The workplace supplies sector continues to evolve, yet gender balance in leadership remains an area where progress is still gradual. Meaningful steps have been taken to address this, but further efforts are needed to ensure women across the industry are properly recognised, supported and able to reach the highest levels of leadership. Against this backdrop, Workplace360 presents its 2026 Influential Women list, celebrating exceptional women in the sector.
Inclusion on the list is a mark of distinction, but it is also a reminder that many more women across the industry are making valuable contributions. Selection was guided by several considerations, including leadership within their organisation, influence across the wider industry and commitment to supporting the independent dealer and reseller community.
The feature forms part of the broader conversation around gender parity in business. Progress in the corporate world has been visible but uneven. Recent research into the FTSE 350 reveals that many firms are approaching, or have achieved, targets of around 40% female representation on boards, with women now occupying roughly 43% of board positions across the index. However, advancement into senior executive roles remains slower and representation at that level is much lower.
Beyond the numbers, true inclusion is about creating workplaces where women can build long and fulfilling careers. That includes strengthening policies and initiatives around pay parity, flexible working and wellbeing programmes, as well as increasing awareness of issues such as menopause and period care support.
This year’s Workplace360 Influential Women list features 35 remarkable women. Some are longstanding industry figures; others are relative newcomers. All are committed to mentoring, innovation, sustainability and the cultivation of more inclusive workplaces. Their stories reflect a sector that is steadily improving its ability to retain and promote female leadership. Their achievements remind us that while there is still work to be done, the path towards equality continues to be forged, one woman at a time.
This list is intended to inspire the industry to recognise more voices, retain more talent and develop a stronger pipeline of female leadership for a healthier workplace supplies sector in the future. Evidence repeatedly shows that diverse leadership supports greater innovation, operational excellence and organisational resilience.
Workplace360’s most influential women in the UK workplace supplies industry
Abigail Ball, Marketing & Brand Manager, Bisley
Abigail Ball leads marketing and branding at British furniture manufacturer Bisley. She plays a central role in shaping the company’s evolving identity, overseeing strategic partnerships, product launches, showroom concepts and industry campaigns that position it at the forefront of contemporary workplace design.
Ball also spearheaded the launch of BeSmart, Bisley’s smart locker technology service arm, marking a significant step in the company’s expansion into connected workplace solutions. With a background in industrial design and cross-sector experience spanning lighting, architecture, construction and manufacturing – including roles with Foster + Partners and Tala – she has a holistic understanding of how spaces are conceived, specified and brought to life.
At Bisley, Ball is driving a progressive shift in perception, demonstrating how legacy brands can adapt for modern working through innovation, flexibility and design-led thinking.
Known for her strategic mindset and creative eye, she is passionate about elevating the role of design in shaping better workplaces and influencing positive change across the commercial interiors sector.
Stacey Bazdar, Head of Business and Education, Ryman
Stacey Bazdar is responsible for the Business and Education division’s commercial strategy and end-to-end performance across sales, customer service and e-commerce.
With 19 years in the OP industry – including 15 years at Office Depot and the past four at Ryman Business – she matches deep sector expertise with a pragmatic grasp of the strategic and operational disciplines required to ensure long-term commercial strength. She spearheads strategy across the business and education channels, driving revenue, enhancing customer partnerships and developing the capability of her team.
Recognised for translating people-first leadership into measurable results, Bazdar has a reputation for unlocking new opportunities while creating environments in which individuals are empowered to exceed expectations. Her approach blends accountability, coaching and commercial rigour, ensuring both her team and customers succeed.
Passionate about potential, Bazdar believes attitude and ambition matter as much as experience. She focuses on attracting established industry talent while nurturing emerging professionals, building credible, resilient teams that clients trust.
Following her previous contribution to Workplace360 (read Juggling Act), in which she reflected on leadership and life as a working parent, Bazdar continues to advocate for inclusive, high-performance cultures and practical leadership that cultivates confidence and capability.
Bev Boden, Finance Director, Advantia Business Solutions
After qualifying as a chartered accountant, Bev Boden worked for the head office of a retail bank before joining the family business. Through this, she became involved in Cost Consortium and was appointed Company Secretary and one of its first directors in 1994.
