to the end of the product’s life. This is more than just recycled - it’s about a circular economy for every product.

The manufacturing plants are ISO Certified to ISO 50001, with many plants also

•

holding Superior Energy Performance (SEP) certification.

3M is working towards some ambitious climate and energy goals for 2025, including improving energy efficiency by 30% and achieving greenhouse gas emissions at least 50% below its 2002 levels. Progress is going remarkably well, with 56 of 3M’s sites certified to ISO 50001, leading to a reduction in CO2 emissions of 310,000 metric tons to 2021. With businesses eyeing net zero goals, knowing where the products we sell them come from, and what their eco-credentials are, is only going to become more important in the coming years. 3M has done the hard work for dealers, presenting a product that ticks all the sustainability boxes without compromising on quality.

Post-it ® Recycled Notes use 100% PEFC certified recycled paper

• Adhesive is from a renewable resource, with 60% plant-based components

BUDGET-FRIENDLY OPTIONS

The brand has responded to the current economic climate by providing storagefriendly ‘value packs’ that fit neatly into a drawer or cupboard, offering excellent value for money. Financial propositions such as ‘buy 14 get 2 free’ or ‘20 for the price of 16’ has allowed Post-it® Brand to reach more effectively into the hybrid working market, leveraging the love of the brand against costof-living concerns and finding a happy medium.

10 CREATIVE WAYS TO USE POST-ITS

◆ Brainstorming

◆ Route planning

◆ Map marking

◆ Project management

◆ Day-to-day planning

◆ Mind mapping

◆ Timeline planning

◆ Communication

◆ Praise and feedback

◆ Inspiration

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP TO HELP THE DEALER

Success as a brand is a testament to a simple product, well-designed with a powerful ethos behind it. Through 3M’s hard work in staying on top of current trends and developments, it’s making it even easier for dealers to sell this flagship organisation and communication tool to their customers.

Embracing the changes that 3M has brought to the Post-it® Brand and the ongoing work to ensure it’s fit for the future makes this product a must-have for any dealer’s catalogue. Whatever the customer’s priority, there’s nearly always a problem that can be solved with a Post-it® Brand product.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Please visit www.post-it.co.uk

You can also get in touch with 3M by emailing swilliams6@mmm.com or krshepherd@mmm.com.

• 1 in 4 employees are hybrid working in 2023

• Friday is the most popular day to work from home, with 67% of workers favouring it

Keep it clean (and green)

Keeping workplaces clean and hygienic has taken on a new meaning since the pandemic. Facilities management has always called for high-performance products, but with a new awareness of the dangers of viruses and bacteria, businesses can’t take any chances on sub-standard effectiveness when choosing the products being used.

On the flip side, awareness is ticking up about the dangers of some of the ingredients in common products found in the cleaning cupboards of the past. Miniscule plastic microbeads found in abrasive cleaners threaten the future of the entire aquatic food chain, which is already suffering from many years of flushing phosphates and bleaches into our waterways. Even the humble ‘antibacterial’ has come under fire, accused of creating

‘superbugs’ that resist other forms of antibiotics. But what alternatives are there when a business wants to maintain a healthy and hygienic environment? In a recent report published by Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers Association (CHSA), information from CHSA members, who comprise manufacturers and distributors of cleaning and hygiene products, showed some of the innovations being undertaken in the industry to help buyers make better choices. From recycled packaging to cleaner chemicals, there’s a lot going on that makes it easier to be both clean and green in the FM environment.

Lorcan Mekitarian, chair of the CHSA, noted that, “Sustainability is one of the biggest issues facing our industry. Buyers want to do the right thing, but knowing what to specify and differentiating sustainable solutions from greenwashing is not easy. Buyers often lack the time or resources to get it right.”

With hygiene still on the minds of many businesses, where is the sweet spot between products that are effective and those that won’t damage the environment?

