Vol 97 November 2013

VOL 97 NOVEMBER R50.

INC VAT

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE STATIONERY, HOME AND OFFICE PRODUCTS ASSOCIATION

OPEN

SEASON FOR BACK TO SCHOOL

SELLING TO PURCHASING DEPARTMENTS KEEP IT CLEAN (IN THE BREAK ROOM)

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Contents My Office Magazine is the official magazine of the Southern African Association for Stationery, Home and Office Products. It is read by over 25 000 buyers and sellers of stationery and office products each month.

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Publisher Kathy Gibson - kathy@futurewave.co.za EDITOR Mercédes Westbrook - mercedes@shop-sa.co.za Customer relationship manager Wendy Dancer - wendy@shop-sa.co.za Financial Controller Bill André - bill@shop-sa.co.za NATIONAL OFFICE Web Master: Neil Caetano Design and Layout: Neil Caetano New Membership: Rachel Skink Reception: Ruth Montsho Johannesburg Office PO Box 3226, Parklands, 2121 6 Edward Street, Kensington B, Randburg, 2124 Tel: + 27 11 781 0370 Fax: + 27 11 781 2828 Email: info@shop-sa.co.za Website: www.shop-sa.co.za Cape Town Office PO Box 48431, Kommetjie, 7976 Tel: +27 21 780 1209 Cel: +27 78 970 7633 Email: info@shop-sa.co.za CONTRIBUTIONS Letters and editorial contributions are welcomed and should be addressed to the editor at editor@ shop-sa.co.za. Publication cannot be guaranteed and is subject to space and the editor’s discretion.

THE LEGAL BIT Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy the publisher and editor cannot accept responsibility for supplied material. The opinions of contributors are not necessarily those of shop-sa. Copyright is strictly reserved and no part of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without the written permission of the publisher.

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NEWS

SPECIAL FEATURES

Company news 32 Industry related news and trade business announcements.

Eco Pages 34 A green sustainability update, sponsored by Mondi.

Back to School Open Season 12 An overview of the Back to School season, including stock ordering, inventory systems and online strategies.

Industry Debate 24

By Andy Braithwaite, www.opi.net A view to the UK Dealer Group trade platform as a way to shave costs off doing business.

MARKETING SAVVY Two possibilities, one loyalty 08 Aki Kalliatakis reflects on loyalty’s balancing act when it comes down to the wire.

PersonAbility 28 Q&A time with Stephen Beattie, GM of Tower.

SALES SAVVY Selling to Purchasing Departments 10 Sales advice on how to deal with purchasing departments.

Furniture 31 Educational furniture.

BUSINESS SAVVY One Purpose and no Excuses please 06 Gavin Moffat reflects on leading edge management styles of global corporations and modern SME’s alike.

Break room 30 Cleaning supplies as a trade staple.

IN EVERY ISSUE Editors’ Welcome 03 Tough times require all-out marketing efforts.

Crime Alert 04 An industry sponsored page assisting in the dissemination and information networking of crime tactics currently taking place in the industry.

Web buttons 36 Click to a supplier or service website quickly and simply.

Product showcase 36 A highlighted showcase of office products and their descriptions available for your purchasing pleasure.

Buyer’s Guide 40 Punchline 48 Send in your details and stand a chance to win with Rexel office products.

Published by

FUTURE WAVE

MEDIA Member of the Audit Bureau of Circulation PRINTED BY Colorpress (pty) ltd.

my office magazine

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, u o y e e s t ’ n a t If I c s i x e t ’ n o d u o y

editor’s letter

It would seem that the ‘idea’ of marketing is turning out to be quite an enigmatic thing these days.

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hile theoretically most of us seem to understand that it is the process of communicating the value of a product or service and is all about attracting and retaining customers - what remains evident is that most companies are displaying a rather knee-jerk reaction of F.E.A.R = Forget Everything And Run - as the challenges of both the economy and the season up the ante on bottom lines.

Even the most elementary marketing rule books advise the best and sometimes only response to down turns in the economy is NOT to cut marketing budgets and spend on brand awareness, but in fact to do exactly the opposite - increase budgets and spend more time, money and efforts on making sure your company/product/service is being seen and heard in the market place.

As an editor, I don’t get involved too closely with the advertising budgets or spend of our respected advertisers, but I do have a lot to offer companies in terms of brand awareness by means of publishing relevant company news and product information within our editorial pages – which translates to marketing your company/products/services at no monetary cost to you.

Imagine my surprise then when, on requesting information and interview time from companies from a pool of both current advertisers and non-advertisers, I have been hearing responses such as ‘too busy’, ‘no thanks’ or just no response at all?

I don’t believe any company in South Africa can truly afford to turn down the opportunity for ‘free’ marketing in the editorial pages of a niche publication which represents an association involved in the commerce of office products since 1916. I sincerely hope www.shop-sa.co.za

that our industry’s players have not slashed marketing staff, marketing departments and marketing funding to the point of no return and that there is still time to turn the F.E.A.R acronym into Face Everything And Rise.

As editor of My Office magazine I would like to reiterate that this publication is at your disposal to debate, share news worthy information, educate and showcase your company/products/services in the best possible way we can. I would like to think that we can be part of the solution to removing the barriers that may be preventing you from speaking directly to your customers, while at the same time acting as trusted advisors to our readers.

Yes, times are tough and most of us are currently working more than just one job portfolio, but as we all know, when the going gets tough, the tough get going and that means getting creative with our marketing, investing in targeted, niche advertising, saying yes to opportunities as they arise, staying relevant, being heard, and being seen, consistently, positively, and actively!

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• Here are a few ideas on how: • Instead of a one-time big splash ad, be consistent with frequent small ads that work ie Product Showcase page 37; Web Buttons page 36; Buyers Guide page 40.

• Sponsor a regular feature and at the same time align your business with a sector of the industry ie Mondi page 34 consistently supports our monthly sustainability pages.

There is still sponsorships available for our Breakroom page 30 and Furniture page 31.

• Monthly magazines sometimes have unsold ad space at the end of the month which they may consider selling at a discount. Members of shop-sa already get preferential, discounted rates - become a member and save costs immediately.

• Try piggyback advertising and splitting

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advertising costs with the people who sell to you. Our front page banner advertisement is considered a prime position – thank you goes to our BIC advertiser this month.

Ask about upfront advertising discounts for cash and annual contract discounts which guarantee you supporting editorial coverage in the magazine and our website and Facebook pages.

Sponsor an industry event ie a golf tournament that will be well publicised in the community and the trade ie shop-sa’s Cape Town golf day on the 22 November.

Try an editorial style ad, called an advertorial. These are ads that look like feature stories in the magazine. They will have “advertorial” at the top of the article.

Develop a good headline, and 50% more people will read the article than would read an ad of the same size.

Offer a competition prize to readers. No monetary exchange takes place at all, rather page space is traded directly for the value of the prize on offer.

Look to PR. Keep us informed of your business activities, including things like major sales, expansions, or trends in your business that customers would find interesting, and include news on your corporate social investment - these find space in Company News page 32 or Eco pages 34.

Invite us to your events, sales and new product promotions, store openings, awards evenings, to meet with visiting international guests, or send us photographs and captions for our Scene Around pages.

Write us a letter to complain or compliment us to editor@shop-sa.co.za - or simply about a topic that ignites your passion – but whatever you do, ignite your passion.

As we head into 2014 it will pay to be a Thriver, and not just merely a Survivor. m my office magazine

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crime alert Acknowledgment Trend Micro Incorporated provides solutions for consumers, businesses and governments via layered content security to protect information on mobile devices, endpoints, gateways, servers and the cloud. Visit www.trendmicro.com.

Thwart network intrusion attempts with threat intelligence

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lthough threat intelligence is by no means a revolutionary, or new concept, many organisations still do not implement it internally. Armed with a good understanding of, and assisted by the application of threat intelligence, companies can prevent intrusion attempts and better safeguard their network and data.

Threat intelligence refers to information about potential adversaries and their behavioural patterns. It is created when a series of pieces of raw data are analysed to give a more complete image of the big picture/activities occurring within your business landscape. Effective threat intelligence will help you determine not only where an attacker has already been in a network but also where he/she is likely to go and how he/she will get there.

“Raw data without intelligence is of limited value to assist in the mitigation of risk,” states Gregory Anderson, country

manager at Trend Micro South Africa.

“To detect an adversary in a network, an analyst needs to know what to look for, which is where threat intelligence comes in to play.

“Once an attacker infiltrates a network, understanding his/her tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs) can spell the difference between quick successful detection and years of undetected data exfiltration. It is this difference that confirms the necessity of threat intelligence,” he says.

An organisation can obtain external threat intelligence in two ways – partnering with a threat intelligence provider or utilising automated software.

Threat intelligence providers have skilled employees who understand threat actors and TTPs, and typically provide their clients two deliverables – reports and feeds.

Reports typically focus on a single subject while feeds are sources of data that can typically be included in automated network defences. Supplied by security vendors, enterprise-quality products are kept updated with the latest

threat indicators that can also help protect networks.

Whether an organisation contracts a vendor or not, if it has the opportunity, it should still set up its own internal threat intelligence group (ITIG). An organisation’s ITIG will be responsible for monitoring the Web for any reference to the company and for researching any group or “actor” they believe may be a threat.

Another way to thwart network intrusion is through Penetration Testing. If an organisation is not part of an industry that is required to conduct regular penetration tests, it should consider doing so.

Penetration testing can help identify areas in the network that need to be improved and patched, “Today business needs to be one step ahead of attackers, putting systems in place that not only clean up the mess they leave in their wake, but that are able to prevent their entry all together. Threat intelligence is one of these areas where we can play an active role in curbing threats to our business and at the same time ensuring we are able to keep closer guard of our data,” ends Anderson. m

Platinum sponsors:

Gold sponsors:

Silver sponsors:

Keeping shop-sa members abreast of criminal and fraudulent activity in the stationery and office products industry To sponsor the Crime Alert page contact 011 781 0370 REPORT CRIME AT info@shop-sa.co.za Renew your Crime Alert sponsorship today! Call Wendy Dancer on 011 781 0370 to book your logo placement on the Crime Alert page as an industry leader in transparency, information sharing and anti-crime business ethics.

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Vol 97 - November 2013

business landscape Acknowledgment Gavin Moffat (gavin@puruma.com or www.twitter.com/gavinmoffat)

I’ll have one Purpose and no Excuses please The principle of new management styles .

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s the years have passed and I have realised that I am not always right, I have had a concomitant increase in my levels of empathy, albeit from an already superlow level. This means that I have come to acknowledge that people have rights and they are entitled to work within a structure that provides them with policies and procedures, roles and responsibilities, as well as an environment that provides room for their own ideas, truths and ways of doing things.

This has not been an easy journey. My working life has been characterised by the dichotomy of an autocratic and yet handsoff management style. I want it done right every time but I want to give you the space within which to do it.

There is a fine line between ensuring that your employees, direct reports or teams have the space to do what they need to, with passion and a good sprinkling of their own input, individualism and energy; and that of managing the process to get the best, most productive results that give you a winning organisation.

My realisation has also stretched to the extent that I now believe a form of decentralised management is the best way to

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go if you want to achieve maximum results from humans. We need to provide people with a purpose greater than themselves; the tools that they need; a framework within which to do their jobs and achieve; and few, if any excuses not to succeed.

Now strangely enough the first and last ones, purpose and no excuses, are the ones that I think present the most challenges. Often the purpose is the vision and if the vision is a good purpose then great, if not then look elsewhere to inspire people to achieve something greater than themselves.

No excuses comes down to the environment that people work within. I suppose it is broadly speaking the culture. A culture that offers honesty and rewards. One that is not based on criticism but constructive feedback and encouragement.

In this type of organisation if you were getting feedback it could look like this: “What you did well was ….”. And: “What you could do better/differently is…”. It also means conversation that leads to trust. So no beating around the bush but also a bit of respect all round. No BS. No politics. No lying and backstabbing. A Utopia? Nope.

Many or the worlds’ peak performance and high innovation organisations operate with this structure. Give it a go.

Believing this principle and living it too means that I can no longer give in to that little devil sitting on my should that would sometimes like to yell “Enough talk, just get on with the bloody job already!” m Vol 97 - November 2013

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marketing savvy Acknowledgment Aki Kalliatakis is the Managing Partner of The Leadership LaunchPad, a company dedicated to helping clients become more customer driven. He can be contacted at 011 640 3958, or via the website at www.DelightYourCustomers.co.za.

Follow him on Twitter at @AkiKalliatakis or Leadership LaunchPad

Two possibilities, one loyalty Aki Kalliatakis reflections on loyalty’s balancing act when it comes down to the wire.

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recently had a tiff with my security company, and was determined to drop them for another competitor. When they realised I was serious, they offered me a 50% discount on my monthly fee, and said they hoped this was a sufficient sign of their regret at what had happened. I accepted their offer – and still feel bad that I didn’t have the courage to follow through with my threat.

When you think about loyalty – whether it is loyalty to your family, friends, religion, your country, a political party, your old school or college, a sports team, a band or an orchestra, and, of course to the companies that you deal with – you will probably be able to categorise this loyalty into two broad possibilities.

First is the type of loyalty that is fickle and not truly deep.

It is the loyalty of convenience, or of nostalgia, or maybe just the loyalty of habit. It’s the kind of loyalty where you may look around at alternatives, but you probably won’t really change.

Why? Because it might involve some inconvenience or maybe even some risk. With my security company, my first reaction was to hate myself for my greed, then I was angry because I realised how I’d been ripped off over all the years of high premiums, and finally, I thought that if they knew I cancelled the deal, they would arrange gangsters to come and attack and rob me in my home (maybe I’ve been watching too much Carte Blanche).

