Page 4 - BOSS Today Issue 41

BOSS Today #41 INTRODUCTION

REPRESENTING

ALL SECTORS

Like BOSS itself, its CEO Phil Lawson is a creature of many parts, and proud of it...

sometimes get asked what I enjoy most opposite and feel that we should be of them small.
I about my job, which always gives me embracing and reflecting the changing I’m proud of several developing
pause for thought. I guess I’m quite often nature of our industry and highlighting initiatives: securing scholarships for the
seen to be out and about at various trade opportunities. Manufacturers think we ambitious learners in our community;
events like dealer group conferences, should be for them, as do wholesalers, providing the infrastructure for our young
socials and golf days. Some may think my resellers, service providers and associates. leaders to express themselves and shape
life is a blur of prosecco and canapes. The older generation want us to be the future direction of our Federation; the
The reality is quite different. An representing them and the younger reformation of the Writing Instruments
organization that is 113 years old like BOSS generation are keen to have their voices Association with a new and fresh purpose;
may not be the most agile - although, heard. as well as the recent formation of the
given our size, being fleet of foot should In fact, we try and stay true to all Special Interest group on Single Use
be possible. The truth is that our members of these things, whilst being agnostic, Plastic Packaging (hereafter called SUPP
want many different things from BOSS. relevant and representative. It is a great SIG). That’s not to say I’m not proud of all
Some see us as a value-added service privilege to represent our industry and to the other aspects of BOSS, but I think the
provider, offering HR, health and safety, be seen to be the body that reflects all that above come to be part of what I hope will
training and development and legal is good about our trade. Many of us have be considered as my legacy.
services. Some see us as the organiser of made a good living from it; it has been I’m also proud of the Technology
the annual industry Awards and dinner. kind to us and we are proud of it. BOSS Showcase idea, adding further useful
Others see us as a networking should speak volumes in those terms. business content on the day of our Awards
group, facilitating better But we are not ‘for’ one group on 29 November. I hope you will come out
contacts across all industry alone. We are for all. and support what I believe is a first: most
sectors and within all My actual day-to-day life is of the leading suppliers of technology
channels. part journalist, part speaker, support to the trade, including dealer
Some see us as part credit controller, part groups, will be all together in one place for
custodians of the new business person, part the benefit of dealers, manufacturers and
past in our structure marketeer, part chairperson, wholesalers.
and traditions and part minute-taker, part I hope that you are also proud of
believe that we should be networker, part confidant, BOSS and engaged with us through
nurturing and supporting part lobbyist, part event your membership. If you have some
existing players and resisting organiser, part facilitator, suggestions on how we might improve or
the changes brought about and part product developer. future directions we might take, you know
through new entrants That’s what makes it such fun. how to reach me. I’ll be the one with the
or technologies. The variety is the only glass of prosecco!
Others see us as constant. I’m a
completely man of many Phil Lawson, BOSS CHIEF EXECUTIVE
the parts; most philip@bossfederation.co.uk

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