Over more than 30 years on the board, she has seen the group transition from Cost Consortium to Advantia and witnessed many changes, including the group’s involvement in Europa, a partnership with office2office and an investment in Comgem, where she also serves as a director. She remains passionate about the dealer community and its resilience.
Alongside her part-time role at Advantia, Boden spent ten years as a Methodist minister, retiring from active ministry in 2021. She is still active in the church, regularly leading services, coaching Methodist ministers, supporting student ministers through their training and co-leading The Bereavement Journey and Kintsugi Hope wellbeing groups in Walsall.
She is a Trustee of the Mercian Multi Academy Trust, a member of the management committee of Ablewell Advice – a money and debts advice centre and foodbank – and secretary of a local sports club, and regularly plays hockey. In addition, she is a trustee of a national charity addressing loneliness and social isolation and was recently appointed as a trustee of the BOSS Business Supplies Charity.
Kath Briggs, Trading Director, EO Group
Kath Briggs has more than 35 years’ experience in the OP industry, working across corporate, wholesale, retail and e-tail environments. This breadth gives her a well-rounded understanding of how categories perform across different routes to market (read Beyond the SKU count). She is also a former business owner in the business supplies sector, having founded and led a £3 million turnover business.
Briggs has category-managed brands for major UK retailers, including Tesco, John Lewis, Currys and Asda. She has also worked closely with Amazon 1PL, supporting brand strategy and long-term development within one of the most competitive trading platforms.
At EO Group, she has been instrumental in expanding the category and brand portfolio from office to workplace, ensuring that growth is strategically planned, commercially viable and closely aligned to evolving customer needs.
Ashley Burke, Managing Director, VOW Wholesale Ireland
Ashley Burke has been part of evo Group for 30-plus years and is currently Managing Director of VOW Wholesale Ireland.
She leads from the front, demonstrating dedication, passion and a can-do mindset. Burke views open and honest communication as fundamental to creating an environment where people feel comfortable and confident sharing their ideas and concerns.
Steering the business through significant challenges – including Covid and Brexit – and responding to shifting market conditions and customer expectations have been central to her success. She is committed to driving VOW’s growth across the Irish market and speaks highly of evo Group and how it empowers women within the organisation to achieve extraordinary things.
Jeanette Caswell, Managing Director, BLOC Group
Jeanette Caswell joined Office Friendly in 2021, with 25 years of industry experience under her belt. She now leads the newly established BLOC Group, created in 2025 through the merger of two of the UK’s largest dealer groups, Integra Business Solutions and Office Friendly.
She steered the amalgamation of these businesses with more than three decades of history into a single organisation, uniting two of the sector’s strongest independent dealer communities to achieve greater scale and collaboration.
By combining the expertise and talent of both teams, she has helped to create an even broader range of services to support community business growth, manage costs and build longer-term business plans for a sustainable future.
Tara Charlesworth, strategic procurement Manager – FMCG, Curriculum and Early Years, YPO
Tara Charlesworth began her career at the Yorkshire Purchasing Organisation (YPO) in 2008 as a graduate and rapidly advanced through roles including Inventory Analyst, Assistant Buyer and Buyer. Today, she serves as Strategic Procurement Manager across three major categories – FMCG, curriculum and early years – leading a high-performing team of 25 and overseeing a diverse portfolio of more than 14,000 products.
With a laser focus on strategic growth and commercial excellence, she orchestrates YPO’s long-term development plans, shaping pricing strategy, margin optimisation and integrated sourcing, supply and marketing approaches. Her work centres on improving commercial performance while maximising the value delivered through YPO’s non-profit mission.
Charlesworth is passionate about building meaningful supplier relationships – understanding their ambitions, identifying opportunities for joint growth and championing community and social value outcomes.
Carol Clarke, Finance Director, JGBM
Carol Clarke’s career path from Chartered Accountant at Grant Thornton to a key figure at JGBM reflects a professional journey characterised by expertise, adaptability and leadership.