Changing suppliers, for example banks, or mobile companies or airlines, often means that you have to spend valuable time in the switch, wading through the administrative nightmare and establishing new relationships of trust and years of history from

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scratch (my new bank doesn’t care about my previous credit history, nor that I have financed 14 vehicles and three properties elsewhere) and you may also lose all the rewards that you have accumulated thus far (what happens to all those Voyager miles and eBucks if you terminate the relationship?).

Companies in all industries today, through their marketing practices and “customer loyalty programmes,” are getting better and better at attracting this kind of carrot-and-stick loyalty. They use rewards on the one hand to bribe and attract customers into staying, and threats and negative consequences to prevent even unhappy customers from leaving. This kind of coercion is not going to work for much longer.

The true test of customer loyalty is to ask one simple question: If the incentives to stay and the barriers to switching were removed, would this customer still remain a customer?

You see, the second kind of loyalty is the genuine, deep-downin-the-heart loyalty that says: “I don’t care what else is on offer – even if it’s better.” It’s felt emotionally, not intellectually, and it sometimes emerges from a need to repay a favour, or from a sense of obligation. It’s the kind of loyalty that lasts a lifetime. They feel like they are part of your “family” or “club,” and they define and identify themselves by their relationship with you – “I’m a United fan.” They stick with you through thick and thin, not just when you are winning, and not only when they are getting a good deal.

It is your challenge to do the things that you have to do to create this type of loyalty. If you don’t know how, look to your family and friends, your religion, your country, your political party, your old school or college, your sports team, your favourite band or orchestra… m Vol 97 - November 2013

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sales savvy

Selling to Purchasing Departments

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hether you are a new salesperson or a seasoned veteran, you likely will agree that dealing with a purchasing department can create a tremendous amount of stress. Some salespeople would even say these interactions sap their sales motivation — and deliver a blow to their selling skills — more than anything else.

However, unless you are truly unprepared, there’s no reason for anyone to fear dealing with a purchasing department because in reality it is nothing more than a group of individuals assembled for the sole purpose of trying to save money for their company.

Purchasing departments view their role as the supply-chain managers. It is their job to ensure the company does what it is supposed to do in an efficient manner that requires as little capital as possible. What this means is very simple: The purchasing department’s job is much more than beating up salespeople.

Granted, many purchasing agents do enjoy the thrill of securing a lower price, but that’s no different than you. As a salesperson, you enjoy the thrill of securing a new sale. Accept the fact that the purchasing agent is doing nothing more than what they are supposed to do.

A few vital points to keep in mind when dealing with a purchasing department: Low price may appear to be what they are after, but if they buy something that’s cheap but doesn’t work, then it’s suddenly anything but a “cheap” item. If it doesn’t work, they now have to replace it. In doing so, they are stuck with a double-cost.

Low price is really secondary to the performance of the item they are buying.

Rarely does the purchasing department have huge amounts of power in a company. This means they’re not at the top of the food-chain. As a result, they can’t afford to upset those above them. Although they may harass you to lower your price, the last thing they want to do is be harassed by others in the company for not buying what

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Acknowledgment Mark Hunter, The Sales Hunter, is author of “High-Profit Selling: Win the Sale Without Compromising on Price.” He is a consultative selling expert committed to helping individuals and companies identify better prospects and close more profitable sales. To get a free weekly sales tip, visit www.TheSalesHunter.com.

One of the most difficult parts of a salesperson’s job is dealing with purchasing departments.

those people wanted them to buy in the first place. In other words, purchasing agents will put up a good fight on the surface, but in the end, they can’t afford to upset anyone in the company – regardless of how much money they think they can save.

Purchasing agents may say they must have a lower price, but in reality their goal is really to save “x” amount of money – and it doesn’t necessarily have to come from you. Purchasing agents will always pick on the salespeople who appear to be the weakest and most vulnerable. This only makes sense, as they are simply trying to manage their time. Therefore, they will secure the savings they need from whomever they believe will give it to them with the least amount of hassle.

Don’t hesitate to call a purchasing agent’s bluff.

Purchasing agents love to posture themselves with salespeople as if they control the salesperson’s career. All they are really doing is seeing how far they can push you. Until you stand up to them and push back, they’ll keep pushing you to get additional benefits and lower prices.

When a purchasing agent demands a lower price, the only thing they’re doing is going with the demand they know works the best since they know there is almost always flexibility in pricing. It’s the strength and confidence of you the salesperson that is going to be the best indicator as to whether or not they’ll be successful in pushing you to lower your price.

Purchasing agents love to bluff people by saying they will buy from one of your competitors if you don’t lower your price.

This actually happens far less than salespeople realise. Upon hearing the threat of going to another supplier, most salespeople will cower and give the purchasing agent what they are after. Too bad the only thing the salesperson has done is give up profit. It’s this type of a response that gives salespeople a bad reputation. The entire time the purchasing manager is demanding you lower the price or they will switch, they know full well how expensive switching to a new supplier can be. m Vol 97 - November 2013

back to school Acknowledgment www.entrepreneur.com; www.reuters.com; news.cnet.com

Open season for BTS

Back to School (BTS) is a time of new beginnings. It promises something new, fresh and full of possibility and remains a prime time for business to put into action effective marketing campaigns and promotions targeted at consumers in the educational domain.

Similar to the canned music and tinsel paper of Christmas decking the halls of retail stores as early as late September, so too does the BTS shopping season seem to make its appearance earlier each year. And this year, according to Google;s Shopping Blog, is the earliest backto-school shopping season ever, brought about as a result of the consumer’s “ability to research online at any time, anywhere, on any device.” Google’s global survey found that 60 percent of purchases actually begin online.

While every previous season’s BTS period always seem to be reviewed with mix of variable statistics, what can be relied on is the annual spike of business activity and its accompanying flurry of discounts, increased advertising of the many deals for the period, and the hustle of shoppers in the malls and retail stores.

According to a recent Reuters report, retailers have been stung by last year’s leftover inventory stockpiles and remain unsure about consumer spending this year, which sees many retailers ordering conservatively for the second busiest selling season of the year behind the end of the year holiday period, according to executives in shipping, banking and manufacturing.

“I don’t think this is going to be a blowout year. I think this is going to be a little bit of a tough year,” John Barbour, CEO of educational products maker LeapFrog Enterprises Inc said about the rest of 2013. “People have less money in their pockets.”

While the US economy has recovered modestly since the financial crisis, median household income is still below where it was before the 2007-2009 recession began, a recent report from Sentier Research showed.

Another influencing factor to the slow start of business is better inventory tracking tools enabling retailers to wait

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longer than usual to place back-to-school orders. The positive off-shoot of this however, is higher profit margins in the back half of the year as retailers will likely not have to offer as many discounts to get rid of excess inventory. But they also risk not having enough stock if consumers spend more than anticipated.

“From their perspective, it is better to have missed sales than to end up having too much inventory, which you have to mark down,” BB&T Capital Markets analyst Anthony Chukumba said.

Market research firm NPD Group expects consumers to start shopping later but spend more this year, especially online. NPD sees a 3 percent rise in back-to-school sales from last year.

Usually the season lends itself to a narrow concentration of BTS merchandise such as school bags, uniforms, text books and writing instruments, however it would seem the digital landscape is being affected with a decline in PC sales.

Recent Gartner research has found that worldwide PC shipments totalled 80.5 million units in the third quarter of 2013, concurring an approximate 8.6 percent decline from the same time last year. Mikako Kitagawa, a principal analyst at Gartner, highlighted in the report that the “backto-school” quarter hits its lowest point since 2008.

Extract: Consumers’ shift from PCs to tablets for daily content consumption continued to decrease the installed base of PCs both in mature as well as in emerging markets. A greater availability of inexpensive Android tablets attracted first-time consumers in emerging markets, and as supplementary devices in mature markets. Whatever the business sector focus however, ears remain pricked to see just what this BTS season will bring to the tills this year. m

Vol 97 - November 2013

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back to school

How to Streamline Your Company’s Purchasing S ome companies have a dedicated department for purchasing supplies and materials; others spread the task among key employees. Knowing which type of setup works best for your business can be a major factor in streamlining and cutting waste.

First, you’ll need to make sure you’re working with a clean set of numbers. Your accounting system should capture and report costs - and this includes purchasing - in a way that enables you to measure and control them effectively.

A small manufacturer I once helped had lumped all of its purchases into either direct or indirect costs. This was fine when they were just starting out. But as they grew, they found they needed to identify and measure the components of those costs so they could make better deals with vendors. A year after installing a more robust chart of accounts, we were able to reduce costs

by R200,000. This more than repaid the cost of the accounting changes and the addition of a purchasing employee.

The more complex your company’s needs, the more important a dedicated purchasing department becomes. If you can answer yes to any of the following questions, you’re a prime candidate:

A smartly run purchasing department will avoid duplication of effort and can reduce costs through the purchase of larger quantities at reduced shipping rates; furthermore, a dedicated team can develop relationships with vendors that can pay dividends when you have, say, a last-minute change or an urgent order increase.

Consider how many work functions you, as a small-business owner, must manage simultaneously: product, staff, sales, marketing, etc. Perhaps it’s time to bring in a dedicated purchaser, someone who can take the time to approach every vendor with the goal of getting the best possible delivery, quality, price and payment terms for your company. m

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Do you publish, send out and evaluate RFQs (Requests for Quotes) when making purchases?

• Do you negotiate contracts with each of your vendors on a project, quarterly or annual basis?

• Do you track each vendor’s performance to make sure they deliver on time and invoice correctly?

• Is there a degree of specialised experience and knowledge required to evaluate your company’s materials or to communicate concerns and specifications with suppliers?

• Does the quality of materials and products you buy and then sell determine the perceived quality of your company?

(This matters, because if you end up distributing a defective product to the public, your company takes the blame.)

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Vol 97 - November 2013

back to school

Essential Elements of

Inventory

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nderstanding and managing your inventory is one of the most critical factors in business success.

Yet many entrepreneurs fail to answer such basic questions as “What items are the winners and losers?” and “How often does inventory turn over?” Don’t make this mistake. Management education expert Ashok Rao believes that companies can increase their profitability 20 to 50 percent or more through careful inventory management.

There is more to inventory control than simply buying new products. You have to know what to buy, when to buy it and how much to buy. You also need to track your inventory - whether manually or by computer - and use that knowledge to hone your purchasing process.

Maintaining Enough Inventory Your business’s basic stock should provide a reasonable assortment of products and should be big enough to cover the normal sales demands of your business. Since you won’t have actual sales and stocking figures from previous years to guide you during startup, you must project your first year’s sales based on your business plan.

When calculating basic stock, you must also factor in lead time the length of time between reordering and receiving a product. For instance, if your lead time is four weeks and a particular product line sells 10 units a week, then you must reorder before the basic inventory level falls below 40 units. If you do not reorder until you actually need the stock, you’ll have to wait four weeks without the product.

Insufficient inventory means lost sales and costly, time-consuming back orders. Running out of raw materials or parts that are crucial to your production process means increased operating costs, too.

One way to protect yourself from such shortfalls is by building a safety margin into basic inventory figures.

Avoiding Excess Inventory Avoiding excess inventory is especially important for owners of companies seasonal product lines, such as clothing, school, office and home accessories, and holiday and gift items. No matter what your business, however, excess inventory should be avoided. It costs money in extra overhead, debt service on loans to purchase the excess inventory, additional personal property tax on unsold inventory and increased insurance costs. Buying excess inventory also reduces your liquidity - something to be avoided.

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When you find yourself with excess inventory, your natural reaction will probably be to reduce the price and sell it quickly. Although this solves the overstocking problem, it also reduces your return on investment.

Some novice entrepreneurs react to excess inventory by being overly cautious the next time they order stock. However, this puts you at risk of having an inventory shortage. To avoid accumulating excess inventory, set a realistic safety margin and order only what you’re sure you can sell.

Inventory and Cash Flow Cash-flow problems are some of the most common difficulties small businesses encounter, and they are usually the first signs of serious financial trouble ahead. According to Rao, tying up money in inventory can severely damage a small company’s cash flow.

To control inventory effectively, prioritise your inventory needs. It might seem at first glance that the most expensive items in your inventory should receive the most attention. But in reality, less expensive items with higher turnover ratios have a greater effect on your business than more costly items.

Divide materials into groups A, B and C, depending on the rand impact they have on the company (not their actual price). You can then stock more of the vital A items while keeping the B and C items at more manageable levels. This is known as the ABC approach.

Often, as much as 80 percent of a company’s revenues come from only 20 percent of the products. Companies that respect this “80-20 rule” concentrate their efforts on that key 20 percent of items.

Once you understand which items are most important, you’ll be able to balance needs with costs, carrying only as much as you need of a given item. m Vol 97 - November 2013

back to school

Tracking Inventory A good inventory tracking system will tell you what merchandise is in stock, what is on order, when it will arrive and what you’ve sold.

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hile manual methods may have their place, most entrepreneurs these days find that computerising gives them a far wider range of information with far less effort. You can even control inventory right at the cash register with point-of-sale (POS) software systems. POS software records each sale when it happens, so your inventory records are always up-to-date.

Features to consider in a POS system include the following: • Ease of use. Look for software with a user-friendly graphical interface.

• Entry of sales information. Most systems allow you to enter inventory codes either manually or automatically via a bar code scanner.

• Pricing. POS systems generally offer a variety of ways to keep track of pricing, including add-on amounts, percentage of cost, margin percentage and custom formulas. For example, if you provide volume discounts, you can set up multiple prices for each item.

• Updating product information. Once a sale is entered, these systems automatically update inventory and accounts receivable records.

