Around 60 industry professionals gathered at Stationers’ Hall in London on 21 July for the annual BOSS Members’ Day – a timely reflection of a sector evolving amid ongoing change. Bringing together senior leaders from across the workplace supplies industry, the event combined strategic updates, thought-provoking keynotes and candid discussions about the future.
Proceedings began with the AGM, where members were briefed on the Federation’s financial position and the latest developments, including the recent introduction of its NextGen mentoring programme and the announcement of a Diversification Support Hub for dealers, set to be launched later this year.
BOSS Chair Julie Hawley announced that she will step down later this year, concluding her two-year tenure, with Integra Business Solutions CEO Aidan McDonough named as her successor. Soon to become Chair of the newly formed BLOC Group, McDonough brings over 30 years’ experience in the independent dealer channel.
Challenging assumptions
One of the day’s standout moments came from independent trade economist Dr Rebecca Harding, whose keynote speech, “Uncertainty is the new certainty,” challenged delegates to rethink their approach to risk. “Uncertainty is dealing with constant change,” she said, referencing volatility across everything from financial systems to political norms. “It’s affecting the way we interact with our bank accounts, with other people – all sorts of things.”
Harding traced the roots of disruption from the weaponisation of the language of trade to the collapse of post-war multilateralism, warning that the era of benign globalisation is over. She highlighted the use of executive orders to control trade, changing definitions of national security and declining institutional trust.
In one memorable analogy, Harding compared the current landscape to the famous gorilla-in-the-room experiment: “We need to be ultra-vigilant – gorillas are walking across the back of the stage the whole time at the moment.”
In “How to understand the next generation”, educator and consultant Cory Lowde explored what sets younger workers apart. Drawing on decades of experience, he said that those aged 15 to 30 are neurologically distinct, with the areas of the brain responsible for abstract thinking and risk assessment not fully developing until the mid-20s.
He stressed that businesses must shift from task management to a coaching mindset, prioritising connection, flexibility and mental health support. Without this, organisations risk misunderstanding the motivations of tomorrow’s workforce.
A panel discussion chaired by Hawley – “Change as an opportunity” – brought together several key industry voices: Jeanette Caswell, Managing Director, Office Friendly (soon to be BLOC Group); Elliot Jacobs, CEO, UOE; Simon Weavers, Sales Director, The Cheeky Panda; and Liz Stevenson, Strategic Director, ACS Group.
The conversation underlined how upheaval has driven innovation, agility and reinvention. From rising business costs and retail diversification to sustainability-led transformation and digital investment, the panel’s message was clear: challenge breeds opportunity. They also emphasised the need to move beyond transactional relationships – today’s customers expect more.
The day closed with a BBQ, drinks and plenty of networking in the sunny Stationers’ Hall courtyard.