That notion presents an opportunity for dealers to get onto the forward foot with green cleaning products, and help their customers invest in products that not only get the job done, but do it in an environmentally conscious way. Chris Wakefield, vice president for European marketing and managing director UK & Ireland at GOJO Industries-Europe Ltd, noted the importance of sustainability in facilities management today.

“Sustainable thinking is now a fundamental part of how companies behave, trade, and grow and is expected from both employees and endusers. People are just as interested in working for a company that is ethical and that looks after its people, as well as the environment.”

Chris added, “Where cleaning and hygiene is concerned, there has been much innovation and creativity by brands and manufacturers, to not only minimise their own environmental impact, but help their customers to reach their green goals too.”

COMPANIES LEADING THE WAY Companies like sustainable wipe manufacturer

The Cheeky Panda are already looking at ways to package products more sustainably, and in this case, the firm has switched to 30% recycled content plastic wrapper, and its wipes have a lower carbon footprint than any of its competitors. Al Suter, UK facilities management sales executive at The Cheeky Panda, told Dealer Support,

“A mixture of legislation and consumer pressure is forcing businesses to take seriously the risks they face as a result of climate change. In the Kantar Sustainability Sector Index 2022, 55% of respondents agreed they should reduce their carbon emissions across the business and supply chain, and 43% agreed they should commit to plans that meet carbon net-zero targets.”

That pressure to work towards net zero is not

lost on GOJO either, who embarked on their own ‘Journey to Green’ earlier this year. The initiative, aimed at driving down the company’s own carbon footprint, embraces a variety of focus areas, from plastics and circularity to clean chemistry in products and resource management within its business.

Well-known FM brand Tork has also committed to developing products and solutions that help customers minimise waste and do more from less. Indeed, Essity’s Tork brand can now offer carbon neutral certification on a range of its existing dispensers. Reneé Remijnse, Director of Sustainability Communications at Essity, commented that,

“We are thrilled to offer a carbon neutral range of Tork dispensers that are not only effective in providing great hygiene, but also reduce the environmental impact on our planet. This new certification will help our customers to meet their sustainability ambitions.”

The efforts by Essity have not gone unrecognised either. Earlier this year, the company was recognised by Corporate Knights as one of the world’s 100 most sustainable companies. Similarly, SC Johnson’s Denby site was awarded a Gold Medal rating by EcoVadis this year, the second year in a row, putting it in the top 5% of companies rated by the third party.

Sustainable thinking is now a fundamental part of how companies behave, trade, and grow

Over at GOJO, similar recognitions have been applied from independent third parties EcoVadis and Cradle to Cradle thanks to its efforts in greening up the product line. Many of its skincare products have achieved European Ecolabel certification, signifying their limited impact on the environment without sacrifices on the performance side.

CAN YOU SELL IT THOUGH?

Of course, innovations in green cleaning are all well and good, but unless there is demand out there, how can dealers sell more sustainable solutions? Chris from GOJO believes the demand does exist, noting that,

“Companies are definitely more interested in purchasing sustainable cleaning and hygiene products; however, they have to balance this against both cost and efficacy. After all, sustainable options must be affordable if they are to be applied.”

One of the biggest pitfalls is to fall for the ‘greenwashing’ of companies who claim

sustainability without having the credentials to back it up. CHSA members recommend dealers familiarise themselves with recognised certifications, and take the time to investigate companies claiming eco status to uncover the true innovators out there.

Al concluded, “Against this backdrop, and with 2030’s carbon-neutral target approaching, people working in facilities management should be considering cleaning solutions that not only deliver on hygiene and stop infections spreading but are also carbon saving. No matter how small the individual impact is, it all contributes towards the end goal.”