• Sales tracking options. Different businesses get paid in different ways. For example, repair or service shops often keep invoices open until the work is completed, so they need a system that allows them to put sales on hold.

• Security. In retail, it’s important to keep tight control over cash receipts to prevent theft. Most of these systems provide audit trails so you can trace any problems.

• Taxes. Many POS systems can support numerous tax rates - useful if you run a mail order or online business and need to deal with taxes for more than one country.

Every business is unique; you may find that none of the off-the-shelf systems meets your requirements. Industry-specific POS packages are available. In addition, some POS system manufacturers will tailor their software to your needs. m

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want for christmas is the new ...

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back to school

Common Inventory Mistakes and their Solutions

1. Too Much Inventory Afraid of being caught short, it’s easy to spend too much on inventory, which can eat up working capital and erode profits.

Warehousing isn’t free, of course, and inventory that sits on a shelf is subject to damage, depreciation, and even obsolescence. Old inventory can be very hard to move and your options aren’t great.

You may end up marking it down, selling to discounters, or shipping it to liquidators.

To fix it: Start with some decent projections of how much supply you’ll need and when you’ll need it. The best gauge is what you’ve sold in the past. If you’ve sold 100 items per month for the past 12 months, chances are that you’ll need 100 this month. Then there’s seasonality: Do you usually see a fourth quarter spike with holiday sales? Or, if you’re in the home and garden business, do you see more activity in the spring selling season? You can also identify and quantify less obvious patterns such as month-end spikes. .

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reordering more frequently. The next highest-selling 30% of items, the “B” items, will typically generate about 10% of sales.

The slowest selling “C” items account for half the items you stock, but only generate 10% of your sales.

2. Inaccurate Inventory Tracking Once you know how much you need, you have to make sure you actually have it on hand. Opportunities for miscounts are everywhere: during receiving, during order fulfillment and the all-too-common pilferage. In manufacturing, you’ve also got to account for yield or scrap during production.

To fix it: Using electronic data interchange (EDI) and bar code scanning can help eliminate data entry errors. Implement a system of so-called “cycle counting.”

Choose a few items a day and compare the inventory record to the actual count. Best sellers should get counted more often.

4. Using Spreadsheets It may seem natural to use spread sheets such as Microsoft Excel to track your inventory. But Sid Helms, director of IT at Martinsville, Va.-based Diversified Distribution, which provides third-party logistics services, says you’re asking for trouble if you use spread sheets that way.

He says it’s easy for spread sheets to be accidentally deleted or for changes to be lost. And he says there’s no foolproof way for multiple people working on inventory to synchronise their spread sheets.

To fix it: Use software suchas Quickbooks . Yes, these are betterknown as accounting packages, but they include inventory features and will make it easy to get a rand value for your inventory.

They can also provide you with a central database.

3. Lack of Priorities It can take an outsized amount of time and resources to keep track of all the details for each inventory item.

Some triage is in order.

To fix it: Focus on the items that matter most. Generally, 80% of demand will be generated by 20% of your items. Spend most of your effort on those “A” items, forecasting, reviewing in-stock position and

5. No Backup Plan Congratulations! You’re happily barcoding away, and you’ve got your inventory in Quickbooks. Now what happens if there’s a fire or your computer is badly damaged or stolen?

To fix it: First, take a deep breath and consider the worst-case scenario, such as fire or theft. Your backup plan can be as simple as saving critical data to a removable drive.

(Just don’t leave it at the office.) Software

my office magazine

such as Norton Ghost or Symantec Backup Exec can get the job done, too. And it›s not a bad idea to send a backup copy of your inventory data to your accountant every month. After all, why should the fun of inventory be limited to your employees?

It’s all about cash flow. If you’re spending more than you need to on your inventory, your business is wasting money. That’s why many companies employ what’s called a just-in-time inventory strategy, in which they have a solid relationship with a supplier who can fill inventory needs virtually as fast as you’re filling orders.

There can be problems with that, however - if there’s a truckers’ strike or some other variable you’re not expecting - which is why some entrepreneurs also use a “just in case” inventory strategy, with enough key items in reserve to help if there’s an emergency.

Dealing With Suppliers Reliability is the key factor to look for in suppliers. Good suppliers will steer you toward hot-selling items, increasing your sales. If you build a good relationship and your business is profitable for them, suppliers may be willing to bail you out when your customers make difficult demands.

Often, as much as 80 percent of a company’s revenues come from only 20 percent of the products. Companies that respect this “80-20 rule” concentrate their efforts on that key 20 percent of items. “It’s a major mistake to try to manage all products the same way,” says Kay Roscoe Davis, a professor of production management.

Once you understand which items are most important, you’ll be able to balance needs with costs, carrying only as much as you need of a given item. It’s also a good idea to lower your inventory holding levels, keeping smaller quantities of an item in inventory for a short time rather than keeping large amounts for a long time.

Consider ordering fewer items, but doing so more often. m Vol 97 - November 2013

Scan to download our full Back to School catalogue or go to: https://db.tt/A8YGvk71

YOUR

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BTS y g e t Stra I

services or lunch specials to parents. Teacher-only specials can also be used in a similar way. Christmas season promotions also mean businesses can market their arts and crafts sections in the gifting arena.

f your business is directly associated with the back-to-school market, this is the time to heavily promote the buying of your products. Backpacks, messenger bags, smartphones and tablets are popular this year. Email marketing can be especially effective as a constant reminder of the looming school deadline.

•

Additional content marketing is critical so your business can be found on the Internet when consumers are searching back to school keywords like “school supplies” or “first day of school.” Post videos with advice on what students need and tie that advice to the benefits of using your various “solutions.” Add company credibility by encouraging customers to post reviews of your products.

Make these campaigns both mom, mobile, and child friendly. Children who are old enough to be online independently are also now influencing the buying decision.

• After school starts, any business can promote a “now that school has started” campaign for personal care

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•

As proven by successful companies like Apple and Facebook, gaining popularity among college students can be highly beneficial in terms of brand marketing and lead generation. How can your small business become part of the cool crowd on campus? College students and young professionals still constitute the majority user base for most social networks, including big names like Facebook and Twitter. Consider advertising on these sites to increase brand recognition.

•

A promising way of garnering attention is to offer free or discounted merchandise or services. Although this strategy may pose an initial cost, proving the quality of your product can build a base of returning users which more than returns your investment. m

Vol 97 - November 2013

industry debate Acknowledgment www.opi.net

Stripping costs from

channel business?

In a recent OPI exclusive, Andy Braithwaite addresses the shifts being faced in the UK dealer group landscape – which begs the question: to what extent will there be a knock on effect in SA? Do we think these costreduction initiatives will change the landscape of the Business to Business office channel?

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U

K dealer group organisation XPD and wholesaler Spicers are preparing to announce a joint initiative that is aimed at helping dealers strip costs out of their businesses, OPI has discovered. In what is being described as a “game-changer for the industry”, the new initiative involves a modular programme, including e-commerce and ERP tools, and will be fully integrated with Spicers’ Netalogue technology platform.

OPI understands that XPD and Spicers have been working on this project since the beginning of the year. Investments have been made by both parties, but a joint-venture company has not been established, hence the focus on a “joint initiative”.

Underpinning the initiative is the need to find the shortest – and most cost-effective – route to market, and this will be achieved via the wholesaler.

XPD has secured the exclusive rights to market with a rolling five-year agreement, and one of the interesting aspects of the scheme is that dealers won’t be required to leave their existing dealer groups.

Reducing cost to serve is certainly something of a hot topic in independent dealer circles at the moment, especially in the UK. Nectere has enjoyed success with its model, Euroffice and Superstat have launched initiatives based on this principle and OPI understands there could be even more to come.

And with everything around new wholesale entrant Gem having gone quiet for the moment, over the past few weeks all eyes have been on the dealer community or, more specifically, on its groups.

The topic is always the same: what can we offer independent dealers that helps them lower their fixed costs and overall goto-market approach?

Handing over part of the responsibility and day-to-day running of the business, on- or offline, and dealing with the hugely costly logistics side, has been the favoured plan of attack.

Several years ago, nectere paved the way with the conception of its new dealer services model. It is now firmly established in the UK with about 35 dealers working with the group, has launched in the Republic of Ireland and set its sights on several other markets, with imminent announcements expected.

NetStationers, later known as the Office Canopy Group and since rebranded as ‘buro business supplies’ goes even further back, to 2000, but as a concept works very differently as it’s a pure franchising model.

About 18 months ago, Advantia signed a deal with office2office, giving dealers Truline, while in July euroffice surprised the market with its Office Power initiative.

Most recently, Superstat announced Cadabra and XPD launched Pi. Integra is expected to take the limelight next with its very own programme, details of which are still firmly under wraps.

The only thing we know for sure now is that, unlike all the other initiatives, it will not be a programme aligned specifically to one of the two UK OP wholesalers. www.shop-sa.co.za

industry debate Game changers?

In among all these announcements, the terms ‘game changers’ and ‘unprecedented’ have come up more than just once. But are they? Broadly speaking, all parties bring something different to the table. The extent to which they do that is debatable but, quite frankly, it would be unusual if there weren’t any misgivings and a certain amount of snipe given the intensely competitive nature of the UK dealer community – and for now realistically just two viable wholesalers to support it.

“But”, says Advantia CEO Bob Geens, “any new initiative which helps the dealer community to be more competitive and profitable is to be welcomed, providing it does not add in any unnecessary cost to the supply chain.”

The notion of some initiatives only attracting failing dealers – and nectere in particular has faced much criticism here – is a repetitive, if slightly irritating, one. To blatantly generalise: why would anyone doing so very well on their own, with their own warehouse and delivery fleet – most models at least ‘strongly recommend’ a stockless model – want to ‘sign over’ any part of their business to somebody else, no matter how good they are, in some cases giving up their own identity (buro, partly nectere) and most certainly losing a certain amount of control over it?

As such, dealers will be looking very carefully at what’s on offer to establish whether a programme suits them and which they should choose. Going stockless, for example, may not be compulsory, but the benefit of joining a programme might be lost entirely if dealers choose not to go down that route.

Yet, the stockless model is usually a core part of virtually all initiatives, enforced or not and presented in varies guises, as it’s typically an area where a large percentage of dealers’ fixed costs are tied up in.

The option of working with sophisticated ordering and web platforms are other advantages that are high on the agenda.

They are also areas where small dealers in particular often lack expertise and resources and where the likes of Cadabra, XPD’s Pi and, of course Office Power score highly, often with solid wholesaler backing and support.

Small dealer focus With the exception of Cadabra which, says Superstat Managing Director Chris Collinson, is open to and suitable for dealers of all sizes, all initiatives regard the small independent dealer (or even the individual in buro’s case), with revenues of between £0.5 million ($0.8 million) and up to a maximum of £2 million as their core audience. They are the ones that have the most to gain from them and, as a general rule, also the ones that are struggling the most. Most dealers above that bracket, certainly more than £5 million, arguably already have an infrastructure in place that would make it difficult to take full advantage of the various offers.

Office Power Managing Director Tim Beech says: “We top it off at about £1.5 million because anything above that often means that the dealer is already web-savvy and marketingled.

“We’re looking for small dealers that have built their model with their own identity and with their own warehousing and logistics. These dealers are our sweet spot because they are the ones that can gain the most from using the Office Power model and make the most savings. “So it’s not necessarily web-based businesses, but those whose time is being diverted with all these other things rather than selling. With the pricing my office magazine

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industry debate view that selling is at the top of the agenda as far as dealer priorities are concerned, both modularity and identity are hugely important, both in the case of Cadabra and also Pi. Says Collinson: “Dealers have spent many years building their reputations in their chosen field and geographical areas.

We intend to enhance this reputation, not take it away. So, while we require the dealer to acknowledge that they are part of the Cadabra family in their marketing, their own name will remain prominent throughout.”

Dealer group lifeline Arguably, all these initiatives provide as much of a new lifeline and raison d’être to the dealer groups themselves – and a financial and possibly even acquisition target for the likes of Office Power – as they provide a service to dealers.

As Alan Ball, CEO of Spicers which is at the heart of many of them, says: “The buying groups are coming up with these models, because unless they do something to add further significant value, they would come under pressure themselves because they haven’t got any long-term viability. The initiatives may vary, but the underlying principle is the same and that’s helping dealers take cost out of their business and focus on selling rather than all the other administrative things that they are used to doing.”

There’s no doubt among any of the people OPI spoke to for the purpose of this article that the sheer number of dealer groups in the UK is unsustainable going forward. But that’s not necessarily implying that those that have not jumped on this particular ‘cost-to-serve bandwagon’ will be the ones in most danger.

visibility and competitive landscape as it is, a lot of dealers are having their margins squeezed at the top and trying to cut costs at the bottom while at the same time maintaining service levels.”

Modularity and identity are two points that also frequently come up in conversation and it’s here where opinions – and models – are divided. Office Power is not modular – it’s an end-to-end solution – but dealers are, as Beech points out, “often more than happy to go with what we’ve got because it looks better; the way it works, the route to market, website design, etc”. But, he adds, they always keep their own name, colouring, font style and so on on the web platform.

Buro, meanwhile, is not modular in any way and the franchisee also has no identity of its own. But the franchising model also caters for a very specific audience (the individual) and is very much a lifestyle choice, as CEO Alan Bonner points out.

He says: “Operating someone else’s business model is a half way house to outright business ownership and this does not suit everyone, so finding good franchisees who understand the sector and are able to sell and share the values of buro is an ongoing challenge. We are not a dealer service organisation supporting dealers with their own working practices, personality and portfolio of customers. All customers are buro customers and receive a common experience and our most successful franchisees are those that understand that the job is about selling.”

And, while the dealer group initiatives concur with the

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industry debate

Too good to be true?

