Page 9 - BOSS Today Issue 38

GETTING TO KNOW

OLD FRIENDS

lthough people move Society of Old Friends way and a remarkable roll call of
Abetween companies, back in 1909. They set aside guest speakers. These were
they often stay in the office their respective roles to meet often well-known authors,
products industry for a long regularly and share a spirit like HG Wells, JB Priestley
time. So, never knowing where of camaraderie and good and Dorothy L Sayers, and Friends is still going strong,
the supplier, customer or fellowship. this literary association has with members from every part
competitor they are dealing Initially, they would meet continued with, amongst of the industry, all attracted by
with today may pop up informally in pubs, the first others, John Buchan, Barbara the unique atmosphere that
tomorrow, people tend to being the Clachan Inn in Kingly Cartland and Jeffrey Archer. allows for serious networking,
build good relationships and - Street, West London, and it was But guests have come from all combined with great social
before we know it - we realise this pub that gave its name to walks of life: comedy, sport, events – read about our latest
how many old friends we have all of the Society’s subsequent TV, music, politics, drama, event on the opposite page.
around us. informal get-togethers, now exploration… the list of guests Why not get involved? If
It was this principle that known as Clachans. now features over 200 of the you’d like to know more about,
encouraged a group of The Old Friends also meet great achievers of the last or join, the Old Friends, visit
stationers, wholesalers and for formal dinners, occasions century. www.thesocietyofoldfriends.
book sellers to create The marked out by excellent dining Today, The Society of Old co.uk.

MAKING THE DIFFERENCE

reminded of the BOSS Charity doing much better at school. you’d like to help people from
when I went to the Turn 2 Us The BOSS Charity really helped our industry who are in need,
website looking for help. Before us; it’s made all the difference,” why not get involved? Look
giving up work to look after says Emma. out for our new fundraising
my son, I’d previously had sales The BOSS Business Supplies website in the New Year, where
mma’s 15 year old son has roles with two office supplies Charity supported 172 you’ll be able make your
Ebeen struggling to get to companies. I was so relieved beneficiaries last year, so if donation.
school. Nothing too odd in when the BOSS Charity said it
that, you may think, but the could help us, because my
problem was that he actually son’s school attendance
wanted to go to school. After was becoming worrying.”
suffering from glandular fever The BOSS Business
last year, along with other Supplies Charity made a
health issues, finding the one-off grant to help pay
energy for the long walk before for a new car and now
a full school day was daunting. Emma’s son’s attendance
Emma’s car was beyond record at school has
repair and, as a single parent greatly improved. “I was
who’s been out of work for a calling in very often to
while, finding the cash to buy a say he wouldn’t be
new one was unimaginable. coming in because I
Then, Emma approached The couldn’t get him there, but
BOSS Business Supplies Charity. now we are mobile, I can
Emma explains: “I was get to my new job and he’s

December 2017/January 2018 | BOSS TODAY 9