NEWS AND VIEWS

THE MONTH THAT WAS

Olin Origins and Keaykolour take centre stage in Christmas display

Antalis has collaborated with Mayfair-based bespoke stationery provider Mount Street Printers on its Christmas window installation.

Entitled ‘Deck the Halls’, the window design is a celebration of the landmarks, spaces and memories that Christmas often evokes; it is also a celebration of the beauty of paper, the product at the core of the Mount Street Printers’ business.

At the heart of the window display is a model of the Mount Street Printers shop and building, meticulously crafted down to the finest detail in Olin Origins Chalk, and displayed on a resplendent red base made from Keaykolour Guardsman Red.

The model of the shop, which contains a replica of the ‘Deck the Halls’ window display in miniature - complete with lighting, is set against a backdrop of some of London’s best-known landmarks, including St Paul’s Cathedral, The Shard and the London Eye, also handcrafted in Olin Origins Chalk.

Designed and produced by Joyanne Horscroft of Makerie Studio, who has created paper window installations for the likes of Omega, Mappin & Webb and Fabergé, the design for the Antalis-Mount Street Printers collaboration is also a nod to Mount Street Printers’ customers, many of whom have been buying the store’s premium Christmas cards since the shop first opened its doors 40 years ago.

Steve Harrop joins Nectere

Nectere has appointed Steve Harrop as head of commercial. He brings with him impressive knowledge of, and passion for, the business supplies market, gained from more than 39 years in the industry.

Adrian Reid, sales director at Nectere, said: “I’m so pleased Steve is joining the business. His experience and enthusiasm for the industry is commendable, and we’re excited for Steve to get involved in strengthening and enhancing our commercial relationships.”

Steve added: “I can’t wait to get involved with Nectere. Even in such a short space of time, I’ve learned so much and understood just how this business is exceptional, and how it has some real advantages. The future’s bright for dealers who are involved with Nectere, but those who aren’t should have a look, because not only is it exciting, it’s delivering exceptional and innovative support for businesses. There aren’t many unique solutions in this industry, but this is one of them.”

Konftel calls for change following COP26

Konftel has urged the wider communications industry to follow its lead and take the greener route to success – after enabling customers to ‘conference with a clear climate conscience.’

Following the COP26 UN climate change conference in Glasgow, Konftel has issued a rallying call having become the first manufacturer of its kind to achieve climate neutral certification. In an era of agile working, with huge demand for conferencing and collaboration hardware, protecting the planet is just as important as connecting the world, according to CMO Stefan Eriksson.

“We were the first in the collaboration devices sector to earn official climate neutral certification – which has been successfully extended for the second year in a row,” he said.

“For us, it’s not enough to simply provide innovative technology, equipment and support which helps people communicate more effectively without having to travel; we also have to pay attention to our own carbon footprint in a way which encourages others to do the same.

“The basic benefits of conferencing have always had a positive environmental impact and the technology we produce works in harmony with our climate neutral philosophy. More video meetings means fewer car and rail journeys, fewer flights, less-full offices, reduced gas and electricity consumption. The two strategies operate together.”

Climate Neutral Certified status means all greenhouse gas emissions have been offset across all aspects of the business, from manufacturing and product packaging to transportation. Konftel continues to cut impact at source too.

Investment in worldwide carbon credits are, in turn, used to support controlled and certified projects across the world, such as forest conservation in Cambodia, clean electricity in Indonesia, landfill gas in the USA and also clean cook stoves in Mali. Business Products Group International (BPGI) has announced its executive committee for 2022 and 2023, as voted for by the board of managers, following a recent meeting.

Aidan McDonough, Integra’s CEO, was unanimously reappointed as chairman together with Tim Beaumont, MD of Nemo, as treasurer. Andrea Ghidini, MD of Office Distribution Spa, joins the board as vice-chairman.

The executive committee has played a key role in developing the BPGI to ensure its continued success as a robust and evolving organisation. Despite the unprecedented challenges the industry has faced over the last two years, BPGI members continue to work together to support and enhance the independent dealer channel.

“I am delighted to have been elected chairman for another term and look forward to working with our CEO, Barrie Hayes, and the team,” Aidan commented. “The crisis brought on by COVID has really demonstrated the value of working as a collective - not just on the purchasing front to give members a competitive advantage, but also to be able to share trends and information, or to discuss critical issues affecting our businesses.

“BPGI has some exciting growth plans and I look forward to working with my colleagues over the next two years to see these come to fruition.”

Andrea added: “I’m very happy to be part of the executive board of BPGI. I feel a sense of responsibility for those members that, in voting for me, have put their trust in me. I truly hope I’ll be able to play my part and make a difference in assisting Aidan and Tim to focus on the right issues and face the new challenge of years to come.”