As Mike Gentile, CEO of US dealer group Independent Stationers, says with more than a hint of scepticism: “The many new initiatives and programmes being introduced in our industry are most intriguing. But we need to do a deep dive into these specific programmes to fully vet their respective benefits to the independent dealer. Some programmes claim to reduce fixed operating costs and streamline the supply chain which should result in freeing up existing resources for market share growth.

“Who would not be in favour of that? Well, sometimes when it is too good to be true, it isn’t true. We have found that some initiatives are mere “share shift” programmes that can be a Trojan horse for the independent dealer and the manufacturer.”

Fellow US dealer group TriMega is equally sceptical. Says EVP of Member Development Grady Taylor: “We’ve heard of one of these programmes coming to the US and we’re wondering if, at the end of the day, it’s nothing more than a roll-up. There are at least three dealerships in TriMega that are already doing this to a certain extent. If this concept was going to be wildly successful then I would have thought that these [US] initiatives would have made larger inroads already than they have to date.”

Taylor is referring to America’s Office Source, a network of

www.shop-sa.co.za

independent OP dealers located in several cities across the US. Created during the heyday of the OP superstores in 2000 when many small independents were rolled up or simply went out of business, like the UK initiatives, the concept revolves around dealers focusing on selling while the host – America’s Office Source – provides the tools to make the rest happen (for more info, www.americasofficesource.com).

The issue with any model like that, and Taylor also refers to Indoff (see www.indoff.com), is that he questions both its appeal, as well as its success rate. “The premise with a concept like Indoff is that the dealer goes out to sell, while the Indoff people handle everything else; the dealer-cumsalesman gets half of the growth margin. But the allure of half the gross profit starts going away when Indoff starts charging back for delivery costs etc and the next thing you know is that the salesperson is making what he was making before, maybe even less…”

And is there room for another layer in the chain that wants a share of the profit too? According to Paul Musgrove, Managing Director of nectere, there is. “Shared resources are cheaper – end of story. If you save £10,000 and use £5,000, that still leaves you with £5,000. It’s not physically possible to remove all the overheads, but by aggregating things become cheaper.

In the past 18 months, for example, our dealer margins have gone up by five points.”

Musgrove has been vindicated to a great extent, of course.

Having come under heavy criticism when nectere first launched in 2010, he says: “Everybody is now trying to copy us – and a poor copy from what I’ve seen so far – and that’s quite nice.” The good bit, he adds, is “that dealers are really looking up now and hopefully they’re going to see what works best for them”.

As Spicers’ Ball concludes: “Some of these initiatives will fail and some will succeed, but overriding any specific platform developed by whoever in whichever format, I have no doubt that it will change the way that dealers operate.” m

Send your comments or opinions to editor@shop-sa.co.za – anonymous submissions will be accepted.

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personability

Q&A

Tower is a leading brand of self-adhesive and A4 printable products and accessories for the office, factory and home. The brand is part of Pyrotec, a privately owned South African company that specialises in providing innovative and top quality product identification solutions to help its customers improve their business.

with Stephen Beattie

Meet Stephen Beattie, General Manager at Tower.

Tell us about your childhood and some favourite memories of growing up?

I am one of five brothers so the home was a busy one. When we were not working in the family business during the school holidays, our family travelled all over Southern Africa.

At what stage of life do you find yourself at now?

Building on the foundations set during the last 20 years.

What is your life’s motto or personal brand?

To add value to every situation and person around me.

Use three words to describe yourself.

Adventurous, resilient, focussed.

Briefly describe the highlights of your working career.

Being part of a team that is growing Pyrotec’s three business units; and leading the Tower brand into new markets and territories.

What has been your greatest lesson in life?

The more one learns, the more one realises how little one knows!

Tell us about the highlights or achievements you have enjoyed in your career?

Building a team of colleagues who have substantially grown the Tower brand over the years. Also, building partnerships with international companies such as Microsoft.

If you could change one thing in your industry, what would it be?

We are privileged to be part of a wonderfully supportive and close-knit office products industry in SA. If there is one thing that we would change is to be more aware of the need to be globally competitive in what we do as South Africans become more integrated into the international community.

How do you handle stress?

Go for a run or have a glass of red wine.

What is the one thing you can’t do without?

My wife and children.

What would be the most valuable question you could ask yourself?

Am I enabling people around me to prosper?

What would you say is the most important ability a leader should have?

Integrity and clarity.

Where will the most significant growth occur in your industry in the next few years?

In office and home products suitable for emerging markets, both within SA and in the countries north of us.

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What are the most pivotal moments in your career that you either learned from or that got you where you are?

The most pivotal moments in my career have all been failures or mistakes. Without naming examples, the lessons have been: 1) one cannot compromise on customer service and one needs to assertively re-engineer one’s business if there is a drop in service; 2) perseverance in the face of often seemingly insurmountable odds, and; 3) there is no point in the first two, if one is not having fun!

How do you spend your Sunday’s?

An early morning cycle, then church, followed by a social with close friends.

What is your favourite retail store?

Vida E Café.

What was the last new thing you bought?

Running shoes.

What is your favourite song currently?

‘Little Wonders’ by Rob Thomas.

Where do you like to go on holiday?

Camping along the Garden Route or Paternoster.

What car do you drive and why?

Toyota Prado – it’s perfect for camping in remote places with the family.

Favourite social beverage?

Guinness draught beer.

Tell us something about yourself, we didn’t know.

I have three daughters and a son.

How are you ‘proudly South African’?

By building a business that provides employment for its surrounding communities.

When do you read your copy of the shop-sa magazine?

As soon as it arrives in the post, over a lunchtime coffee.

Vol 97 - November 2013

breakroom supplies

Routine,

sales

Cleaning products fall into a category of products in the marketplace which remain in demand all the time.

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leaning products are one of the basic necessities of each and every household, office, factory or shop and form a basic supply product that gets re-ordered on a routine and regular basis.

Whether being used to keep the shine on a chrome and glass office suite, or to mop up after a specific manufacturing process in a factory, cleaning products are necessary for maintaining attractive and healthful conditions in the workplace.

In addition to the obvious aesthetic benefits of cleaning, the removal of dust, allergens, and infectious agents is crucial to maintaining a healthful indoor environment, whether it is a compressed air duster for the CEO’s keyboard or a industrialsize cleaning cart for a hospital’s hallway. Hygiene in public places, and cleanliness in hospitals, kitchens, canteens and office blocks go hand-in-hand and - often required to meet specified levels of authorised hygiene levels - remain a top health priority and a fixed item on the monthly order form.

From floors to windows, ovens to bathrooms, laundry rooms to hospitality lounges, furniture to dishwashers there exists an array of cleaning and hygiene products available, and may even include items such as water purifiers and chlorinators for pools and water features.

Much of the essential products on order cover the traditional all-purpose cleaners and disinfectants which are sold in large quantities for decanting into spray or squeeze bottles; as well as polishers and fresheners in aerosol form.

Because cleaning is a common household task, most people give little thought to why certain cleaning products work the way they do. The truth is that cleaning is rooted in chemistry, as the chemical properties of different substances make them suitable for cleaning hard surfaces, floors, upholstery, clothing, and other items. For example, canteens and break rooms benefit from a disinfectant which clears away pathogens left behind by food, such as staphylococcus and salmonella. In their concentrated forms, some commercial cleaning products can be classified as hazardous, creating potential handling, storage, and disposal issues for users, making staff training essential as part of the sales order.

There are a multitude of options on the disinfectant market that can meet office needs relating to allergies and preference if bleach-based disinfectants are too harsh, and many green options are on offer in the market.

First, assess your existing client’s needs and then offer the most efficient and cost effective options that fall within the client’s scope of buying principles and health and hygiene needs.

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educational furniture Acknowledgment www.chairworld.co.za ; www.reboni.co.za

Every day has its desk and chair Educational furniture should be considered an investment in the future of an institution so choosing high quality classroom or office furniture is top priority.

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uality furniture plays a vital role in education and can improve learning among students, faculty and staff members alike, since good looking furniture creates a positive environment and promotes better attitudes towards learning

School furniture includes desks, chairs, tables and shelves among others with the ingredients that make each piece of high-quality dependent on its particular functions. Both students and teachers use desks as a primary piece of furniture in the learning process. Throughout the year desks endure consistent and repetitive use and should feature sturdy built designs with steel in the framing and coated protection of the wood to stand up to year after year of abuse. Desks for younger children should have an added layer of safety with covered screw and rounded corners.

Students spend on average six or more hours each school day seated at their desks while teachers often spend countless hours of overtime in addition to daily learning hours. Uncomfortable www.shop-sa.co.za

seating leads to spinal and back problems in growing children and can make students restless, which can affect their abilities to concentrate and absorb vital information.

Student chairs should be contoured to meet the natural curves in the back and have bottom seating designed for hours of sitting. Teacher and faculty chairs should also be contoured but with an added layer of comfort with padding in the seat and arms. Computer chairs should also see added padding as more schools transform during the technology age.

For Chair World, their best seller in their range is the S3000 mid back operator chair, which offers good lumbar support while still being very well priced.

Says Chair World’s Mathilda Palvie when speaking about current trends in educational furniture: “I find that educational furniture tends to be very traditional, which is sad in a way. A more creative environment could be set up for the students. But unfortunately costs often play a big role. I wish there was a standard with regards to what kind of chair a company must provide their staff with, similar to what is happening in Europe.

We often find staff sitting on a chair that gives the same amount of lumbar support as a box. But since there is no law that governs a minimum standard for seating, a company cannot be held responsible, even if the chair an individual is sitting on

is bad for their health, so as a supplier, we see it as our responsibility to only supply high quality furniture and to educate the buyers as to what is most suitable for their environment.”

One of the newer chairs in their range is the Genesis Ergonomic High Back chair. It comes standard with a synchro mesh with seat slider function. This award winning chair is 100% South African, with several options of arm heights. Says Palvie: “What really makes this chair exceptional is the fact that it is a “green” chair, 100% recyclable with no carbon footprint.”

Reboni, a South African based company and exporter to the African continent, manufactures economically designed educational furniture for school, office, hostel and hospitals made of solid timber, board and steel. Their knock down furniture is easy to assemble by unskilled labour and economical to transport in containers, offering opportunity to uplift educational conditions at the maximum of savings. Says Byron Donaldson, Marketing Director: “Quality has always been a key factor to our success. We were South Africa’s first furniture factory to be awarded the SABS mark on school furniture. In a bid to stretch our wings to the international export market, we have been successfully certified under the BS EN ISO 9001:2000 Quality Management System.” m my office magazine

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company news Redfern announcement On the 14th of June we bade farewell to Helen Goodson who has been our Brand Ambassador since 2008.

We are pleased to announce that Monya Creighton has accepted this very important role and we have no doubt that her capabilities are flawless for this position.

Monya has been with Redfern for the past six years as the Western Cape sales representative during which time she has built an amazing and solid rapport with her clients, which we have no doubt she will carry forward nationally.

Her friendly and warm personality has endeared her to staff, managers and suppliers alike.

Prior to joining Redfern, Monya was an International Banking Consultant for 12 years, dealing with local and international clients and transactions. Her history of client liaison clearly indicates that she is a people’s person, passionate about keeping clients happy.

Please join us in wishing Monya every success in her new portfolio as she enthusiastically accepts this new challenge.

Eastman Kodak appoints ACT as authorised distributor Eastman Kodak has recently appointed Advanced Channel Technologies (ACT) as an authorised distributor of Kodak Personalised Imaging Products in South Africa.

“Kodak remains fully committed to South Africa as one of our important emerging markets. We needed to find a strong partner who can support our vision for accelerated growth in a rapidly transforming industry while offering enhanced service levels to take the brand forward and reach even further heights in Southern Africa.

I believe ACT provide a perfect fit because they share our commitment to serving customers and are prepared to continue investing in the growth of the business with us.” Says Alfred Otieno, Business Manager for Personalised Imaging for Middle East and Africa.

ACT will be responsible for the distribution, business development, and marketing of consumables for retail printing and the servicing of Kodak retail digital printing systems. Currently there are over 100 Kodak Express stores and over 700 Kodak digital printer outlets serving consumers countrywide.

Advancements in smart phones, tablets and connectivity, combined with the consumer’s desire for speed, experiences and personalisation make today a pivotal time for the photographic printing industry. Kodak is providing seamless ways for people to access their images and create great products immediately in-store.

Christian Zanin, brand ambassador for Kodak in South Africa said “Through this latest range of advancements, Kodak will create a new category that will enable our partners to go beyond their traditional photo product offering to capitalise on the growing personalised and connected imaging market”.

Please email ACT on kodak@act3.co.za or call on Tel: +27 11 885 4653 should you have any queries.

Castledex - Tidy Files Merger Spirit Capital is pleased to announce the acquisition by its subsidiary, Tidy Files (SA) (Pty) Ltd of an additional 50% interest in Castledex Business Systems (Pty) Ltd. The transaction, concluded by means of a share swap, achieves the goal of retaining the invaluable skills and experience within Castledex whilst enabling further cooperation between the two businesses, specifically involving the expansion of Castledex’s offsite and electronic filing services across Tidy File’s countrywide branch network.

The benefits of combining the two businesses are immediately visible and we look forward to further enhanced results.

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Hansol Hi-Q Titan plus gets the thumbs up On Friday 27th September 2013 it was announced by SARS in the Government Gazette that provisional payment in relation to anti-dumping duty is imposed on coated papers imported under the tariff heading of 48.10. from China and The Republic of Korea. Essentially what that has done is impose a duty of 14.14% on all coated paper imported from China, and 17.25% from Korea, excluding that manufactured by Hansol Paper and Artone Paper.

