Page 7 - BOSS Today Issue 62

BOSS Today #62 SPECIAL REPORT BOSS Today #62

NEW MARKETS, NEW

OPPORTUNITIES: THE RISE

OF DIVERSIFICATION IN

BUSINESS SUPPLIES

Diversification has long been a buzzword within the business supplies

sector, but what does it truly mean in practice and how are companies
evolving to meet the demands of a changing marketplace?

oday, there are a wide array of needed to explore new avenues
Tcomplementary sectors to core office that complement their existing core
product offerings, from established areas provisions. we’re no longer just a
such as cleaning & hygiene, furniture & To explore this further, we spoke with provider of office supplies;
ergonomics, to emerging opportunities several of our members to learn more
in technology, print & promotional about their diversification journeys: we’re positioning ourselves
goods, safety & workwear, industrial & as the partner for the
warehouse supplies, feminine care, and n Shona Patterson, Channel Director,
also workplace wellbeing to name a few. Facilities Supplies & New Reseller, full spectrum of Everyday
Businesses are choosing to either broaden VOW Wholesale (SP) Business Needs.
their offering as a one-stop shop or refine n Ian Haywood, Managing Director,
their focus by introducing new categories. UKOS (IH)
Crucially, the opportunity exists to do n Mark Heath, Kath Briggs &
either, or both by providing a new vertical Helen Batstone, Office Power (OP) Mark Heath, Kath Briggs &
to their existing traditional offering. Helen Batstone, Office Power
There is a strategic shift towards What prompted your decision to If you tipped an entire
serving new sectors including education, offer products beyond traditional business
hospitality and logistics. While these supplies. Market pressures, opportunity office building into the
markets have always had a place within spotting, or long term strategy? street, we supply
the business supplies industry, there is
now a renewed emphasis on developing OP: It was a combination of all three. It’s everything you see.
targeted routes to market and expanding no secret that the office supplies market
product ranges to meet their unique has been contracting for over a decade,
needs. and the paperless office is becoming Mark Heath, Kath Briggs &
Organisations within the industry a reality with the advancements in Helen Batstone, Office Power
are working hard to demonstrate the technology. This shaped our long-
potential of diversification, equipping term strategy to diversify our product
partners with the tools and materials offering.

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