Her transition from practice to industry, initially working as a financial controller and finance director for local SMEs, laid the foundation for her contributions at JGBM over the past 13 years. After joining JGBM, Clarke’s capabilities and strategic outlook quickly earned her a seat on the board. Her responsibilities have since expanded to include HR, while her accountancy background and commercial acumen have played an important role in fuelling the company’s growth.
Thanks in part to her efforts, JGBM has scooped multiple Wholesaler of the Year awards at UK and European levels. In 2022, Clarke’s own achievements were recognised when she was named Professional of the Year at the BOSS Awards.
Debbie Clayton, Director, CTS Wholesale
Debbie Clayton joined CTS Wholesale in 2006, moving from a background in travel and promotions to work alongside her husband and fellow director, Steve Clayton. At the time, CTS was a small operation and she provided invaluable assistance across warehouse, sales and commercial functions, taking a hands-on, solutions-focused approach.
Known for her people-centred leadership, Clayton focuses on motivating the team, developing individual strengths and nurturing enduring relationships with dealer partners. She remains instrumental in guiding CTS’s strategic direction as the business builds on its robust performance over the past two years – including growth in the OP division and the 2024 acquisition of Go2 – while looking ahead to continued expansion.
Kate Garner, Managing Director, ExaClair
Kate Garner took on the role of ExaClair Managing Director in 2025, having previously served as Finance Manager within the business.
She is leading ExaClair through a period of transformation and strategic growth, drawing on past experience in commercial property management and stationery manufacturing. This gives Garner a broad perspective that enables her to challenge assumptions and bring a fresh, commercially grounded viewpoint to the sector.
Since becoming Managing Director, she has concentrated on fostering a more customer-centric, digitally driven and operationally resilient organisation.
Her leadership is rooted in clarity, accountability and empowering people to perform at their best, combining keen commercial discipline with forward-looking strategic ambition.
Stephanie Gentle, Managing Director, Beaverswood
Stephanie Gentle is focused on keeping Beaverswood ahead of the curve in what remains a challenging economic environment. Her strategy centres on innovation and agility – responding closely to customer needs and wider market shifts, while adopting new approaches that strengthen the company’s position. In 2025, this has included a comprehensive brand refresh and the launch of a new tagline, ‘The Visual Management Experts’, reinforcing Beaverswood’s standing as a leader in visual communication-led solutions within the warehouse environment.
Investment has also been directed into the company’s sales strategy, alongside a significant expansion of its physical presence in the US. A new fulfilment house has been established to support its fastest-selling product lines – a bold move in uncertain times, reflecting Gentle’s belief that taking measured risks is fundamental to long-term success.
Wendy Goodman, National Account Manager, Beeswift
Wendy Goodman’s interest in PPE and workwear was piqued nearly two decades ago and has continued to grow during her years at Beeswift. Operating in a fast-moving and highly regulated sector, she stays closely connected to developments in product technology, design innovation, certification standards and safety legislation.
Hailed for her positive energy and outlook, she uses her knowledge and enthusiasm to help dealers better understand the PPE market, product performance and Beeswift’s solutions.
Goodman also supports efforts to promote innovative fabrics, recycling and circular manufacturing models. This has been boosted by the recent acquisition of circular workwear specialist Plan B International, following several years of collaboration on the Beeswift Envirowear range.
The business has also expanded its brand partnerships, becoming the licence holder for JCB workwear and footwear. Goodman is promoting market awareness of the JCB brand among dealers and is looking forward to doing the same when Beeswift launches the New Balance Industrial safety brand later this year.
Julie Hadley, Director, CSR & Social Value, evo Group
Julie Hadley is passionate about embedding sustainability across the workplace and believes businesses can drive meaningful social and environmental impact alongside commercial performance. She joined evo in 2022, bringing 15 years of industry insight from organisations including Banner, Staples and Lyreco.
In 2024, Hadley led the development of evo’s first CSR Report, consolidating thousands of data points and initiatives into a 136-page document setting out the group’s sustainability strategy. The work supported measurable improvements across the business, with Banner, Complete and VOW Wholesale all achieving at least a Silver rating in their 2025 EcoVadis assessments.
Hadley helped to support evo’s recognition at the BOSS Awards, where the organisation received the Sustainable Leadership Award and she was named Professional of the Year.