AVOIDING

‘GREENWASHING’

Check the Competition & Markets Authority’s Green Claims Code to spot greenwashing:

• Claims must be truthful and accurate

• Claims must be clear and unambiguous

• Claims must not omit or hide important, relevant information

• Comparisons must be fair and meaningful

• Claims must consider the full lifecycle of the product or service

• Claims must be substantiated

Sustainable options must be affordable if they are to be applied

The mighty Revolutionspen: in writing instruments

The paperless office might still be the sustainable choice, but when it comes to planning, ideas and organisation, the mighty pen is not going anywhere soon

In the ever-evolving landscape of workplace supplies, one thing remains abundantly clear: writing instruments have not only weathered the digital storm but are thriving. Just like old school cameras and real books, the push back towards traditional pen and paper is a trend worth watching.

Luxury stationery designer Papier believes this is a reaction to ‘digital overload,’ as people become overwhelmed by screens in their everyday lives. It is predicting a 20% increase in paper diary sales this year, with CEO Taymoor Atigetchi noting, “Putting pen to paper is a great way to disconnect from the digital world and switch off.”

Globally, Statista estimates the writing instrument market to reach a combined value of $24 billion by 2025. That’s a 30% increase

over its valuation of $18.5 billion in 2017. Given the move to hybrid working and the ongoing challenges of recent years, that’s a pretty resilient outlook.

WHAT’S DRIVING PEN SALES?

Wendy Vickery, marketing manager of Pentel, noted the resilience of the arts and crafts market throughout recently challenging years. While hybrid working has affected the balance of traditional office products, she has observed that those products which promote freedom of creative expression have remained incredibly popular. Specifically, Wendy noted the ongoing demand for items like brush pens for calligraphy and hand lettering, as well as the everpopular permanent marker. New shades, finishes and thicknesses have contributed to ever increasing sales in these creative markets.

But it’s not all about arts and crafts, as more traditional pens continue to be improved upon and developed. Pentel’s gel pens have been popular since the 1990s, but have undergone various upgrades over the years to adopt new techniques and innovation. Its latest iteration, the Mattehop, has taken gel to a whole new level, as Wendy explained, “These are our most vividly coloured gel pens, which write not only on paper, but even on photos and coated surfaces –something hitherto unimaginable with gel ink.”

Ink innovation continues at Pentel with the newly launched Floatune rollerball, which Wendy says has been designed to offer “a stress-free, harmonious writing experience,” adding, “It’s as if the pen tip is floating on the surface of the paper, so little pressure is required to write.”

These sorts of innovations are exactly what’s keeping the writing instrument market alive, and for dealers, it’s crucial not to overlook the newest and best products in this segment. Understanding the trends that are underpinning these innovations can help resellers stay one step ahead, allowing them to introduce customers to the products that can solve their real-world problems today.

TRENDS IN PENS

Over recent years, the pen market has been reshaped and modernised with a number of interesting innovations. We’ve come a long way from the reed pen and feather quills from centuries ago, but where are we going next?

Innovations in ink: The world of ink is evolving, with innovations like quick-drying, smudge-resistant, and eco-friendly ink formulations gaining traction. The advent of the erasable pen has given new flexibility to the written words, while acrylic-like gel inks allow for writing on more surfaces than ever before.

Quick drying EnerGel ink, reduces smudging on hands and paper

Ideal for right or le t-handed users

0.7mm tip gives approx. a 0.35mm (medium) line width

Refillable - with standard EnerGel LR7 refill

96 Our HIGHEST percentage of RECYCLED MATERIAL 96%*

Putting pen to paper is a great way to disconnect from the digital world and switch off

Ergonomic improvements: As people become more aware of the damage repetitive tasks do to their bodies, pen manufacturers are responding with innovative ergonomic designs. Today’s pen market is ripe with solutions for firm grips, weak fingers, poor motor control and carpel tunnel sufferers alike.

Customisation: On-brand stationery is seeing something of a revival. As one of the most affordable means of promotion, branded pens are a great way for companies to keep their name on the mind of their customers. With more options in colour, material and design than ever before, custom-designed pens have a firm position in any company’s marketing arsenal.

Smart pens: Bridging the world between analogue and digital, smart pens allow users to make notes in the traditional way, and to seamlessly transfer them to digital format for saving and sharing. Statista estimates this market to grow by more than 200% by 2030.

