Page 5 - BOSS Today Issue 49
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INTRODUCTION     BOSS Today      #49






          PULLING TOGETHER.







           t’s been a challenging six   In this issue of BOSS Today   Turning its attention to
         Imonths for our sector, like   we take a look at the initial   the younger demographic
         many, and I hope that those   findings from our latest   in our industry, the Charity
         of you who have worked     State of Office Supplies (SOS)   is now introducing a Future
         throughout have managed to   survey (p12), in addition   Fund, which comprises one
         take some time off in August   to hearing from a few key   off grants to support those
         to recuperate. At BOSS we’ve   players on how they feel   building a career in the OP
         endeavoured to support the   the OP industry has fared   sector. For more information
         industry throughout: initially,   throughout the pandemic   please email
         by lobbying for support    (p.6-7).                  liz@bossfederation.co.uk.
         schemes for the sector and   As it’s September, the
         highlighting the aspects of   month schools have -    Finally I’m thrilled to
         critical service it provides to   tentatively - gone back, and   announce that our Awards will
         government (to avoid shut   a crucial step in allowing   be going ahead in November:
         down). Then, by helping    employees to get back to the   please put the evening of
         members and the wider      office, we investigate what the   the 26th of November in
         industry to understand how   ‘Back to School’ season looks   your diaries.  Its format will
         to implement said schemes   like in this extraordinary year   look very different this year,
         and feeding any arising issues   (p8-9).             and we’ll be announcing full
         (flexibility of the furlough   With Brexit very much   details shortly.
         scheme/access to CBILs) back   firmly back on the agenda,
         to the government. Amongst   we share our latest bulletin
         all the challenges that    (p18-19) and give guidance on
         businesses have faced, it has   the rights of EU nationals to
         been heartening to hear from   live and work in the UK after
         members about how their    31 December 2020 (p16-17).
         teams have pulled together.  Remember that you can
           We’re now focused on     sign up for the bulletins to
         helping our members to     be delivered straight to your
         scale up and stay safe while   inbox by emailing
         adapting to a changed      liz@bossfederation.co.uk.
         economy and market. We also   I’m delighted to welcome
         see our role as ensuring that   Newstar, Paperstone, Data
         members stay connected and   Direct and Cara Stationery
         our virtual events programme   into membership, you can
         has been bringing the industry   learn more about them all on
         together: you can check out   pages 22-23.
         upcoming events on page     The BOSS Business Supplies
         26. I’m particularly excited   Charity has been working
         about our one-day virtual   hard to support those in need
         event ‘Future Focus’ on    in our industry. Since April,
         the 16th September which   it has paid out £68k to those
         addresses the post-COVID-19   who work (or have worked in)
         environment. We have some   our sector and have fallen on
         fantastic speakers lined up   hard times. Please do pass on
         (p.24) and I really encourage   the Charity’s details to anyone
         you and your teams to register   you think may be in need.
         for your complimentary place:   By working together, we can
         you can attend as much or as   help our Charity support our
         little of the day as you like.   industry.


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