At the end of 2025, she also introduced evo’s first Climate Fresk workshop, delivering an interactive session designed to help colleagues understand the science of climate change and empower them to take action.
Karly Haley, Marketing Director, Superstat
Karly Haley has spent nearly three decades at Superstat, progressing from a marketing position into senior leadership and directorship.
She plays a key role in shaping the dealer group’s commercial and marketing approach, with a strong focus on supporting the independent dealer community.
More recently, Haley has led Superstat and its dealer network to carbon neutral status, reflecting her credo that sustainability should be achievable and inclusive.
She is a committed champion of women in the workplace and of mental wellbeing, and views supportive leadership as fundamental to long-term success. Among her proudest moments was seeing two members of her team shortlisted for Rising Star of the Year at the 2024 and 2025 BOSS Awards – a testament to their progression and dedication.
Emma Halldearn, Commercial Director, UKOS
With more than two decades of experience in workplace products and services, Emma Halldearn has developed expertise across both the vendor and dealer environments. After beginning her career at ACCO Brands, she has spent a 17-year tenure at UKOS, where she has played a central role in diversifying and strengthening the company’s commercial proposition, expanding into new product categories and market segments.
Her responsibilities span supply chain, marketing, product development and leadership of the bid and tender function, all underpinned by a focus on customer outcomes and effective consolidation solutions. A longstanding advocate of sustainable business practice, she has guided UKOS to recognition as a Sunday Times Best Green Company and has led the dealer to become a Planet Mark-certified business, reflecting its transition to a lower-carbon logistics model within a wider net zero strategy.
Rosemary Hamilton, Workplace Solutions Director, NBM Group
Rosemary Hamilton heads the Workplace Supplies division across the NBM Group, which operates in Belfast (IWS), Dublin and Cork (NBM) and Monaghan (TOS). With a career spanning field sales, senior leadership and business ownership, she leads with passion and a clear commitment to creating smarter workplaces, combining commercial discipline with a relationship-led approach.
She has overseen the transformation of the Group’s supplies operation, including the introduction of a state-of-the-art online ordering portal designed to streamline procurement while maintaining a personal, service-driven ethos.
Throughout industry change, Hamilton has adapted processes to meet the expectations of new generations of buyers while preserving enduring client relationships, some spanning more than 25 years.
Emily Harnett, Head of Marketing, Codex
With an academic background in psychology, Emily Harnett brings a deeply people-first philosophy to her work, marrying behavioural insights with strategic marketing to help organisations design workplaces that support both performance and employee wellbeing. Since joining Codex in 2019, Harnett has carved out a niche by championing inclusive, futureproofed workplace experiences that place human needs at the centre of business strategy.
She played a pivotal role in advancing Codex’s neuroinclusion agenda, helping organisations to better understand and support neurodivergent employees through education, advocacy and practical workplace solutions.
She was also instrumental in the development of Thrive by Codex, a pioneering product and consultancy offering established in collaboration with AsIAm, designed to empower organisations to create more accessible, supportive and high-performing workplaces.
Nichola Harris, Senior Account Manager, Newell Brands
Nichola Harris has spent more than 20 years in account management, with a career focused on delivering exceptional customer service, supporting profitable sales growth and enhancing brand visibility through data-led insight and day-to-day operational excellence.
She started out as a financial accountant with BDO Stoy Hayward before moving into account management roles at The Coca-Cola Company and later Newell Brands.
At Newell Brands, Harris works closely with accounts to develop strategies that drive profitable category performance and design robust marketing plans across a wide portfolio of brands, including Dymo, Sharpie, Papermate, Spontex, Sistema, Contigo and Breville.
Outside her professional responsibilities, she supports industry and wellbeing initiatives, including participating in the annual Climb of Life event to raise funds for the Institute of Cancer Research.
Simone Hindmarch, co-founder and Managing Director, Commercial
Simone Hindmarch was recently recognised for more than three decades of leadership at Commercial when she received the Lifetime Achievement accolade at the 2025 BOSS Awards, alongside her brother Arthur, with whom she co-founded the business.
