Page 21 - BOSS Today Issue 5

and acquisition. The Government cuts still to
E-commerce was born and be announced will impact
the internet changed the way on turnover for the industry.
orders were taken, processed and Many companies are looking
supplied. The industry started to outsource core activities.
to offer next day, same day, The home market (Small Office
consolidated deliveries direct to Home Office) is expanding.
end users’ desks. The supply chain Environmental awareness and
had to change to meet the new government climate change
market conditions and started to legislation will impact on the
SALES TREND
become more complex and the range and type of office products SALES TREND
range of products supplied more supplied. Carbon reduction will
comprehensive. Consolidated require the industry to rethink its
invoicing arrived and the supply chain. INFORMATION
concept of the paperless office The X and Y generation are
was encouraged. the marketing and the buying
professionals of the future. Social The more you know ✱ Other
Looking forward media (Linkedin, Facebook, about sales trends, the ✱ Paper
Electronic office supplies today You Tube, Twitter) will influence more effective your own ✱ Presentation
accounts for 50 per cent of the the way products and services sales campaigns can be. ✱ Traditional
market by value. The traditional are perceived by these new 20 So wouldn’t it be great ✱ Writing Instruments
products of commercial something buyers and sellers. news if really detailed
envelopes, office funiture, cut The launching of new products and up-to-date data was We will be tracking
office paper, presentation and and services to the market will available on the trends month on month,
planning have all seen a decline have to embrace this new era of in our industry? quarter on quarter and
in market share whilst the major social networking. Now there is, thanks year on year trends in
beneficiary has been EOS. This At BOSS we are looking at to a new high level these 12 product groups
trend is expected to increase ways to help and support the system being launched based on the BOSS level
over the next 10 years and the industry through these changing by the Federation. 1 to level 3 categories.
current supply chain web has times. We have to change also: The system is targeted BOSS has agreements
had to adapt to meet these and we’ve just launched the new at CEOs and Product in place with a number
challenges. high level industry product trend Category Directors. It of the major companies
The internet and e-commerce data report designed to track will provide them with in the industry to supply
are seen as both an opportunity the top 12 product categories monthly information this data, including
and a threat to the industry. Cost to enable CEOs and marketing on 12 high level Vow, Spicers and
of entry to the market for small directors make informed and classifications to support Office2Office.
office product dealers is now strategic decisions. both their marketing This service will
small; supported by the dealer We are also interested in your marketing campaigns be provided free of
groups and the wholesalers, they views. Where do you see the and investment charge to all BOSS
have an important part to play in industry changing? What do decisions. Members and those
the industry. you think our lobbying priorities The categories who contribute to
The market is changing. should be? What does the reported on are as the data collection.
Specialist products and other FM industry collectively need to do follows: All contributors have
products such as tea, coffee and to embrace these changes and been asked to supply
biscuits have been added to the to come through stronger and ✱ Books & Pads quantity and value
product portfolio. more profitable? Please let us ✱ Envelopes & Labels information in a simple
So what does the future know what you think. ✱ EOS & Software spreadsheet format for
hold for the industry? There will ✱ Facilities each of the categories.
certainly be challenges ahead. ■ FOR MORE INFORMATION, Management The trend data
The economic recession which PLEASE CONTACT MICHAEL ✱ Filing & Storage will be collated and
began in September 2008 GARDNER, CHIEF EXECUTIVE ✱ Furniture produced monthly in
with the collapse of the banks ON 01676 526 060 or EMAIL ✱ Machines excel format.
has left an uncertain future. michael@bossfederation.co.uk

October 2010 | BOSS TODAY 21

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