Page 9 - BOSS Today Issue 59

BOSS Today #59

e have seen continuous change
Wand evolution of our workplaces
recently, but a common factor has
been the enthusiasm of companies
within the business supplies industry to
move with the times and embrace new
opportunities.
Sustainability Artificial Intelligence
Here are some considerations for Legislation continues to be a driver AI will continue to bring more scale for
the business supplies industry in the for major changes, but the need for a efficiency and creativity. The workforce
coming year: change of culture and holistic KPIs is will be required to understand and
being embraced by forward thinking adopt new technology and embrace
businesses. Extended Producer the benefits. We expect to see new
Responsibility legislation will continue roles emerging and people looking for
to drive improvements in the packaging courses to help them retrain. As well as
of goods and the reduction of single use manufacturing efficiencies, we expect
plastic. EPR Legislation a drive towards more personalised and
Diversification effective marketing.
Business supplies companies continue
to diversify into adjacent categories
including cleaning, workwear, catering,
furniture, and technology. Some of these
areas can require specialist knowledge
but confidence and the desire to sell new
product areas has grown post pandemic. Place of Work
Hybrid working is here to stay, but the
debate continues about the impact of
home working on effectiveness, mental
health and company culture. Some
companies are making improvements
to the facilities in their workplaces to
attract people back into the office. New
Data & e-Commerce flexible working regulations are expected
Good product data is essential to in April 2024 Flexible Working Measures.
e-commerce trading and analytics.
The pressure on companies to manage
a wider range of information will BOSS Members can view our
continue to grow. keynote speaker Daniel Hulmes’s
presentation on Rethinking AI’s
impact on Business & Humanity
here.

People & Culture
CSR policies and a change of mood
following the pandemic are continuing
Procurement to drive improved HR policies and
It can be challenging for smaller employee benefits. Recruitment
companies and start-ups to trade with remains challenging and companies are
the public sector. The 2023 Procurement reporting issues with wage inflation, a
Act aims to reform the public sector lack of available skilled workers and AI
procurement regime and is expected to generated CVs.
go live in October 2024. This will be a
digital platform that is designed to offer
a better competitive landscape, more
control and a simplified bidding process.
Procurement Act 2023

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