Page 17 - BOSS Today Issue 12

60 second interview
Man of

many parts

Rob Jenkins has two roles – treasurer at BOSS and finance director

at dealer group Integra

How do you see the office which have developed significantly
supplies industry performing Rob Jenkins over this period.
generally in 2012? at a glance
With only a very modest growth in How important is your
GDP forecast for this year against After nearly two relationship with other major
a backdrop of continuing public decades in the players in the industry, such
sector cutbacks and increasing defence and as the two big wholesalers?
unemployment, the industry will telecommunications The relationship with other major
find 2012 pretty tough going. industries, Rob returned players in the industry is very
to his native Wales to join important to Integra, particularly
What do you see the BOSS the Instat Group in August our supply partners which, of
board being able to do to 1995. Within 18 months course, includes the two major
help members improve the Integra was formed wholesalers. We continually work
industry’s performance? from the merger of Instat with our partners to build on the
Provide meaningful market data to with the National Dealer ‘added value’ we bring to the
the industry, bring industry leaders Alliance (NDA) and he supply chain and we place great
together through networking became finance director. importance on the partnership
events to discuss common issues He became treasurer of approach in our relationships.
and challenges, lobby government BOSS in 2008. Outside of
on issues which affect our industry, work Rob’s great passions How do you see Integra
and provide access to good added have been theatre (both developing over the course
value services and training acting and directing) and of the next 15 years?
sport, particularly football, The answer to that is: ‘How do
How easy is it to fit your two where he’s hoping that I see the industry developing
roles into what must be a Wales will qualify for a over the next 15 years?’ We will
busy working schedule? major competition in his see continuing consolidation of
Integra obviously takes the bulk of lifetime! the industry (even among dealer
my attention, but BOSS involves at groups which to date hasn’t
least four board meetings a year, an think the core values are probably really happened) with larger
AGM and various industry events. still as relevant today as they were regionalised dealers dominating
BOSS’s link up with BPIF makes at the start. They are the provision in order to compete with the big
the role of treasurer slightly easier of better buying prices, good contract stationers. We will also
as the preparation of the financial marketing, access to a strong, see more demands put on dealer
statements is carried out by BPIF differentiating and competitive groups to provide additional
staff and my input is more akin to own brand and providing support to dealers and continuing
that of an auditor. I also value the networking opportunities for developments in technology and
input I can make generally on the dealers to discuss common issues. e-commerce. The challenge for
board. The biggest changes have Integra is to respond and adapt
probably come from the to this changing landscape so as
Integra celebrates its 15th development of our Initiative to provide relevant benefits and
birthday this year. How have brand, and the impact of the support into the future and to
you seen the role of dealer internet and e-commerce and ensure investment in necessary
groups like Integra change our need to provide cost-effective resources takes place.
in that time? solutions to our members in this
Yes, it’s 15 years – and I have been arena. The growth in ‘added value’ n VISIT www.integra-office.co.uk
here since the birth of Integra! I services and training are other areas for more InformaTIon

May/June 2012 | BOSS TODAY 17

Boss p17.indd 1 10/05/2012 10:15