Page 4 - BOSS Today Issue 10

ANOTHER

GREAT TIME

WAS HAD

BY ALL

It was only last issue that I was writing about

what a great event the BOSS Members Day was.
So it gives me great pleasure as chief executive to
be able to say what a wonderful time was had by

all at the BOSS Awards event in October as well.

t was a completely sold out event My thanks also go to Spicers and DHL
Iat the London Lancaster Hotel. for managing the vital supply chain
We literally couldn’t squeeze any through to Africa.
more people in. We did have a new At the BOSS Federation we also
burlesque theme, so perhaps that firmly believe that charity begins at
helped. But we also had Bobby Davro home. That is why we have been so
as compere, and he went down engaged in helping to promote the
extremely well. BOSS Benevolent Fund. We do need
You could tell the event was good more people to come forward with
because the social and networking ideas on how to raise money for this
side (which went on until the next very important cause. So far we have
morning) was just as strong as had mountain climbing, golf days, and
the all important awards. But the all manner of other activities. But the
highlight of the evening for me was list of possibilities is endless. Do let me
the presentation of the Outstanding know what you think.
Achievement Award to Graeme One other venture I need to
Chapman. Graeme, as you can see mention this month concerns our
from the interview with him in this smaller members. In the past the
magazine, has had a remarkable career, BOSS Federation has often wrongly
pulling off success with no fewer than been considered as purely the
three different stationery companies. It mouthpiece of larger manufacturers,
was a real pleasure to see him accept wholesalers and contract stationers.
the award from Alan Barclay, the I very much want to correct that
chairman of Vasanta Group. impression, so that is why we have
We also used the event to officially now set up a focus group made up of
launch the BOSS Federation’s tie-up our members from the independant
with Comic Relief in helping to send dealer SME community. If you are from
much needed stationery goods to that side of the business community,
schoolchildren in sub-Saharan Africa, we would very much like to hear your
particularly Southern Sudan. The ideas about what BOSS could be doing
venture has been very much the work to help you, and how BOSS could
of Angela Rippon and Geoffrey Betts, engage with smaller businesses. Do
and our thanks go to both of them send your ideas in to me. You can be
in putting together this important sure I will read and act on them. n
mission. You can read what Angela
herself has to say about it in this issue. Michael Gardner

4 BOSS TODAY | November/December 2011

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