Page 31 - BOSS Today Issue 62

BOSS Today #62 NEWS NEWS BOSS Today #62

Celebrating 20 Years of retail has been widely recognised. She has BOSS Business
Sarah’s dedication to independent
Stationery Supplies been crowned Independent Retailer of the Supplies Charity

Year three consecutive years at the BOSS
Awards, a testament to her commitment
to excellence, creativity, and community
engagement in the industry. wins at the ACO
Beyond her shops, Sarah has been a
his year marks an incredible milestone squeeze. What’s kept us going is showing passionate advocate for the stationery
Tfor BOSS Member Stationery Supplies. up every day, keeping regular hours, industry, playing a key role co-ordinating Annual Awards
The independent stationery, gift and being consistent, having great products, National Stationery Week, celebrating
greetings card shop in Marple, Cheshire. keeping up with trends and customer and promoting the joy of stationery
Founded in 2005 by Sarah Laker, the needs and making sure our social media across the UK. Through this initiative, she
store has spent the past two decades helps people feel connected to the shop encourages people to reconnect with the he BOSS Business Supplies Charity Chair Kelly Hilleard, Trustee Sara
becoming far more than a retail space, it even when they can’t visit in person.” tactile, creative, and personal experience T(BBSC) has won the Small Charity Bennett and Secretary Liz Whyte
has grown into a cornerstone of the local of writing, gifting, and sharing stationery. of the Year at the ACO (Association of at a reception dinner. Supported by
community. Has your local community helped BOSS are proud to have Stationery Charitable Organisations) 2025 Annual Family Fund Business Services, the
Sarah established the Marple shop shape your success? Supplies as a valued member of our Awards on 18th September in London. awards recognise excellence across
after leaving a career in nursing to pursue SL: “I couldn’t have done it without them. community and wish Sarah and her team As remarked during the ceremony, the UK charity sector, with a focus on
her dream of running an independent The suppliers who really ‘get’ independent every continued success as Stationery the judge’s feedback was: “With an grant-making and benevolent support
business. Since then, her passion for shops and go the extra mile for us are Supplies celebrates 20 wonderful years. inspiring philosophy and approach, this initiatives.
stationery and community has only absolute gold. And the support of my volunteer-run organisation has achieved Kelly Hilleard, BBSC Chair
grown. In 2020, she expanded by opening customers has been incredible. Being part outstanding results. By educating commented, “This award belongs to
a second branch in Wilmslow, bringing the of a community means giving back too, so others, they empower people to learn, every trustee, volunteer and industry
same personal touch and quality products I try to do my bit, whether that’s through grow and support themselves – a model partner who continue to support people
to a wider audience. our charity calendar, mystery card bag To still be here 20 years of lasting impact and self-sufficiency.” in the business supplies community
To mark this incredible 20-year sales, or donating raffle prizes to local later means everything. It The trophy was presented to BBSC when they need it most.”
milestone, we asked Sarah some schools or the many other initiatives we
questions to reflect on her journey, the do. It’s a two-way relationship that makes shows that the people of
challenges she has overcome and the us all stronger.” Marple really value having
role Stationery Supplies plays in the
community. What differentiates an an independent shop at the BOSS Announces Sam Stafford as
independent retailer? heart of their community.
Can you tell us how you feel after SL: “It’s the personal touch. We know For me, it’s not just about BOSS People & Culture Forum Chair
20 years in business? our customers, we care about them and
SL: “It’s a huge achievement and one I often we’re the only person they chat to selling stationery, it’s
don’t take for granted. Running a small that day. It’s not just about buying a pen about the friendships, the
business has its ups and downs, but or a notebook, it’s about the smile, the OSS is delighted to announce Sam Including representatives from Advantia, Sam Stafford commented, “I am
having such a loyal, supportive team conversation and the experience of being conversations, and the BStafford (Chartered MCIPD) as the new ACCO, Avery, Brother, Durable, evo Group, committed to strengthening collaboration
around me makes all the difference. welcomed into a space where you’re more sense of belonging that’s BOSS People & Culture Forum Chair. Fellowes, Heatons, Lyreco, MBM Omega, across the HR profession, enabling the
We’re proud that Stationery Supplies has than just a transaction. Not forgetting the grown over the years. Sam is an experienced Head of HR Mitsubishi Uni-Ball, Paragon Business exchange of best practice, and supporting
become part of so many people’s daily specialist knowledge that reassures our and a member of Viking’s UK & Ireland Essentials, Viking UK & Ireland and YPO, organisations as they navigate an
lives and celebrations, from back-to- customers that they are in safe hands.” leadership team with a proven track the group look to cover the following: increasingly complex people landscape.
school to birthdays and beyond.” record of shaping and leading people As the role of HR continues to evolve, it
What does the future hold for strategies that deliver both organisational n Imminent new legislation is essential that leaders work together to
Have there been any trends since setting independent retailers? performance and individual growth. With n Employment law & skills reforms anticipate change and shape strategies
up your business? SL: “I think it’s all about continuing to over 15 years in HR and leadership roles, n Training & apprenticeships that deliver long-term business impact.
SL: “The stationery world has changed offer what can’t be found online: the she brings a collaborative and inclusive n Mentoring The BOSS People & Culture Forum provides
so much since 2005. Traditional office personal service, the human connection, style, contributing people-centred insights, n Diversity and inclusion an important platform for constructive
products like accounts books and the specialist knowledge, being a part thought leadership and practical support. n Employee well-being dialogue, shared insight, and collective
filing systems have declined, so I had of the local community, the chance to The BOSS People & Culture Forum was n Leadership and management progress across our sector.”
to diversify into greeting cards, gift browse and discover something lovely you created in 2024 in reaction to the incoming n Company culture
stationery, and gifts. And then there were didn’t even know you wanted. Indie shops Employment Rights Bill and exists for n Employee engagement To read more on the BOSS People &
the big hurdles: the recession, Brexit, the will keep being those destination places senior HR leads in the Business Supplies n Professional development Culture Forum click here or to join the
pandemic, the paper crisis caused by the where people come for the experience as Industry to share best practice and n Remote work group contact amy@bossfederation.co.uk
war in Ukraine, and now the cost-of-living much as the products.” understand upcoming legislation. n Recognition and rewards

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