The duties are implemented with immediate effect and will run for the provisional period to 14th March 2014, by which time a final determination on this issue going forward will be made by ITAC. “We are particularly pleased with this outcome which has vindicated Hansol’s reputation as a responsible, reliable and consistent supplier of a quality coated product to the South African market. Hi-Q Titan Plus is, and has been the leading coated paper product in this market for a number of years, the pricing for which, given the exceptional quality, has been at a fair value level, that this announcement has supported” commented David James, Marketing and Purchasing Director at Antalis. “We were steadfast in our belief that Hi-Q Titan Plus was not being sold in South Africa at a price level lower than the Hansol domestic price in Korea, and this confirms that.” Antalis South Africa is the sole stockist and distributor of the Hansol coated paper, Hi-Q Titan Plus in South Africa. www.antalis.co.za.

Vol 97 - November 2013

company news PNA Annual Awards Winners PNA recently held its annual Hoedown Showdown Franchisee of the Year Awards evening. Congratulations go to all the 2013 winners.

Medium Store National Franchisee of the year: PNA Secunda owned by Barend & Zelda van der Walt and represented here by Kallie & Eileen Janse van Rensburg.

Large Store National Franchisee of the year: PNA Somerset Mall – Chris & Tana van der Merwe – represented here by Riëtte van der Merwe.

Bosch launches Aquatak high pressure washers The South African division of Bosch Power Tools has expanded its local DIY offering after launching a range of user-friendly Aquatak high pressure washers for home use. The Bosch line of Aquatak DIY high pressure washers combine power, mobility and optimal performance to ensure effortless cleaning of home contents such as cars, driveways, patios and garden fixtures. Bosch Power Tools SA senior brand manager Juergen Lauer notes that the range includes the entry-level AQT 33-10, the mid-sized AQT 35-12 and the larger-scale AQT 37-13.

“All Bosch Aquatak DIY high pressure washers are classified as cold water units, and are designed for utilising water that is up to 40 degrees C in temperature. What’s more, all models boast innovative 3-in-1 nozzle technology that enables the user to select from the fan-jet, roto-jet and low pressure-jet options to suit a specific cleaning application - with a simple turn of the nozzle,” he states.

For greater manoeuvrability and flexibility, all Bosch Aquatak models come standard with a 5 m cable and a 3 m hose, in addition to a rotating gun barrel to swiftly adjust the angle of the jet when required. “The Bosch Aquatak range is among the most user-friendly in the local market today, thanks to an advanced detergent suction system and easily connectable SDS fittings, together with an ‘Auto-Stop’ system that delivers the exact amount of power only when required ,” adds Lauer.

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WELCOME Office Club welcomes returning member All In One Stationers, Springs and new members Macaw Printers & Stationers of Glen Anil, Durban and Jack & Jill Stationers of Milpark Gauteng.

www.shop-sa.co.za

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Book now for the upcoming shop-sa Golf Day at the Metropolitan Golf Course, Cape Town.

011 781 0370 my office magazine

33

eco news

sustainability Proudly South African company scoops Green Award greenOffice, a proudly South African company, which over the past years has grown from the remanufacturing of used printer cartridges to offering a full Managed Print Service has been awarded the NPO category of the Mail & Guardian ‘Decade of Greening the Future’ award 2013 for its greenABLE company.

In 2011, greenOffice was instrumental in the setting up of greenABLE, the first and only printer cartridge recycling facility in the whole of Africa. Today, greenABLE is a highly successful non-profit company based in Pinetown, KwaZulu-Natal. Through skills development and the creation of job opportunities, greenABLE reduces the level of waste products produced through office printing and gives back by educating members of the surrounding community, thereby enabling families to support themselves. “greenOFFICE is an organisation that is passionate about making a difference and adding value to people lives. Every single person we interact with as a business must feel like we have touched their lives” says Director Wayne Fyvie. greenOffice offers companies the opportunity to manage their printing environment through their Managed Print Services (MPS), providing transparency and clarity on the costs involved in their office document creation environments in order to encourage companies to reduce their waste, be more efficient in the use of resources and, ultimately, reduce their current total cost of ownership of printing devices by between 30% - 50%. greenOffice’s remanufactured, quality laser printer cartridges are built to compete with traditional printer products in terms of print quality, as well as page yields, and the company constantly strives to ensure exceptional product and service excellence. The entire MPS solution also includes cartridge supplying, the collection and recycling of used cartridges, and the servicing and maintenance of printing hardware to ensure the office’s printing equipment always functions at optimal efficiency. greenOffice directors Wayne Fyvie and Warren Valentine

eco news

Literacy bracelet raises funds for ‘Boks for Books’ school campaign The Bead Coalition (Pty) Ltd, has selected Blue Groove Africa, South African Rugby Union’s (SARU’s) partner in the “Boks for Books” Literacy initiative, as the beneficiary of proceeds from sales of its new “I AM LITERACY” bracelet. Every bracelet sale is a guaranteed R10 for literacy development in South Africa.

The beautiful rainbow-coloured beaded bracelets, launched by The Bead Co. in September 2013, are handmade by women in a beading community in rural North West Province. The bracelet, carrying the message “Today’s reader is tomorrow’s leader” emphasises the significance of improved literacy for school learners.

The “Boks for Books” initiative is SARU’s first venture into CSI and was born of a desire to make a significant contribution to South African society by supplying 23 fully stocked mobile or refurbished libraries a year to previously disadvantaged schools around the country.

The ‘I AM LITERACY’ bracelets will be available to purchase at selected CNA stores countrywide, Exclusive Books, Look & Listen, Norman Goodfellows and online at www.thebeadco.co.za for R40 each. They will also be distributed for sale at schools across South Africa.

“We encourage as many people as possible to purchase a Literacy bracelet and assist us in providing one of the most fundamental rights, which is education, to the children of South Africa,” said Elise Fish, Managing Director of Blue Groove Africa.

Green driving principles for fleet owners Fleet vehicles as a rule are driven hard, averaging more than triple the mileage, fuel consumption and emissions of personal vehicles. It effectively makes a fleet expensive to operate, in addition to being a major source of pollution and a contributor to global warming. With increasing global pressure to adopt greener practices throughout the business value chain, telematics is proving to be an invaluable measurement and planning tool towards running a greener, more efficient fleet. Not only is this good for the environment, but it’s good for the bottom line too.

This is according to John Edmeston, Managing Director of Cartrack South Africa. “The drive towards clean fuels and technology in the transport sector is an imperative and many fleet operators may soon find themselves under pressure from their clients to demonstrate their greening practices as a means to continue doing business with them, in fact it has the potential to become a competitive advantage.”

Fleet management technology, of which telematics is a key driver, has been in existence for a number of years now, and as the technology advances, its importance as a fleet ‘greening’ tool has become more significant. Vehicle telematics is essentially an integrated use of telecommunications and informatics utilising Global Positioning System (GPS) technology to keep track of vehicles that are on the move.

“For the fleet owner, telematics is a powerful means to manage the behaviour of drivers. Not only does it provide the fleet operator with information about the vehicle routing, usage and driver behaviour, it also provides a very clear roadmap of problematic behaviour to allow you to implement the necessary corrective action with absolute precision,” says John.

For example: Choosing the right size vehicle for the job and route can reduce carbon emissions since bigger vehicles with more wheels on the tarmac and 6- or 8-cyclinder engines can increase costs and emissions.

Cartrack has a significant edge when it comes to telematics as reporting back to the client is done in real time, which provides the means to influence driver behaviour for the better at the point of transgression.

“Because our IP is 100% home grown, we can provide clients with virtually any configuration to address their specific and unique challenges. There’s virtually no limit to the cost-saving and greening benefits that can be derived by promoting safer, more responsible driver behaviour,” concludes John.

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my office magazine

Vol 97 - November 2013

product showcase

McBag Student bag Panache The new Panache nylon pencil bag is a compact bag that is ideal for students. The bags come in vibrant trendy colours in blue, orange, pink and lime green. A heavy duty zip with the Bantex embossed puller for easy opening offers a quality, stylish product. Panache, item code B9728 is packed in assorted colours 24 per carton.

Tel: 011 473 9800 • Fax: 011 474 3542 www.bantex.co.za

Zippa bags – Mesh – Plain Colours Mesh bags in semi-transparent fabric in 4 vibrant plain colours, blue, orange, pink and lime green. A heavy duty zip with the Bantex embossed puller is in keeping with the Bantex style and quality. The bags are ideal for exams and accessories of all sorts.

3 sizes are available: DL – 230 x 130mm – B2077 – packed 24 in assorted colours A5 – 240 x 208mm – B2078 – packed 24 in assorted colours A4 – 340 x 280mm – B2079 – packed 24 in assorted colours

Tel: 011 473 9800 • Fax: 011 474 3542 www.bantex.co.za

Noted – PP Cover A new range of notebooks with PP front and back covers in 4 vibrant trendy colours to match the new Bantex pencil and mesh bags. Twin wire spiral bound with 70gsm 80 sheets, with perforation and drilled holes. Available in A5+ and A4+ size.

A5+ - B1841 – packed in assorted colours, 6 per carton A4+ - B1842 – packed in assorted colours, 6 per carton

Tel: 011 473 9800 • Fax: 011 474 3542 www.bantex.co.za

Slim-Line display books Slim and compact, with vibrant coloured opaque flexible PP covers, with a convenient label holder and insert label. Quality PP copy-safe pockets welded onto the back cover to provide the slim-line effect. Available in 10 and 20 pocket capacities.

10 pockets – B3315 and 20 pockets B3316, packed in assorted colours, 24 per carton.

Tel: 011 473 9800 • Fax: 011 474 3542 www.bantex.co.za

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product showcase

NEW SMARTPHONE DICTATION APP The new Olympus Dictation App for iPhone and Android makes it possible to create a highquality voice recording anywhere in the world - and then immediately send the recording directly into a back-office workflow system. With the Olympus Dictation app, users can create crystalclear voice recordings anywhere with their smartphone. Encrypted dictation files can then be emailed or sent directly into the organization’s Olympus Dictation Management System workflow for automatic routing to a transcriptionist, voice-recognition software or a secure archive. That means increased efficiency, decreased costs and getting more done in less time.

Tel: 0860 00 1922 Email: sales@maynards.co.za www.maynards.co.za

DJ Tech speaker - ITALLBOY - Wooden tower docking station for iPad, iPhone, & iPod - Bass / Treble adjust - Composite / S-Video output - Works with iPhone 4S or older - Built in PLL FM Tuner - RCA AUX-IN Audio input

- Dimensions: (W x D x H): 220 x 211.5 x 865mm - USB interface / SD card slot with MP3 play back - Clock single alarm (iPad not included, just used for illustration)

Tel: 011 248 0300 www.koloksa.co.za

NOBO Nautile Easel The NOBO Nautile flipchart easel is smart and functional with a handy full width pen tray. A hinged clamp makes it quick and easy to change pads while sliding hooks ensure it takes most pad sizes. It is ideal for light use or message displays with a dry wipe surface.

Legs are individually height adjustable (105cm to maximum height of 184cm).

Available in Magnetic and Non-magnetic.

Tel: 011 226 3300 Fax: 011 837 9489 Web: www.rexelsa.co.za

Rexel V210 Value student Punch The Rexel V210 value punch is ideal for students . It is a two-hole metal punch that punches up to 10 sheets. Paper alignment guide. Available in black and blue.

Tel: 011 226 3300 Fax: 011 837 9489 Web: www.rexelsa.co.za

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my office magazine

Vol 97 - November 2013

product showcase

Rexel Giant Heavy Duty Stapler The Rexel Giant is a heavy-duty quality stapler that staples up to 100 sheets.

This robust office workhorse uses Rexel staples in No. 66/8,11 and 14 leg lengths.

Tel: 011 226 3300 Fax: 011 837 9489 Web: www.rexelsa.co.za

JUSPLAY Exciting android kids educational tablet • Pre-loaded interactive apps for kids 4 and above • Kids market – free to download more than 1000 apps for kids • Smart parental control • Learn language, maths, history, science

and geography in a fun environment • My Zoo: fun activities to learn more about animals • My Music: Play back music/songs • My Video: Capture and playback video files • My Pictures: Browse pictures, photo’s in album • My Cloud: Free to download games, video’s, e-books and apps

Tel: 011 450 4168 Email: sales@edumall.co.za www.edumall.co.za

SCOREMORE Maths and Physical Science for grade 10, 11 and 12 • Curriculum based digital content • Interactive simulations • Printable worksheets • Test centre • Solved exam papers

Tel: 011 450 4168 Email: sales@edumall.co.za www.edumall.co.za

Philips Voice Recorders NaturallySpeaking

and

Nuance

Dragon

Philips Speech Processing offer a range of Digital Voice Recorders for every need – be it for recording notes, conversations, lectures, music, meetings and professional dictation.

All models are compatible with Dragon NaturallySpeaking speech recognition software. The entire range has a six-star rating from Nuance – the highest ranking available. This shows that the Philips Recorders are state-of-the-art and feature first-class microphone technology for excellent audio input quality.

Tel: 011 887 1056 Email: info@speech.co.za Web: www.speech.co.za

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Source products here A ADDING MACHINE, POINT OF SALE AND MACHINE ROLLS BSC Stationery - Treeline PaperGeni Rotunda ADHESIVES, GLUES AND SPRAYS BIC South Africa (Pty) Ltd - Correction Fluid, Glue sticks & Super Glue BSC Stationery - Treeline, BIC, Bostik, Ponal, Pritt, Pentel, Staedtler Palm Stationery Manufacturers - New Wave Freedom Stationery - Marlin ADHESIVE NOTES 3M SA PTY Ltd - Post-it ® BSC Stationery - Stick ‘n Notes

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ART, CRAFT, GRAPHIC AND DRAWING MATERIALS BSC Stationery - Treeline, Pentel, Pilot, Henkel, Bostik, Staedtler, CTP Stationery - A4 coloured poster boards Freedom Stationery - Marlin Max Frank - Uni, Artline Pentel S.A (Pty) Ltd. - Oil pastels and watercolour paint

B BAGS AND CASES BSC Stationery - Treeline, Penflex, Gotcha, Staedtler Flip File - Business cases.

