Page 7 - BOSS Today Issue 59

BOSS Today #59

n Product is accredited by a recognised alike. While inflation is likely to ease in We also worked on many other
third party environmental 2024 (lower energy and shipping costs, leadership topics, such as negotiation,
organisation. subject to the Red Sea being kept open personal branding, stakeholder
for commercial shipping), for many management and leading through
These fields are now available in Fusion consumers 2024 will feel just as tough change through round table sessions at
and will be filterable on EvolutionX as 2023 due to the challenge of existing our conferences.
webstores but, to date, some vendors lower rate fixed rate mortgages coming
have been unable to provide relevant to an end and renters feeling the squeeze By covering these topics we’ve hoped
content. The main challenge for vendors from higher rents. to support current and future leaders
and resellers in 2023 was the emergence to navigate a marketplace that is
of a growing requirement from However, workers will continue to come changing due to extreme inflation,
consumers for net zero information. back to the office, as the benefits for market uncertainty, an increased
collaboration, socialising and positive focus on sustainability, technological
2. Main topics for the industry in 2024 mental wellbeing start to offset the advancements (including AI) and a need
In 2024, the main topic will be the difficulties and costs of commuting. for innovation.
growing pressure on resellers to
provide consumers with environmental Hybrid working is likely to stay and it 2. Main topics for the industry in 2024
information, including Scope 1, 2 and 3 continues to offer two places to sell For 2024 we will continue to focus on
Carbon Emissions Data and the pressure workplace solutions if you have the right equipping our community with greater
on the vendors to supply additional product and service offerings and partner skillsets and the confidence to take a
information. with the right suppliers. Employers are proactive approach to their development
still investing in their office spaces in and their roles in order to deal with
order to help get their staff to come back whatever the changing economic
and this does present huge opportunities landscape brings them.
in many product categories.
We also expect there to be a greater
The challenge resellers and vendors face focus on improving sustainable practices
is to manage the gradual decline of legacy as protecting our planet continues
BOSS Manufacturers’ Forum: traditional workplace products (due to to increase in importance. There
Mark Wilkinson (Regional Vice President the digitisation of working habits) and to will be huge opportunities driven by
– UK & Ireland, ACCO Brands) accelerate the growth of new categories, technological advancements and the
1. Themes/opportunities/challenges such IT connectivity, ergonomics and increased utilisation of AI, and new
addressed in 2023 wellbeing, furniture and JanSan etc. challenges arising from the general
The main challenges for manufacturers in In some cases, traditional products are election and the Procurement Act
2023 were rising costs and price inflation, selling, but in different variations and pack towards the end of the year.
brought about as a consequence of the war sizes than those sold previously.
in Ukraine. In particular the sustainable The opportunities for innovation and
recovery of margins was a key priority diversification in 2024 are exciting
for resellers and vendors alike after the and the BOSS Leaders of the Future
ravaging effects of cost inflation in 2022. Committee will strive to continue to
support our community by assisting with
However, 2023 was not without their personal development journeys and
opportunities: we saw a gradual BOSS Leaders of the Future Committee: adding value to their businesses.
continuation of workers returning Rachael Lewis and Alex Stone (Co-Chairs)
to offices, creating opportunities to 1. Themes/opportunities/challenges We both look forward to welcoming the
galvanise sales of workplace products. In addressed in 2023 two new LotF Chairs who will bring fresh
particular we saw lots of organisations The BOSS Leaders of the Future (LOTF) ideas in 2024.
enticing their workers back to the Committee has been focussed on
office by re-fitting them with new ‘Building the best version of yourself’ Martin Wilde – the author of this
contemporary workspaces. These helped where, with the support of senior leaders article - is Managing Director of
to drive sales of categories like furniture, in our industry and some fantastic OP market research specialists
visual communications products and training partners and keynote speakers, Martin Wilde Associates Ltd
ergonomics. we’ve delivered an in depth leadership (www.martinwildeassociates.com).
development programme, covering topics
2. Main topics for the industry in 2024 such as: women in leadership; improving
The economic backdrop, the continued your resilience; maintaining focus on
and worsening geopolitical issues, as your goals in a changing market; beating
well as forthcoming UK elections, will burnout; confident communication;
all add to the feeling of uncertainty for driving innovation and emotional
the business community and consumers intelligence in leadership.

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