Over the past year or so, she has taken the reseller to a new level. Fully aware of the seismic shifts affecting the industry, Hindmarch has focused on helping the organisation to operate with a unified voice across its activities.
Everything Commercial does is aligned with its deeply embedded social and environmental principles – whether in cybersecurity, managed services or transactional product categories, across both traditional and digital services.
Never one to stand still, Hindmarch has also developed ESG Consultancy within Commercial, adding another capability to assist organisations of all sizes in strengthening and implementing their ESG strategies.
Gwyneth Hume, Business Relationship Manager, Langstane
During her 34 years with Langstane, Gwyneth Hume has built a career rooted in customer understanding and commercial continuity.
She has steadily progressed through account management, marketing and sales-focused positions, giving her practical insight and knowledge into how commercial and operational priorities align when forging long-term business relationships.
In 2025, Hume took on the newly created role of Business Relationship Manager, responsible for overseeing customer and supplier relationships, supporting sales growth and strengthening partnerships as the business expands its product categories and presence across Scotland.
Hume’s new role reflects Langstane’s focus on collaboration and category diversification as it continues its next stage of development.
Kristine Humphreys, European Marketing Director, Avery
Kristine Humphreys was appointed European Marketing Director, Avery Europe, on 1 March 2026. Over the past year, she led the rollout of a new Avery brand identity across Europe – work that helped establish the foundations for its new European Labels Campaign.
She also sponsored the Customer Service Transformation project, bringing four previously separate teams into a single structure. Alongside this, she supported key commercial negotiations and encouraged the pursuit of new opportunities designed to extend Avery’s relevance through the ‘Avery for Every Space’ initiative.
Humphreys is recognised for a people-first leadership style that is supportive and purposeful, focused on leveraging the talents and perspectives of the team while promoting a commercial culture that is clear on priorities and accountable for outcomes.
Amy Hutchinson, CEO, BOSS Federation
As BOSS Federation CEO, Amy Hutchinson has helped to modernise the UK trade association since assuming the role in 2019 (read Top boss).
Her leadership has concentrated on supporting members through a wide range of initiatives. These include keeping members informed of regulatory and legislative developments, bringing industry groups together to address shared challenges, learning from market leaders and sharing best practices, and representing the sector’s collective voice to government when required.
Hutchinson has steered the organisation through a period of significant change, including Brexit, Covid and ongoing cost-of-living pressures. She is also a committed supporter of the Leaders of the Future community, which helps industry newcomers to advance their knowledge, build professional networks and progress their careers.
Sarah Laker, owner, Stationery Supplies
Sarah Laker’s stationery store in Marple has just celebrated its 20th anniversary, marking two decades of independent retail service within the local community. In 2020, she acquired a second stationery business and, throughout the pandemic, raised awareness of the challenges faced by independent stationery shops through prominent UK media outlets.
Laker has received multiple industry accolades, including three BOSS Awards for Independent Retailer of the Year, alongside the Superstat Retailer of the Year 2025 and the London Stationery Show Best Independent Retailer North Award 2025. In 2023, she also took responsibility for overseeing National Stationery Week, helping the campaign to grow in reach and influence, culminating in the BOSS Award for Campaign of the Year 2024.
Laker continues to champion independent retail, greeting cards and community high streets through appearances in media channels including Women’s Own, TalkTV and, most recently, the Daily Express.
Rachael Lewis, Operations Director, Paragon Business Essentials
Rachael Lewis has progressed rapidly through senior leadership roles to become Operations Director at Paragon Business Essentials, working closely with sales and cross-functional teams.
She recently established a continuous improvement programme to simplify processes, facilitate change, coordinate key business initiatives and support long-term growth.
Lewis also spearheaded the merger into Paragon Customer Communications, the transition to a stockless business model and the successful rebrand from Office Depot to Paragon Business Essentials in 2025.
Lewis is a mentor on the BOSS Federation NextGen Programme and served on the BOSS Leaders of the Future Committee for five years – including two as co-Chair.
Helen Moran, Safety Business Director, Lyreco Intersafe UK & Ireland
Helen Moran has been part of Lyreco for almost three decades. During that time, she has worked across product and category management, marketing and national sales, giving her an all-round understanding of how the business works and what customers really need.