Freedom Stationery - Space Case and Marlin Global Bag And Sportswear Manufactures Custom schoolbags ,tracksuits Kolok - Kenton Topmark - School Bags, Laptop Bags, Pencil Cases, Sports Bags, Luggage BATTERIES BSC Stationery - Eveready Nikki Distributors - Duracell Batteries Nikki Distributors - Energizer Batteries

BIN RANGE Krost Office Products

BINDING ACCESSORIES AZ Trading - Plastic Comb, Wire, Thermal & Covers Beswick Office Products - Fellowes BSC Stationery - Treeline, Rexel CTP Donau - Donau files and slide binders, A4 poster board Martin Yale Africa - Comb, Wire Parrot Products - Parrot Comb Binding Machines Rexel Office Products - Rexel and GBC W Vos & Co - Renz covers & combs, ringwire BINDING MACHINES AZ Trading - DSB, Neorel Beswick Office Products - Fellowes Martin Yale Africa - Martin Yale Parrot Products - Parrot Comb Binding Machines Rexel Office Products - GBC and Rexel ranges W Vos & Company - Renz.

BOARDS BIC South Africa (Pty) Ltd - BIC Velleda School Whiteboards BSC Stationery - Bestboards, Pentel, Pilot, Artline, Penflex CTP Stationery - Flip Chart Pads Hortors Stationery - Legal Notices i.e. Basic Conditions & OSH Act and Leave and Absence Chart Freedom Stationery - Marlin Max Frank - Artline Flipchart Markers, Artline, Maxi whiteboard markers Palm Stationery Manufacturers - New Wave Parrot Products - Full range of boards and accessories. Custom boards printed to your specification.

Rexel Office Products - NOBO whiteboards, pinboards, easels and accessories BOOK COVERS CTP Stationery - Poly Prop Donau heavy duty covers Empire Toy & Stationery - Butterfly paper Freedom Stationery Gordon’s Productions - contact paper woodgrain, marble, pattern designs. Magic cover back to school clear and coloured self

Effortless binding with perfect my office magazine 40 results

adhesive paper. (4M rolls, A4 and lever arch).

Plastic coated brownkraft rolls and pre-cut polythene covers.

Grafton Paper Products Palm Stationery Manufacturers - brown paper rolls, poly rolls, gift-wrap RBE - Papersmart BOOKS AND PADS BSC Stationery - Treeline CTP Stationery - Impala and premier books and pads Freedom Stationery - Manufacturers Hortors Stationery - Legal registers Impala Vuwa Stationery Manufacturers Palm Stationery Manufacturers Power Stationery - Powerstar RBE - NCR Business Books BOXES AND CARTONS Beswick Office Products - Bankers Box to Boxes and Cartons CTP Stationery - Archiving Systems Rexel Office Products Specialised Filing Systems - Archive and Off-Site Tidy Files - Acid free archiving products

C CALCULATORS BSC Stationery - Treeline, Kaiser, Sharp Freedom Stationery Kolok - HP Nikki Distributors - Truly calculators Palm Stationery Manufacturers - New Wave Power Stationery - Powerstar Rexel Office Products - IBICO CALENDARS CTP Stationery - Diaries assorted sizes

CALLIGRAPHY Max Frank - Artline

Vol 97 - November 2013

CombBind C12

CombBind C20

CombBind C340

CombBind C150 Pro

buyer’s guide Canteen Kolok - Tea, Coffee, milk etc, Sunbeam(appliances), Cleansui (water filters and refills) Carbon Paper and films RBE - NCR Business Books CD’S, DVD’S AND DISKETTES Kolok - Verbatim, Kenon

See page 46 for contact details CORPORATE STATIONERY & GIFTING Star Stationers and Printers CRAYONS AND CHALKS BSC Stationery - Treeline, BIC, Henkel, Faber Castell, Staedtler Freedom Stationery - Marlin Palm Stationery Manufacturers - Chalks and Crayons Power Stationery-Powerstar

CLIP BOARDS CTP Stationery - DONAU brand Parrot Products - Masonite and whiteboard

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CLIPS, FASTENERS AND PINS Freedom Stationery - Marlin Grip Binders Essentials, Stephens, Penguin Tidy Files - Filing solution

DESK SETS AND ACCESSORIES BIC South Africa (Pty) Ltd - Desk Set Solo Delux BSC Stationery - Treeline Freedom Stationery - Marlin Krost Office Products Ledger Systems - Falcon Products Rexel Office Products - Rexel Eco Range

COLOURING BOOKS Empire Toy & Stationery - Empire books Freedom Stationery - Marlin Palm Stationery Manufacturers - New Wave COMPUTER ACCESSORIES Beswick Office Products - Fellowes Kolok - Verbatim, Kenon Krost Office Products Pyrotec - Tower Inkjet-laser labels, business cards and photo paper COMPUTER CLEANING Beswick Office Products - Fellowes Pyrotec - Tower computer cleaning range Kolok - ComputerCare COMPUTER CONSUMABLES CTP Stationery - Full range of DONAU files KMP - for computer consumables Kolok Unlimited - Penguin (Ribbons, Toners, Inkjets,) ,Till and fax rolls Redfern Print Services - Redfern inkjet/laser/ copier labels and a full range of stationery labels

COMPUTER HARDWARE Kolok Unlimited - Blazer UPS systems, Geha (Interactive white boards)

www.shop-sa.co.za

WireBind W20

MultiBind 230 Comb & Wire

DIARIES, PLANNERS AND ORGANISERS CTP Stationery - CTP Brand Hortors Stationery - Legal diaries Rexel Office Products - NOBO planners, refills and T-card kits South African Diaries - For all your diary needs DICTATION - TRANSCRIPTION Olympus Audio S.A - Digital Voice Recorders, Transcription Kits and Accessories.

Powerhouse Dictation for Philips - Dictation, transcription, meeting recording, mini-tapes, foot pedals, accessories DRAUGHTING AND DRAWING OFFICE SUPPLIES CTP Stationery - A4 Poster Boards

E EMBOSSERS AND ENGRAVING Rubber Stamp & Engraving Co - Ideal & Trodat Embossers (pocket, desk and electronic), Trotec

ENVELOPES AND MAILING BSC Stationery - Leo Envelopes, Jiffy CTP Stationery - Commercial envelopes Global envelopes Grafton/Star KZN ENVELOPES Merpak Envelopes - Simplistic, full range of printed and plain envelopes Narayan Wholesaler - Wholesaler of Quality Envelopes, Peel and Seal PaperGeni RBE - Papersmart ERASERS & ERASING / CORRECTION FLUIDS BIC South Africa (Pty) Ltd - Tippex tape, bottle and Pen BSC Stationery - Treeline, BIC, Artline, Faber Castell, Pentel, Pilot, Staedtler, Pritt Freedom Stationery - Marlin Max Frank - Uni Palm Stationery Manufacturers - Tape/Erasers Pentel S.A (PTY) LTD - Hi-Polymer and Ain eraser, correction tape and pens Power Stationery-Powerstar

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FAX ROLL MANUFACTURERS Rotunda Files and filing African Filing Systems - Top retrieval filing and arching products BSC Stationery - Treeline, Mobifile CTP Stationery - Full range of quality DONAU brand Flip File - Executive display files, expanding files, Document folders, dividers Freedom Stationery - Edo / Unifile Palm Stationery Manufacturers - Lever arch, Ringbinder files, Manilla flat folders Grafton/Star Kolok - Geha (Binding machines) Palm Stationery Manufacturers - leaver arch, ring binder files, manilla flat folders.

Pentel S.A (Pty) Ltd. - Display book Vivid, document file, clip file and presentation file Rexel Office Products - Prima and Rexel ranges Specialised Filing Systems - Top Retrieval, Archive and Off-Site Tidy Files - Filing solutions

www.rexelsa.co.za41 my office magazine

ClickBind 15

ThermaBind T400

Source products here FOLDERS BSC Stationery - Treeline, CTP Stationery - DONAU Brand Freedom Stationery - Marlin Palm Stationery Manufacturers - View files, polypropylene & board folders Tidy Files - Specialised FORMS - LEGAL AND MISCELLANEOUS Hortors Stationery - complete range of custom, company, miscellaneous, magisterial, etc.

FURNITURE - OFFICE & SCHOLASTIC Krost Office Products - accessories New Era Office cc - Specialising in all office furniture desks, chairs, credenzas, boardroom tables, etc Reboni Furniture Group - Manufacturing and distribution of educational and office furniture Specialised Filing Systems - Cabinets, Shelving and Hi-Density

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G GUILLOTINES AND TRIMMERS AZ Trading - DSB, Kobra Beswick Office Products - Fellowes, Vivid Martin Yale Africa - Martin Yale Rexel Office Products - SmartCut and ClassicCut W Vos & Co - Ideal

I INDEX TABBING AND DIVIDERS 3M SA - Post-it flags, Flag pen and highlighter BSC Stationery - Treeline, Flip File CTP Stationery - DONAU Brand board and P.P Flip File - Index Tabs, Flip tabs Freedom Stationery - Marlin Palm Stationery Manufacturers Grip Binders Rexel Office Products - Rexel, Mylar and Prima board

INKS KMP - for computer consumables.

Max Frank - Shachihata, Artline Rexel Office Products - Numbering machine ink Rubber Stamp & Engraving Co - Trodat, Noris fastdry, security, numbering, franking.

Laundry.

Beswick Office Products - Fellowes Kolok - GEHA, Penguin laminating pouches and rolls Martin Yale Africa Parrot Products Rexel Office Products - GBC LEGAL STATIONERY Hortors Stationery - All legal registers, forms, diaries etc

J

LETTER TRAYS Krost Office Products

Janitorial Kolok - Goldenmarc (Cleaning products), Brooms, Mops and equipment.

M

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MAILING TUBES CTP Stationery

LABELLING MACHINES Kemtek Imaging Systems - Distributor of Brother P-Touch Labelling System

MARKERS BIC South Africa (Pty) Ltd - Permanent Markers, Highlighters, whiteboard BSC Stationery Sales - Treeline, Collosso, Penflex, Artline, Maxi, Pentel, Pilot, Bic Freedom Stationery - Marlin Interstat Agencies - Edding Max Frank - Artline , Maxi, Uni Parrot Products - White board, permanent and OHP markers. Wide range of highlighters Penflex - White board, flipchart, permanent markers, highlighters Pentel (Pty) Ltd. - Maxiflo, white board marker and paint marker Power Stationery - Powerstar

LAMINATING MACHINES AZ Trading - DSB, Speedlam, Lamiace Beswick Office Products - Fellowes Kolok - GEHA and Galaxy

MATHEMATICAL GEOMETRY SETS & ACCESSORIES Freedom Stationery - Marlin Palm Stationery Manufacturers Power Stationery-Powerstar

LABELS BSC Stationery - Treeline, Tower, Midmadex Freedom Stationery - Marlin Nor Paper Pyrotec - Tower stationery, inkjet-laser labels Redfern Print Services - Redfern Inkjet/laser/ copier labels and a full range of stationery labels Specialised Filing Systems - Filing Tidy Files - Filing solutions

Martin Yale Africa - Fujipla Parrot Products - Parrot A4 and A3 Laminators Rexel Office Products - GBC and Rexel ranges W Vos & Co - PEAK & Renz.

MINUTE AND GUARD BOOKS Hortors Stationery - Company registers, minute books and other legal registers Ledger Systems - Falcon products

LAMINATING POUCHES AND MATERIALS AZ Trading - A0 to ID card size

Simply faster to the finish...

TM

Introducing the new line of Fusion Laminators

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Vol 97 - November 2013

my office magazine

Fusion 1000L

Fusion 1100L

Fusion 3000L

buyer’s guide

See page 46 for contact details

N NUMBERING MACHINES Rexel Office Products Rubber Stamp & Engraving Co - Reiner Dater/ Numberer (manual/electronic), Trodat

O

Palm Stationery Manufacturers - Cubes and board Paper World Handmade Paper, Embossed Paper, Specialty Papers, Scented Paper Board, Paper Products Power Stationery-Powerstar RBE - Papersmart Rexel Office Products - Prima Paper & Board TRIBE - TRIBE Inkjet Paper and Film PAPER FOLDING MACHINES Martin Yale Africa - Martin Yale W. Vos & Co - Ideal

OFFICE ERGONOMICS Beswick Office Products - Fellowes Back/ Wrist/Foot support; Notebook riser stand Rexel Office Products - Kensington copyholders, risers, footrests, Rexel range of electric staplers and punches which reduces chances of RSI (repititive strain injury) Office Furniture IXAXA Office Furniture - Office furniture (Desks and Chairs) from reception to CEO’S office OVERHEAD PROJECTION AND ACCESSORIES 3M SA (Pty) Ltd. - Overhead film, transparency, multimedia Kolok - Penguin Transparencies Max Frank - Artline Parrot Products - Data Projectors, OHPs, screens and rear projection film Penflex - Penflex Overhead projector pens Rexel Office Products - NOBO

PENCILS BIC South Africa (Pty) Ltd - BIC Evolution Graphite, BIC Matic Clutch ,Velocity Clutch, Atlantis Clutch, BU4 Clutch BSC Stationery - Treeline, BIC, Pilot, Pentel, Uni, Staedtler, Henkel Freedom Stationery - Marlin / Edo Max Frank - Uni Palm Stationery Manufacturers Pentel S.A (Pty) Ltd - Hotshot, Mechanical Pencil, Techniclick Pencil.