Sustainability: Eco pens are no longer limited to recycled plastic and vegan ink. Now, there are pens made from coffee grounds, wheat, shells and other innovative materials. Refillable pens are gaining

traction, and there are even inkless pens which use a metal alloy tip, oxidising the surface of the paper. No ink required at all.

On the topic of sustainability, Wendy noted that, “It might not have been unrealistic to imagine that the pandemic and current global political crises would initiate a backward step in terms of end-user thinking about issues of sustainability. Manufacturers and dealers could easily have assumed that prioritising the environment might have come a poor second to concern for personal welfare, but happily that doesn’t seem to be the case.”

UNLOCKING DEALER SUCCESS

Achieving success for the reseller is rooted in knowing and understanding what customers want and need. While the manufacturers keep their fingers on the pulse and lead in innovating and creating the writing instruments of the future, resellers play a key role in connecting these innovations with end-users.

Adam Smith, Marketing Manager for Pilot Pen UK explains “We strongly believe in investing in our end-user awareness campaigns and despite being the UK’s best-selling rollerball pen by sales value, we know that there are still a large number of potential users out there who are not yet aware such amazing pens exist and so we are continually investing in new creative and wide-reaching media campaigns.”

Pens are a staple of any resellers portfolio; low-cost, high margin, and a regular turnover of sales. Getting to grips with the latest and most innovative products from the manufacturers can help dealers stay ahead of the game, empowering them to solve their clients’ problems with novel solutions.

There are still a large number of potential users out there who are not yet aware such amazing pens exist

Unlocking workplace excellence: The power of ergonomics

Ergonomics is not just a product category dealer’s sell, it is an essential consideration for business owners who want to create a safe, healthy and productive work environment for their employees too

Ergonomics can have a significant impact on productivity and employee health and wellbeing; dealers need to understand the value of ergonomics for their customers and why it should be a key consideration in any workplace design or equipment purchase, but you can also strengthen your own workforce by adopting some of these practices too.

According to a report by the Health and Safety Executive, 470,000 workers suffer from musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders in Britain. This

has a long-term impact on businesses, affecting areas such as employee well-being, absence due to illness and overall productivity.

INVESTING IN ERGONOMIC DESIGNS

BRINGS MANY IMPROVEMENTS – SUCH AS:

● Health and well-being of employees: ensuring that workspaces, chairs and other workplace equipment are designed ergonomically can help to reduce the risk of repetitive strain injuries, back pain and other MSK disorders which can eventually lead to long-term disabilities.

● Productivity: when employees work in an

environment designed to support their physical and mental wellbeing they are more likely to be engaged, motivated and focused. Overall, this can lead to increased productivity, better quality work and improved morale.

● Reduced workplace accidents: by designing workspaces and equipment with safety in mind, the risk of falls, trips and other accidents will be minimised.

● Reputation: an ergonomic workplace demonstrates to employees, customers and other stakeholders that you are committed to creating a safe, healthy and productive work environment. This can help to attract and retain top talent as well as improving the company’s image and reputation.

WHAT IS ERGONOMIC DESIGN?

For a product to be considered ergonomic, it must:

● enhance the natural flow of the human body

● support the natural ‘S’ posture of the spine, rather than forcing it into a ‘C’ shape;

● be able to be adjusted easily to accommodate a diverse range of people

● encourage physical movement in the day where possible

● prioritise usability over aesthetics and convenience

● reduce the stress on joints, bones and muscles.

EXAMPLES OF ERGONOMIC PRODUCT FEATURES

IN THE MARKET INCLUDE:

● height adjustability to ensure hips are parallel to knees when seated

● pivotal screen monitors (with filtered screens to help prevent glare and eye damage)

● keyboards and mice that reduce problems like carpal tunnel syndrome

● chair arms with 180-degree adjustments to mimic the movement of a human limb

● weight-activated mechanisms in seats for appropriate support.

