Page 12 - BOSS Today Issue 5

Members’ Day

ALL ABOARD FOR THE

BOSS AGM

A packed agenda, valuable networking - and a great view

he BOSS Federation “Open the stationery cupboard Chairman of the BOSS Federation, the BOSS amalgamation with
recently staged its AGM of growth”, certain barriers have while the MV Golden Jubilee BPIF has been a great success
Tand Members’ Day on to be removed. Customers’ sailed up and down the River and has secured the future of the
9 September, which was held needs have to be identified and Thames, taking in sights such as Federation whilst simultaneously
aboard the MV Golden Jubilee addressed, and data availability The Thames Barrier, the O2 Arena, expanding and improving the
on the River Thames. The AGM has to be readily available. Tate Modern, St. Paul’s and The service to members and the
was the Federation’s 105th, and Houses of Parliament. Following industry.
its seventh as a company limited Working smarter lunch Alan Barclay in his address
by guarantee. It saw members He stressed that it was important stated that the industry must Exciting initiative
come together from all corners for companies to find suppliers move to the next level of After a brief docking for more
of the retail, stationery and office that are happy to work with cooperation and coordination guests to join, those present
products sector. them. “Get the data, get smart with a completely standardised heard of a new high level sales
Once aboard, members and get together. Share insight single product database, properly trend information reporting
enjoyed morning coffee before and share growth. Get to know exploiting the benefits of new system, designed specifically
hearing a brief welcoming the customers and remove the technology and removing or for the Office Products Industry,
introduction to the day from barriers to shopping,” he said. dramatically reducing costs that announced by Chief Executive
BOSS Federation Chief Executive, It was also important for are incurred in virtually every Michael Gardner.
Michael Gardner, who introduced companies to help themselves, business. He said growth will “This is an excellent new
the main speaker, consumer and in order to coordinate growth come from new technology and initiative which will enable our
category development expert and improve sales by taking the product range diversification member companies to see
David Sables, CEO of Sentinel following actions: which was already evident in the market trends,” said Michael.
Management Consultants. Segment for shopper ease, US market. He commented that “Aimed at CEO and Marketing
David gave an enlightening simplify ranges, layout to
presentation in the form of an segmentation, price to segment
inspirational workshop, tailored to needs and promote for category
the Federation’s members on the growth.
topic of Category Management The message to suppliers he
and its commercial edge. He said was to, “Try to be different,”
explained the definitions and whilst for customers it was
theories behind Category important for them not to get left
Management and joint working, behind.
and how they can be put to Members then enjoyed the
use to increase growth and a Chairman’s luncheon hosted
company’s bottom line. by Alan Barclay Chairman of
He explained that in order to the Vasanta Group as well as

12 BOSS TODAY | October 2010

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