Today, Moran heads the UK & Ireland Safety Business Unit, bringing together the category, marketing and business development teams under a single strategic direction. Under her leadership, the Safety Business Unit has delivered consistent double-digit growth over the past five years.
That success comes down to her clear strategic thinking, deep industry knowledge and, above all, her belief in ensuring safer working days for customers. As a senior female leader, Moran actively champions diversity, advocates for the development of women in commercial and operational roles, and works hard to create an environment where new and emerging talent can grow and build long-term careers.
Jo Partridge, Regional Leader, Consumer Business Group – North Europe, 3M
Jo Partridge’s 20-year tenure at 3M has spanned technical, commercial and customer-focused leadership disciplines; she currently leads the UK and Ireland Consumer Business Group.
Her experience covers product, channel, marketing, technical and operational functions across the commercial value chain and in multiple business groups.
Partridge is a qualified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and blends a logical approach with emotional intelligence to engage and empower individuals, teams and talent to problem-solve and continuously improve business processes.
Since assuming Consumer Business Group leadership in 2018, her remit has encompassed nine countries – the UK, Ireland, the Nordics and Baltics – and five channels.
She is dedicated to promoting team engagement to strengthen diversity and inclusion, embracing different cultures and skill sets while improving cross-functional and cross-channel collaboration. This has driven support for data analytics and category management and helped to grow the 3M portfolio, including brands such as Post-it, Scotch, Command and Meguiar’s.
Shona Patterson, Channel Director, Facilities Supplies & New Reseller, VOW Wholesale
With nearly two decades in the business supplies industry, including more than 12 years at VOW Wholesale, Shona Patterson has built a reputation for commercial insight, leadership and strategic growth. Her progression from Business Development Manager to Channel Director for Facilities Supplies & New Reseller reflects her impact across the business.
She is responsible for shaping VOW’s future as a facilities supplies wholesaler, driving new business and expanding the New Reseller channel through partnerships with specialist cleaning and hygiene resellers alongside traditional dealer customers. Captaining a team of seven, she also holds positions on the VOW board and the evo Senior Leadership Team.
Her contribution to the sector has been recognised with nominations for industry accolades: Professional of the Year at the 2025 BOSS Awards, alongside being shortlisted for Executive of the Year at the European Office Products Awards 2026.
Jo Pethard, Sales and Marketing Director, United UK
Jo Pethard has spent 25 years in the business supplies and hospitality sector, progressing from a junior account manager into her current position as Sales and Marketing Director and a key member of United UK’s leadership team.
Her career has been shaped by a commitment to supporting colleagues and customers, giving them the tools, training and confidence to perform at their best. Holding a Level 7 Leadership qualification, she combines professional expertise with a practical, can-do attitude when approaching challenges.
Pethard is responsible for driving business growth by retaining valued customers, winning new accounts and strengthening United UK’s reputation for service, reliability and partnership. Her leadership is defined by clarity, energy and optimism. She manages her team with purpose, a people-centric approach and a genuine passion for the industry.
Sam Rylands, Head of Marketing, Durable UK
Sam Rylands is a marketing leader with experience spanning the education and defence sectors. Since taking the reins as Head of Marketing at Durable UK in 2022, she has played a key role in introducing the company’s industrial, safety and security solutions to the UK market.
Hailed for her aptitude for strategic marketing, change management and team leadership, Rylands also supports organisational development both within Durable and across the wider industry. She is particularly motivated by driving positive change, viewing transformation as one of the most rewarding aspects of her work.
On joining Durable, she quickly recognised the rapid pace of industry evolution as businesses adapt to shifting customer expectations. This has generated opportunities for more innovative, forward-looking approaches, which she embraces with energy and creativity.
Keeley Shepherd, Senior Sales Manager, ACCO Brands UK & Ireland
Keeley Shepherd has spent 22 years guiding teams across retail and business supplies channels. She excels at creating environments where people and performance progress together, helping teams to remain resilient and commercially agile.
She has a flair for identifying emerging business opportunities, supporting channel expansion and responding to market trends with a results-oriented approach.
