BOSS Member announced as recipient of the 2021 Queen's Award for Voluntary Service

BOSS Member Martin Shaw is Managing Director of D3 Office Group, one of Yorkshire’s largest distributors of office supplies, furniture and print.

Since acquiring a major shareholding of D3 in December 2005, Martin has steered the growth of the business through nine acquisitions of office supplies and workwear businesses in the Yorkshire area as well as organic development of the interiors side of the business. D3 is totally focused around its customers’ needs, providing outstanding service and value for money. This winning formula has helped push sales to £9.5m, including strong recent sales in PPE and bespoke personalised gifts.

Prior to joining D3, Martin was Marketing Director of Kingfield Heath. Martin was part of the management team that turned around the business from making heavy losses to become No2 in The Sunday Times Profit Fastrack league in 2003. In the same year, the management team helped the majority shareholders sell the business to Legal and General Ventures for £85m.

As a member of FEO (For Entrepreneurs Only) Martin, along with the near 200-strong collective of inspiring individuals, has been presented with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.

For Entrepreneurs only is made up of like-minded local entrepreneurs who collectively turn over £3.5bn each year and have a goal to boost the local economy in Hull and East Yorkshire and to create more ambitious entrepreneurs by lifting regional aspirations.

FEO are an independent Community Interest Company (CIC) based in Hull. Their members employ over 23,000 people and represent successful private sector businesses of all sectors and sizes.

For businesses within Hull and the regional economy, the ambition of FEO is clear. They wish to help Entrepreneurs start, adapt and grow businesses, stimulate young people to want to start their own businesses and, navigate their journey towards success.  

2,500 young people had been inspired to start their own businesses in five years, with 400 start-ups supported and 350 businesses helped with development and as a result have been awarded Queens Award for Voluntary Service.

BOSS Would like to extend a huge congratulations to Martin and all at FEO for this tremendous achievement.