However, ergonomics isn’t just about workplace design, it encompasses considerations such as work schedules, workload management, and job demands. Harnessing the full potential of ergonomics requires us to take a holistic approach, designing work schedules and tasks that are aligned with employees’ abilities and preferences.

By paying attention to these factors, and designing work schedules and tasks that are aligned with employees’ abilities and preferences, employers can further enhance productivity, job satisfaction, and overall wellbeing.

For dealers looking to sell to business owners, encourage them to keep ergonomics in mind and make sure customers can see the benefit of these products for their workforce - keep them coming back for more!

Harnessing the full potential of ergonomics requires us to take a holistic approach

LIVE IT LIVE IT

Life hack

TWEET CAPTIONS TO @DEALERSUPPORT

Zimbabwe’s ‘friendship benches’ are coming to London

Years of poverty, genocide and dictatorship left the nation of Zimbabwe struggling with an epidemic of depression. In response, Dr Dixon Chibanda and a team of volunteers set up the ‘friendship bench’ project, where elders deliver mental health support and therapy right in the neighbourhoods

Founded in 2007, the Friendship Bench project has treated 280,000 people across 70 communities in Zimbabwe and at spin-off projects in Malawi, Kenya and most recently Zanzibar and Vietnam.

Now, this happy resource is spreading its wings globally, and will arrive in London in 2024. A series of Friendship Benches will be installed across the city in its most marginalised communities. Dr Chibanda told Positive News,

“Whether it’s London, New York or Zimbabwe, everywhere the issues are similar. There are issues related to loneliness, access to care, and to just being able to know that what you’re experiencing – whether you call it stress or depression or anxiety – is treatable.”

Quote of the month

The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing. Walt Disney

As the evenings draw in, there’s no better time to get the fire pit going in the garden. Save money and avoid fossil fuels by fashioning a firelighter out of your dryer lint. Simply stuff an empty toilet paper tube with lint and your fire will be roaring in no time.

There was once an astronaut who was allergic to the moon. During the Apollo 17 mission, astronaut Harrison Schmitt found out that he had a severe reaction to moon dust.

How AI is saving Britain’s biodiversity

Did you know? PUB QUIZ

Researchers have developed arrays of AI-controlled cameras and microphones to monitor and identify animals and birds in the wild, aiming to combat the growing biodiversity problem in Britain. Tested at sites including Barnes, Twickenham, and Lewisham, the technology captures sounds and images, allowing computers to identify species and map their locations.

The AI successfully recognized various birds by their songs and identified mammals like foxes, deer, hedgehogs, and bats. Network Rail’s involvement provided access to relatively wild land for testing. The technology is set to expand to other areas, including Chobham and the New Forest.

By using AI, researchers aim to understand species movement due to climate change, aiding biodiversity preservation amid increasing

1. What’s the currency of both Saudi Arabia and Qatar called?

2. How many stripes are on the flag of the USA?

3. What’s the most-streamed song of all time on Spotify?

4. What was the original name for sportswear company Nike?

5. If you suffer from ‘gymnophobia’, what are you most afraid of?

Knock me down with a feather

ATTACKED BY A SNAKE AND A HAWK AT THE SAME TIME

In a wild tale from Silsbee, Texas, Peggy Jones found herself in comedic chaos while mowing her lawn. Unexpectedly, a snake dropped from the heavens and wrapped itself around her arm. Moments later, a hawk joined the party, swooping down and trying to grab the snake for a snack.

Peggy screamed and waved her arm around, but the hawk went after the snake several times before finally making off with it. Peggy was left with a bloodied arm and probably a story for the ages.

Peggy avoided a snake bite but ended up with scratches from the hawk’s claws. Surviving a snake bite in the past, Peggy now boasts a new accolade—surviving a snake-hawk tag team.

Shape of you – Ed Sheeran

4. Blue Ribbon Sports 5. Nudity

THUMBS UP!

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