Membership
BOSS has been the authoritative body for the UK business supplies industry since 1905, with a rich history of supporting the sector and its people. We are a not-for-profit organisation and do not pursue any economic or political objectives of our own, concentrating our efforts on playing a strategic role in the support, promotion and protection of the business supplies industry.
By joining the BOSS Federation, you will have access to a wide range of resources, networking opportunities, and advocacy efforts that can help your business stay informed, connected, and competitive within the sector. Our members include manufacturers, wholesalers, and resellers of office products, stationery, and technology supplies, as well as other related services and products.
BOSS represents all businesses along the distribution chain in the business supplies industry, covering stationery, office machines and supplies, office furniture, office systems and related product areas. We have a wide breadth of members and provide three levels of membership.
What can you expect at each level of Membership?
Trade
Trade membership provides valuable networking opportunities, insightful industry knowledge, and fosters a culture of excellence within our sector.
Benefits include:
- Industry Insights & Networking: Stay connected with the latest trends and updates in our industry and expand your network through exclusive events such as our Leaders of the Future and Sustainability Conferences, Members’ Day and BOSS Industry Awards, all at discounted member rates.
- A collective voice to Government: BOSS meet with the Department for Business & Trade every 3 weeks and respond to government consultations on the industry’s behalf. You can stay up to date with our lobbying updates via e-mails directly to your inbox.
- Business Support & Guidance: BOSS Trade Members receive updates to important legislation and at Gold and Platinum, have access to receive expert tailored to your business.
- BOSS Special Interest Groups: Tackle topical industry challenges, learn from market leaders, and share experiences. Our special interest groups and forums allow peers with a wealth of industry - specific knowledge to come together and share on subjects such as data, sustainability, and people & culture. View the groups here.
- BOSS Regional Committees: The BOSS regions were created to allow companies to engage with opportunities in their local area such as networking events, trade shows and fundraising initiatives. The regions are run by a committee of volunteers from the industry. These committees act to serve the needs of companies at local level through offering networking and social events as well as trade events such as exhibitions or fund-raising initiatives. We encourage all Members to get involved.
- Training & Development: Access a variety of training courses, workshops, and resources to help you and your team stay ahead. There's something for everyone, from short courses to NVQs and Apprenticeships. Did you know apprenticeships are available for any age, offering a great way to upskill your workforce—and they’re 95% funded by the government – Find out more here
- PR Opportunities: Don’t forget to share your success stories with us! We’re always happy to promote any good news stories or highlight new launches through our PR channels.
Gold
Gold membership includes all the benefits of Trade Membership, and offers extensive business support, providing unlimited access to specialist advisors in Human Resources, Health and Safety, and Environmental via telephone and email. Additionally, members gain access to a wide range of online resources.
Gold Membership is the foundation support for HR and HSE.
Our Gold Membership is perfect for companies either without an HR or HSE infrastructure, or those with an in-house solution needing a robust second line of defence. This membership provides expert support to tackle complex HR and HSE issues, deliver up-to-date compliance advice, and offer additional resources during peak times or unforeseen challenges. It ensures your business is well-protected from potential risks, enhances HR efficiency, and allows you to concentrate on your core operations with peace of mind.
HR SUPPORT SERVICES
· Support and advice from BOSS industry-specific HR advisers with an allocated point of contact.
· Unlimited Telephone and E-mail Support
· Access to Resource and Documents online
· BOSS industry-specific HR advisers to develop Guidance, Templates and Risk Assessments via virtual meetings / reviews, telephone and email.
H&S SUPPORT SERVICES
· Support and advice from BOSS industry-specific H&S advisers
· H&S support and advice during accident/incident investigations reportable under RIDDOR to HSE
· H&S support when a HSE Regulator or local authority wishes to carry out a site visit
· Access to Resource and Documents online
· Access to HSE Secure Road Map with full support from BOSS industry-specific H&S advisers to develop Guidance, Templates and Risk Assessments via virtual Meetings / reviews, telephone and email.
Platinum
Platinum membership encompasses all the benefits of Gold, while also offering the added advantage of in-person support and representation in employment tribunals.
Platinum membership includes access to BOSS Online resource library docs and guidance for HR & HSE to coincide with unlimited support from your designated HR/HSE adviser with in-person support, with the addition of the Becoming Compliant sections self-service helpdesk and included Health-checks section which is a platform for platinum members only. The BOSS ‘Becoming Compliant’ section is the necessary tool to guide you through a self-service portal to follow step by step guidance of best practices, with your designated HR & HS&E contacts available for any additional support you may require at any stage.
· H&S Healthcheck to include a report about your documentation, policies and procedures
· HR Healthcheck to include a report about your documentation, policies and procedures
· Becoming Compliant Self Service Portal – A step by step guidance process of keeping your processes up to date
Members’ that consistently score 80% in a business Healthcheck or above are eligible for the Seal of Excellence Awards in both HR and Health Safety and Environmental. This award showcases best practices and is highly valued by members as it demonstrates their commitment to continuous growth.
You’ll also have access to the ECO Road map at either level of support - BOSS Federation | Membership Services | Environment | Environmental Road Map
LEGAL SUPPORT SERVICES (Included in Platinum)
· Professional legal support from an employment law solicitor in employment disputes
· Insurance available to cover tribunal awards and costs associated with tribunal representation
· Access to our In-House lawyer service “Legal Plus” for Commercial and Employment law
· Access to Legal Consultancy services
BOSS | Membership Services | Legal (bossfederation.com)
Last year we celebrated 75 years in business, and much has changed during that time, however, one thing that hasn’t changed is the need for our industry to be connected through a trade association. The BOSS Federation are a shining example of such an association providing its members with all matters of advice and support, lobbying Government on behalf of our industry, and bringing dealers, wholesalers and manufacturers together through conferences and annual awards nights. BOSS have been a part of our history and will without doubt be an essential part of our future
I just wanted to say, I am so impressed by the service from the HR team – they provide such great support and information, along with being quick which also helps! So thanks again for your assistance there.
Great service Team Boss!
At United, we're delighted to support the BOSS Federation. Developing our people has always been of paramount importance and the exceptional training from BOSS has been instrumental in driving continuous professional growth. Membership offers insights and trends that keep Members at the forefront of important industry agenda and provides expansive networking platforms to maintain meaningful industry connections, we would recommend joining BOSS without question
D3 are joining BOSS because ‘it feels good to support our industry body and we have also made use of the good advice that HR services make available. Being involved with BOSS will get us closer to collective industry decisions driven by technology, home working and data. Being part of BOSS will help us make more informed business decisions.
Key contacts
Liz Whyte
Role at BOSS – Administration Manager
I'm the go-to person at BOSS for all things admin! From tackling general inquiries to keeping our website running smoothly and wrangling our Special Interest Groups, I keep things ticking along nicely.
Experience in the industry
I've been in the industry for over 10 years! I make sure everything runs like a well-oiled machine here at BOSS to help deliver the best service to our Members. I'm also a BOSS Charity Trustee and Secretary which keeps me busy!
Something fun!
I've been an advanced driver for over 23 years! I also love taking leisurely strolls, diving into a good book, cheering on my favorite football team, and sneaking bites of chocolate (sorry, I don't share!) Sorrento is my ultimate getaway spot. My favourite food is potatoes and my favorite film, it's gotta be the timeless classic "Singin' in the Rain."
- Email:
- liz@bossfederation.co.uk
- Phone:
- 01924 203338