Her key focus is building high-performing, adaptable teams capable of driving sales growth while engaging resellers and end users across the retail, contract, wholesale and e-commerce channels.
Shepherd has worked with major manufacturing brands, including 3M and ExaClair – where she served as Head of Commercial Sales in 2024 – before joining ACCO Brands UK & Ireland as Senior Sales Manager towards the end of last year.
She also serves as Head of Membership Development at The Society of Old Friends and will become a Stationers’ Company Liveryman in April, following fast-track progression from Freeman.
Louise Shipley, Head of European Marketing, Fellowes Brands
Louise Shipley has been with Fellowes Brands for almost 24 years. As Head of European Marketing, she has built up the Workplace Health Solutions division for the vendor, initially concentrating on ergonomic accessories. Today, all product development for the European ergonomic solutions category is managed by Shipley and her team.
In line with Fellowes’ emphasis on education around health and wellbeing in the workplace environment, Shipley launched ‘Professor Ergo’ to help communicate the benefits of using the correct equipment.
Other achievements include the ‘Workspace Zone Approach’, which aims to demystify European display screen legislation; plus ‘Emma the Work Colleague of the Future’, which starkly demonstrates the detrimental health impacts of poor working habits.
Vivian Slater, Managing Director, Banner
Vivian Slater is a seasoned leader in the business supplies sector, with a career encompassing roles at Guilbert UK and office2office.
After gaining broader consulting and project management experience outside the industry, she returned in 2015 to join Banner, part of evo Group, as Corporate Sales Director. In this post, she supported significant business expansion and led the successful acquisition and integration of Staples UK in 2020.
Her customer-first leadership approach resulted in her appointment as Managing Director of Banner in early 2023. Since taking the helm, Slater has overseen strong commercial performance and has a Gold sustainability rating from EcoVadis and a Platinum ranking in the Sustainable Procurement category. She also serves as a trustee of the evo Foundation.
Nicola Speers, Managing Director, Dynamic Office Solutions
Since joining Dynamic Office Solutions in 2014, Nicola Speers has progressed alongside the business, contributing to its operational and commercial development.
She was appointed Managing Director in November 2024 and now concentrates on expanding the business through new product and solutions development to realise future growth.
Speers believes success is driven by people and is a champion of Dynamic’s employees, emphasising the importance of expertise, commitment and collaboration in achieving shared outcomes.
With a people-centred leadership style, a focus on innovation and a clear strategic vision, she continues to guide the business forward while building on the strengths of the team around her.
Liz Stevenson, Strategic Director, ACS Group
Liz Stevenson has spent more than two decades in the workplace supplies industry, with a brief three-year stint working in a marketing agency before returning to the sector she is genuinely passionate about. Her career is characterised by a deliberate focus on marketing, combining creativity with commercial purpose to help convey compelling brand stories.
At ACS, Stevenson has been a member of the Senior Leadership Team for the past eight years, helping to shape business strategy, organisational culture and operational performance. She also oversees sustainability and vendor management.
Stevenson is committed to protecting and nurturing the company culture as ACS expands. Supporting team development is a core motivation, and she takes great satisfaction in seeing colleagues build confidence and thrive in their roles.
Stevenson has also helped to unite ACS’s work across employees, community engagement, charitable activity and environmental responsibility under the company’s ‘Impact’ agenda.
Flo Turak, Head of Marketing, Egan Reid
Flo Turak is a multi-skilled marketing specialist with a deep passion for product solutions. For 22 years, she has been a vital engine in dealer Egan Reid’s journey to becoming a leader in single-source procurement for the workplace. She relishes the opportunity to apply vision and versatility in planning and delivering the company’s diversification, growth and sustainability strategy.
Practical and resourceful, Turak navigates campaign creation, design, branding, product and data management, supplier engagement, and more with her trademark “nothing’s impossible” approach.
She is proud of Egan Reid’s successful expansion into the education sector, helping to establish the business as a genuine alternative to the traditional suppliers. Marketing, she believes, plays a central role in reaching the dealer’s extremely varied audience with clear, relevant solutions that make a real difference.