Power Stationery - Powerstar Rexel Office Products - Rexel HB & Derwent Staedtler SA (Pty) Ltd - Tradition, Wopex, Technical, Clutch Pencils and lead PENCIL LEADS BIC South Africa (Pty) Ltd - Criterium 0.5mm leads Freedom Stationery - Marlin Max Frank - Uni Pentel S.A (Pty) Ltd - Ain lead, standard lead - various grades

P PAPER AND BOARD Antalis South Africa - Office paper and packaging solutions BSC Stationery - Apex Paper - Typek,Rotatrim CTP Stationery - DONAU A4 poster boards Empire Toy & Stationery - Butterfly paper Freedom Stationery Grafton/Star Kolok Unlimited - Geha (paper media), EPSON, HP, CANON, Nor Paper

PENCIL SHARPENERS Freedom Stationery Palm Stationery Manufacturers Power Stationery - Powerstar PENS BIC South Africa (Pty) Ltd - Clic, Crystal, Orange and Prismo BSC Stationery - Treeline, BIC, Pilot, Pentel, Uni, Staedtler, Henkel, Lexi, Penflex Freedom Stationery - Marlin and Edo Max Frank - Artline, Maxi, Uni Palm Stationery Manufacturers

PEN CARBON BOOKS BSC Stationery - Treeline, RBE Freedom Stationery - Marlin Power Stationery - Powerstar RBE - NCR Business Books PERSONAL STATIONERY CTP Stationery - Home office and personal filing system, diaries Grafton/Star PLANNING BOARDS AND ACCESSORIES Parrot Products - Range of year planners, term planners, maps and in/out boards. custom printed boards designed to specification.

Rexel Office Products - NOBO planners

43

POINT OF SALE PRINTER ROLLS PaperGeni Rotunda PRINTING Olivetti Imports - Distributors of Multifunctional Printers / Copiers Star Stationers and Printers Kolok - Epson, Lexmark (Hardware), Hp Printers, Oki (Hardware) PRINTER CONSUMABLES Impression Management - Prinart, Logic, Q-Ink, Sanchi, Oliser and ATIKMP - For computer consumables.

Kolok - EPSON (inkjet, large format etc), LEXMARK, HP, Brother (Toners and Inks), Oki (Toners, inks and Ribbons), Tally Genicom (Ribbons), Seikosha (Ribbons), Panasonic (Toners and Ribbons), Kyocera (Toners), Printronix (Ribbons), IBM (Ribbons), Ricoh (Toners), Fujitsu (Ribbons) Nor Paper PaperGeni Royce Imaging Industries - Remanufacturers and suppliers of inkjet and laser cartridges

www.rexelsa.co.za43 my office magazine

www.shop-sa.co.za

Fusion 3100L

Penflex - Penflex ballpoints and rollerballs Pentel S.A (Pty) Ltd - Superb Ballpoint, Energel Pen Power Stationery - Powerstar Staedtler SA (Pty) Ltd - Ball point, Fineliner, Gel and Pigment liner pens

Fusion 5000L

Fusion 5100L

Source products here Technical Systems Engineering - Suppliers of quality compatible cartridges and bulk inks for Epson, Canon, Lexmark, HP and Samsung PUNCHES AND PERFORATORS Beswick Office Products - Kangaro BSC Stationery - Treeline, STD, Rexel Freedom Stationery - Marlin Krost Office Products Parrot Products - Parrot range of punches Power Stationery-Powerstar Rexel Office Products - Rexel

Palm Stationery Manufacturers Parrot Products - chalk boards/slates Power Stationery - Powerstar Pyrotec - Tower Adhesive Book Cover 45cm x 2m

Freedom Stationery - Marlin Krost Office Products Interstat Agencies - Genmes Parrot Products - Parrot range of staplers Rexel Office Products - Rexel range

SCISSORS AND CUTTERS Freedom Stationery - Marlin Palm Stationery Manufacturers Power Stationery-Powerstar Rexel Office Products

R

SCRAPBOOKING Rexel Office Products - Trimmers and guillotines Rubber Stamp & Engraving Co - Making memories, Clearsnap, Marvy, Ranger, Bazzill, Carl

STATIONERY SUNDRIES - SCHOLASTIC BSC Stationery - Treeline, Pritt, Henkel, Staedtler, Pentel, Pilot, BIC, Artline, Penflex CTP Stationery - DONAU Scissors and cutting knives Freedom Stationery - Marlin, Edo and Unifile Palm Stationery Manufacturers - New Wave Power Stationery-Powerstar

RUBBER STAMPS Max Frank - Schachihata X Stampers Rubber Stamp & Engraving Co. - Trodat

44

RUBBER STAMP MANUFACTURING EQUIPMENT Rubber Stamp & Engraving Co - AZ Liquid polymer, TROTEC laser engraver, flash system RULERS Freedom Stationery - Marlin Palm Stationery Manufacturers Power Stationery-Powerstar Penflex - PENFLEX rulers

S SCHOLASTIC SUPPLIES BSC Stationery Sales - Treeline CTP Stationery Empire Toy & Stationery - Butterfly Flip File - Flip File display books A5, A4, A2, A3 Freedom Stationery - Marlin and Edo Gordon’s Productions - contact paper woodgrain, marble, pattern designs. Magic cover back to school clear and coloured self adhesive paper. (4M rolls, A4 and lever arch).

Plastic coated brownkraft rolls and pre-cut polythene covers.

Grafton Paper Products Impala Vuwa Stationery Manufacturers Max Frank - Artline, Maxi, Uni

44

SHREDDERS AND ACCESSORIES AZ Trading - DSB, Kobra, Roto, Repairs to all makes Beswick Office Products - Fellowes Kolok - GEHA entry level and high-end shredders Martin Yale Africa - Intimus, Martin Yale, PaperMonster Nikki Distributors - Nikki shredders Parrot Products - Parrot range of value shredders Rexel Office Products - Rexel range W Vos & Co - Ideal.

SLATES Freedom Stationery - Marlin Parrot Products - Whiteboard and chalk board SPECIALISED STATIONERY AND BOOKBINDING Ledger Systems - Law reports and periodicals SPIKE FILES Grip Binders STAMPS, STAMP PADS AND INKS Rubber Stamp & Engraving Co - Trodat, preinked stamps, stamp and fingerprint pads STAPLING MACHINES AND STAPLES Beswick Office Products - Kangaro BSC Stationery - Treeline, STD, Rexel

STENCILS Freedom Stationery STORAGE SYSTEMS CTP Stationery - Archiving Systems Suspension Files Kolok - VERBATIM (hard drives, USB sticks etc), HP Specialised Filing Systems - Filing Tidy Files - Filing solutions

T TAPES 3M SA (Pty) Ltd. - Brand Scotch® MagicTM BSC Stationery - Sellotape, Brother Freedom Stationery Palm Stationery Manufacturers TELECOMMUNICATIONS NIKKI Distributors - Siemens office phones TELEX ROLLS AND TELETEX PAPER Rotunda THERMAL ROLLS Rotunda TONERS AND CARTRIDGES KMP - Computer consumables Kolok - PENGUIN (Inkjets and Laser toners), EPSON, LEXMARK, HP. PaperGeni

Vol 97 - November 2013

my office magazine

STACK

SHUT

DONE

Autoplus 60 X

Autoplus 80 X

Autoplus 100 X

buyer’s guide

TOP RETRIEVAL FILING Optiplan a div of Waltons - Paper based top retrieval filing systems Specialised Filing Systems - Total Solution and more Tidy Files - Complete onsite and offsite filing solutions

See page 46 for contact details

V VISITORS BOOKS/REGISTERS Ledger Systems - Falcon Products - visitors books, hotel guest register, restaurant reservation registers

TOYS, HOBBIES AND GAMES Freedom Stationery Pyrotec - Toby Tower Stickers and Activities TRANSFER LETTERING AND SIGNS Parrot Products - Vinyl lettering TRANSPARENCIES Kolok - Penguin transparencies for inkjet and laser OEM, Penguin and HP Transparencies Rexel Office Products - NOBO range

45

DID YOU KNOW? • Buyers Guide is an affordable way of highlighting your brands while also introducing up and coming new stockists to the trade.

• The Buyers Guide is a valuable sourcing tool to market your business and the brands that you carry.

