BLOC Group has used its first national conference since the merger of Office Friendly and Integra to outline its vision for supporting independent dealers through an evolving workplace products market.
More than 350 members and supplier partners attended the ‘Shaping the Future’ event in Stratford-upon-Avon on 18 June, where Managing Director Jeanette Caswell highlighted the organisation’s growth since the merger and its focus on helping members identify new opportunities, embrace innovation and adapt to changing customer demands.
Caswell also pointed to the expansion of the BLOC team to more than 30 employees and emphasised the importance of collaboration and partner engagement in helping dealers achieve sustainable growth. She said members should take advantage of the group’s expanding range of business support services while continuing to work together to strengthen the independent dealer channel.
Industry trends also featured prominently during a panel discussion chaired by OPI CEO and Workplace360 Publisher Steve Hilleard. The session examined a range of issues affecting the workplace products sector, including business growth, mergers and acquisitions, diversification, workforce development and the growing role of AI.
Panellists agreed that AI should be viewed primarily as a tool to improve efficiency and support better decision-making rather than replace people, while stressing that strong customer relationships remain fundamental to long-term success. Building resilient businesses through recurring revenue streams, diversified product portfolios and a clear understanding of customer needs also emerged as key themes.
Alongside the conference programme, more than 80 supplier and service partners exhibited at the event, giving members the chance to meet vendors, explore new product categories and discuss technology, sustainability initiatives and commercial opportunities. BLOC said the exhibition generated new business leads, strengthened supplier relationships and showcased its BLOCHUB platform and broader member support services.