• Contact Wendy to book space on wendy@shop-sa.co.za or Tel: 011 781 0370

www.rexelsa.co.za45 my office magazine

www.shop-sa.co.za

Autoplus 175 X

Autoplus 250 X

Autoplus 500 X

Autoplus 750 X

contact details here 3M 011 844 9202

PvtBag X926, Rivonia, 2128

(

011 624 8000

Box 86173, City Deep, 2049

(

011 607 7600

debbie@parrot.co.za

7

011 806 2388

Customer Serv: 0800 118 311

7

0866 101 185

labelling@kemtek.co.za

7

011 615 2502

www.parrotproducts.biz

African Filing Systems

Kemtek Imaging Systems - Cape

Penflex

(

011 896 5279

www.africanfiling.co.za

(

021 521 9600

Box 181, Cape Town, 8000

(

021 521 2400

Box 36964, Chempet, 7442

7

086 540 6892

info@africanfiling.co.za

7

021 551 5032

brenth@kemtek.co.za

7

021 521 2402/3

info@penflex.co.za

Antalis South Africa (Pty) Ltd

Kemtek Imaging Systems - KZN

Pentel S.A (Pty) Ltd

(

011 688 6000

Box 6893, Johannesburg, 2000

(

031 700 9363

Box 15685, Westmead, 3608

(

011 474 1427/8

Box 202, Crown Mines, 2025

7

011 688 6162

marketing.office@antalis.co.za

7

031 700 9369

Sandim@kemtek.co.za

7

011 474 5563

www.pentel.co.za

Antalis South Africa (Pty) Ltd - Cape Town (

021 959 9600

7

021 959 9640

Box 19231, Tygerberg, 7505

Antalis South Africa (Pty) Ltd - Durban (

031 714 4000

7

031 700 9253

Box 284, Umhlanga, 4320

Antalis South Africa (Pty) Ltd - Pretoria (

012 379 0060

7

012 379 0052

Box 4013, Pretoria, 0001

Antalis South Africa (Pty) Ltd - Bloemfontein (

051 447 8681

7

051 447 6765

Box 1795, Bloemfontein, 9300

Antalis South Africa (Pty) Ltd - Port Elizabeth (

041 486 2020

7

041 486 2219

Box 9088, Estadeal, 6012

Antalis South Africa (Pty) Ltd - Pietermaritzburg (

033 386 2078

7

033 386 2078

Box 1425, Pietermaritzburg, 3200

Antalis South Africa (Pty) Ltd - Botswana (

00267 391 2139

7

00267 397 5459

Box 1705, Gaborone

AZ Trading

Kemtek Imaging Systems - PE

Powerhouse Dictation

(

041 582 5222

Box 15685, Westmead, 3608

(

011 887 1056

info@speech.co.za

7

041 582 5224

clinth@kemtek.co.za

7

086 555 3833

www.speech.co.za

Kemtek Imaging Systems - PTA

Power Stationery

(

012 804 1410

PO Box 816, Silverton, 0127

(

032 533 4003

Box 1305, Verulam, 4340

7

012 804 4286

johlettat@kemtek.co.za

7

032 533 3254

powersta@netactive.co.za

Pyrotec

KMP (

021 709 0190

Box 183, Steenberg, 7947

(

021 787 9600

PvtBag X1, Capricorn Square, 7948

7

021 709 0199

kmppty@iafrica.com

7

021 787 9791

tower@pyrotec.co.za

Kolok Unlimited - Head Office

RBE Stationery Manufacturers (Pty) Limited

(

011 248 0300

Box 4151, Johannesburg, 2000

(

011 793 7321

sales@rbe.co.za

7

011 248 0381

infojhb@koloksa.co.za

7

011 793 7348

www.rbe.co.za

Kolok Unlimited - Cape Town

Reboni Furniture Group

(

021 597 2700

Box 6385, Roggebaai, 8012

(

086 173 2664

7

021 297 2799

infoctn@koloksa.co.za

7

086 627 7737

www.reboni.co.za sales@reboni.co.za

Redfern Print Services - Cape Town

Kolok Unlimited - Durban (

031 570 4900

Box 4206, Riverhorse Valley East, 4017

(

021 552 9680

Box 403, Milnerton, 7435

7

031 569 6880

infodbn@koloksa.co.za

7

021 552 9681

sales@redfern.co.za

Redfern Print Services - Durban

Kolok Unlimited Polokwane (

015 298 8795

Box 862, Ladanna, 0704

(

031 205 9598

dbnoffice@redfern.co.za

7

015 298 8315

infopol@koloksa.co.za

7

031 205 7092

www.redfern.co.za

Kolok Unlimited - Port Elizabeth

Redfern Print Services - Johannesburg

(

086 111 4407

www.aztradingcc.co.za

(

041 406 9900

Box 3163, North End, 6056

(

011 837 4119

Box 1445, Crown Mines, 2025

7

011 792 9732

sales@aztradingcc.co.za

7

041 406 9920

infope@koloksa.co.za

7

011 837 8917

jhboffice@redfern.co.za

Beswick Office Products

Rexel Office Products

Kolok Unlimited - Namibia

(

011 433 2686

Box 82319, Southdale, 2135

(

00264 (61)370500

Box 40797, Ausspannplatz, Namibia

(

011 226 3300

www.rexelsa.co.za

7

011 680 2166

info@beswick.co.za

7

00264 (61)370525

valne@kolok.com.na

7

011 837 2781

admin@rexelsa.co.za

BIC South Africa (Pty) Ltd

Kolok Unlimited - Nelspruit

Rotunda

(

011 474 0181

PO BOX 43144, Industria, 2042

(

013 758 2233

Box 4338, White River, 1240

(

021 552 5135

Box 189, Maitland, 7404

7

011 474 6068

16 Maraisburg Road, Industria, 2042

7

013 758 2235

infonel@koloksa.co.za

7

021 551 3070

rotunda@iafrca.com

BSC Stationery Sales

Kolok Unlimited - Bloemfontein

Royce Imaging Industries

(

011 420 3250

Box 278, Brakpan, 1540

(

051 433 1876

PvtBag X01, Brandhof, Bloemfontein

(

011 792 9530

www.royceimaging.co.za

7

011 420 3322

sales@treeline.co.za

7

051 433 2451

infobfn@koloksa.co.za

7

011 792 9480

sales@royceimaging.co.za

CTP Stationery

Kolok Unlimited - Botswana

Rubber Stamp & Engraving Co - Head Office

(

011 226 5600

Box 43501, Industria, 2042

(

00267 393 2669

PvtBag B0226, Bontleng, Gaborone

(

011 262 1400

Box 931, Wendywood, 2144

7

011 474 9242

sales@versafile.co.za

7

00267 317 0762

clemencem@vbn.co.bw

7

011 262 1414

trodat@rse.co.za

Empire Toy & Stationery

Rubber Stamp & Engraving Co - Cape Town

Krost Office Products

(

011 614 2243

Box 261524, Excom, 2023

(

011 626 2067

Box 75401, Gardenview, 2047

(

021 448 7008

Box 931, Wendywood, 2144

7

011 614 3075

empire@netactive.co.za

7

011 626 2912

sales@krost.co.za

7

021 448 7014

cpt@trodat.co.za

Flip File

Rubber Stamp & Engraving Co - Durban

KZN ENVELOPES

(

021 638 3105

Box 2190, Clareinch, 7740

(

031 465 3992

P O Box 41259, Rossburgh, 4072

(

083 377 4109

Box 931, Wendywood, 2144

7

021 633 6942

ashly@flipfile.co.za

7

031 465 1669

info@kznenvelopes.co.za

7

031 266 1082

dbn@rse.co.za

Freedom Stationery - Johannesburg

South African Diaries

Ledger Systems

(

011 314 0953/4

Box 6459, Halfway House, 1685

(

011 433 1808

Box 82586, Southdale, 2135

(

021 442 2340

Box 4862, Cape Town, 8000

7

011 314 0957

gpsales@freedomstationery.co.za

7

011 433 8863

info@ledgersystems.co.za

7

021 442 2341

phoneyman@sadiaries.co.za

Freedom Stationery - Cape Town

Staedtler SA (Pty) Ltd

Martin Yale

(

021 557 9152/3

36-38 Silverstone Rd Killarney Gardens

(

011 838 7281

phillip@martinyaleafrica.com

(

011 579 1600

www.staedtler.co.za

7

021 557 9155

cptsales@freedomstationery.co.za

7

011 838 7322

www.martinyale.co.za

7

011 608 3497

admin@staedtler.co.za

Freedom Stationery KZN (Head Office)

Specialised Filing Systems

Max Frank

(

032 459 2820

Box 478, Mandini, 4490

(

011 921 1811

Box 200, Isando, 1600

(

011 477 0640

7

032 459 3255

sales@freedomstationery.co.za

7

011 921 1569

sarah.schoeman@tigerbrands.com

7

011 477 3528

Freedom Stationery - East London (

043 731 2422

Box 14111 West Bank 5218

7

043 731 2421

elsales@freedomstationery.co.za

Global Bag And Sportswear Manufactures

Maynards - Olympus Audio S.A / Olivetti Distributors (

0860 00 1922

www.specfiling.co.za

Star Stationers and Printers

sales@maynards.co.za

(

031 569 1061

luke@starstat.co.za

www.maynards.co.za

7

031 569 1094

www.starstat.co.za

Technical Systems Engineering

Merpak Envelopes

(

031 305 6507

P.O Box 18586, Dalbridge, 4014

(

011 719 7700

sales@merpak.co.za

(

011 708 2304

Box 1532, Northriding, 2162

7

031 301 6553

www.globalbags.co.za

7

011 885 3174

www.merpak.co.za

7

011 708 1799

sales@tse.co.za

Global Envelopes

Tidy Files

Narayan Wholesaler

(

031 465 5544

envelopes@absamail.co.za

(

083 444 0959

7

031 465 5634

www.envelopes.co.za

7

011 869 7243

narayantextiles@gmail.com

(

011 943 4210

www.tidyfiles.co.za

Topmark (

011 837 8045

(

031 705 8713

Suite 69, PvtBag X4, Kloof, 3640

(

011 334 2013

Box 10383, Lenasia, 1821

7

011 837 7442

7

031 705 8714

jacquie@gordons.co.za

7

011 334 7358

kuban@neweraoffice.co.za

Tower (Division of Pyrotec) - Cape Town

Gordon’s Productions

New Era Office cc

info@topmarksa.com

(

021 787 9600

(

011 262 0777

Box 550, Bergvlei, 2012

(

0860 006731

cpt@nikki.co.za

7

021 787 9791

7

011 262 0780

sales@graftonpaper.co.za

7

0800 204868

www.nikki.co.za

Tower (Division of Pyrotec) - Johannesburg

Grafton/Star Paper Products

Grip Binders (

011 421 1300

Nikki - Cape Town

orders@tigerpaper.co.za

PvtBag X1, Capricorn Square, 7948

(

011 611 1820

59 Lepus Rd, Crown Mines, 2025

(

0860 006731

dbn@nikki.co.za

7

011 611 1834

tower@pyrotec.co.za

7

0800 204868

www.nikki.co.za

Tower (Division of Pyrotec) Durban

Nikki - Durban

Hortors Stationery (

011 620 4800

Box 1020, Johannesburg, 2000

Nikki - Johannesburg

(

031 701 0192

Box 594, Pinetown, 3600

7

086 612 4663

orders@hortors.co.za

(

0860 006731

jhb@nikki.co.za

7

031 701 1285

tower@pyrotec.co.za

7

0800 204868

www.nikki.co.za

Tribe

Impala Vuwa Stationery Manufacturers (

036 634 1535

Box 389, Ladysmith, 3370

Nikki - Pretoria

(

011 314 4746 (Jhb)

Box 6280, Halfway House, 1685

7

036 634 1890

impalastat@mweb.co.za

(

0860 006731

pta@nikki.co.za

7

021 386 4261 (Cpt)

tribe@global.co.za

7

0800 204868

www.nikki.co.za

Versafile

Impression Management (

DBN 031 777 1222

www.impression.co.za

Nor Paper

(

JHB 011 708 7743

sales1@impression.co.za

(

011 011 3900

(

CPT 021 592 0847

7

011 011 4099

Interstat Agencies - Durban

sales@nor.co.za

Optiplan a division of Waltons

(

031 569 6550

Box 201707, Durban North, 4016

(

011 620 4000

Pencil Park, Croxley Close, Herriotdale

7

031 569 6559

interstat@mweb.co.za

7

086 681 8256

rcurrin@gp.waltons.co.za

Interstat Agencies - Cape Town 021 551 9555

Box 36696, Chempet, 7442

(

031 507 7051

viran@palmstat.co.za

7

021 557 5456

Capetown@interstat.co.za

7

031 507 7053

www.palmstat.co.za

041 453 2558

Box 27693, Greenacres, 6057

(

011 011 3900

info@papergeni.co.za

7

041 453 8504

pe@interstat.co.za

7

011 011 4099

www.papergeni.co.za

(

011 392 3628

011 226 5600

Box 43501, Industria, 2042

7

011 474 9242

sales@versafile.co.za

W. Vos & Company (

011 493 7139

www.wvos.co.za

7

011 493 8807

info@wvos.co.za

PaperGeni

(

IXAXA Office Furniture

(

Palm Stationery

(

Interstat Agencies - Port Elizabeth

46

Parrot Products

Kemtek Imaging Systems

(

Paper World 14 Isando Road Isando

(

012 250 1477/8

info@paperworldsa.com.

IXAXoffice@gmail.com

7

012 250 1477/8

www.paperworldsa.com

my office magazine

Vol 97 - November 2013

product news

The rise of the

leaflet-label: a great idea that stuck

Pyrotec’s MD Rowan Beattie explains how the story behind Fix-a-Form® unfolds

I

n recent years, the market has seen the popularity of leaflet-labels explode. This clever little device has been pounced on by the pharmaceutical and agrochemical companies, in particular, due its ability to contain extensive information in the space of a standard label. Stringent legislation requires that comprehensive information pertaining to a product’s composition, dosage instructions, precautions and indications be included with the goods – yet packaging space is limited. This is where Fix-a-Form® steps in.

Fix-a-Form® is the world’s first ever leafletlabel and an internationally-recognised brand. This device, which allows for multiple page inclusion in the form of a booklet or folded sheet, makes brand owners lives easier in that it allows them to include all of the information required by law in the space of a standard label – and all without compromising the aesthetic of the packaging or production speeds. Simple, but genius.

But who came up with this innovation?

Where did the first leaflet-label originate?

Pyrotec is the exclusive South African licensee of the original leaflet-label, Fixa-Form®, and Managing Director Rowan Beattie gives us the inside scoop.

Welcome Rowan! So who was it that came up with the great idea of a leaflet-label?

Unfortunately I cannot take credit for this one!

Fix-a-Form® is the brainchild of the Denny brothers, and its story goes all the way back to 1945 when Russell and Douglas Denny returned from the Second World War to their home in the UK. The brothers had been given their demobilisation pay and decided

www.shop-sa.co.za

From Left to Right: Barry Denny – Denny Brothers (Fix-a-Form International), Mike Cooper (Fix-aForm International), Rowan Beattie (Managing Director of Pyrotec), Douglas Denny – Denny Brothers (Fix-a-Form International) and Russell Denny – Denny Brothers (Fix-a-Form International).

to invest it by creating a small commercial printing outfit. They first began operating from their garage and later were able to secure premises in the market town Bury St Edmunds. The brothers worked hard to build up a strong reputation by supplying a range of printed materials to local businesses and soon became renowned for their innovative and customer-centric approach.

But how did they come up with the idea?

The story goes that during the late 1970’s the brothers were approached by an agrochemical manufacturer that wanted to include multiple pages of user-information directly onto the product. The brothers realised that the only way they would be able to include this information – and still retain the aesthetic of the packaging - would be to add multiple pages to a single label, rather than the product directly. The result of their innovation was to mark the birth of Fix-a-Form®...and the rest, as they say, is history!

What made the idea forgive the pun stick?

Fix-a-Form® is such a simple concept. Many printers at the time were printing leaflets and labels but none thought of combining the technology to produce something that gave added benefits. The Denny brothers initially assembled these leaflet and label combinations by hand and later machinery was engineered to produce these en masse.

Today the Denny Bros Group operates from a purpose-built facility in the UK employing over 100 people across the group along with a strong network of partners.

When did Fix-a-Form® first start attracting international attention?

It was the 1980’s that saw the company take the front pages of the trade magazines, sign up international licensees and see

rapid growth. As a result,Fix-a-Form® International was established with the purpose of recruiting independent printing companies to represent the brand globally.

The company has won many awards for its success, but the most memorable was the 1983 Fasson Awards where Denny Bros picked up ‘Best Innovation’ and ‘Company of the Year’.

Today Fix-a-Form® is the market leading brand of multi-page solutions produced locally in over 20 countries worldwide operating via a network ofindependent manufacturers appointed under exclusive licence.

When did Pyrotec come on board as a licensee?

We were the first ever licensee to sign up with Fix-a-Form®Internationalin 1983 and Pyrotec is the exclusive licensee for South Africa.

What does the future hold for Fix-a-Form® in South Africa?

There’s lots of new technology that will impact on product packaging and communication with end users, but the future of Fix-aForm® is assured as packaging continues to develop around the principles of brand visibility, functionality and sustainability that Fix-a-Form® embodies.

Pyrotec has recently invested in stateof-the-art equipment and technology to increase capacity of our Fix-a-Form® leafletlabel production and efficiently process large volume orders, as we have noted this increased demand. Our intention behind this investment is to allow us to partner with our customers through offering a world-renowned, trusted product combined with the kind of excellent service that has made us an industry leader for the past 45 years. m my office magazine

47

punchline

Laugh out loud…

Send us your funniest caption for the photograph below and you stand a chance to win a Rexel Laminator GBC Fusion 1100 A4 valued at R2 000. Send your Punchline and contact details to competitions@shop-sa.co.za with Punchline in the subject line.

Win

The Rexel Laminator is 33% faster than competitor machines, taking just 45 seconds to laminate a standard A4 pouch or 80 pouches per hour, with an additional cold setting for heat sensitive documents. Other features include: • Automatic switch off after 30 minutes of inactivity.

• Exit tray keeps pouches straight as they come through the heated rollers for a perfect, warp-free finish • Incorporates SureFlow™ Technology reduces jamming significantly for stress-free laminating and maximum productivity • Laminates up to A4 size including ID cards, notices and certificates • Modern, compact design easy to move around and suits most office and home environments • Single touch button interface: simple to use, no previous experience required • Three heat settings accepts 2 x 75 micron (150 in total) • pouches, 2 x 100 micron (200 in total) and 2 x 125 micron (250 in total).

WIN ME Winning caption October issue Hmmmmmm .... My mommys gone crazy again. - Larry Leong

SHOPPING for Stationery?

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