BOSS Special Interest Groups (SIGs)
BOSS Today (BT) spoke with each of our SIG Chairs to uncover the purpose of their forums, the key issues shaping discussions, the challenges they anticipate in the year ahead, and the priorities guiding their work.
Environmental Forum
The environmental forum exists to highlight issues affecting companies in the business supplies industry and provide a conduit where these issues can be fed
back to the wider industry or taken to government.
Chair: Martin Eames
BT: Why is it important for our industry to have a dedicated Environmental Forum?
ME: Global warming and its catastrophic impact on our environment is a major issue for our times. It is vital that all individuals and organisations play their part in addressing the problem and the Environmental Forum ensures that the business supplies industry has the information, encouragement and skills to develop best practices.
BT: Where do you feel the SIG has made the greatest impact so far - whether in awareness, collaboration, or tangible change across the sector?
ME: The Environmental Forum educates and informs all levels of the business supplies supply chain in both current and future legislation and developments
in sustainability and the environment. It also encourages best practice through a sharing of information and initiatives amongst members. This enables the
industry to “stay ahead of the game” in this rapidly changing area.
BT: What are the key opportunities for members who engage with the Environmental Forum?
ME: To develop sector leading practices that will create competitive advantages for increasingly environmentally aware and demanding customers
BT: How can businesses of different sizes benefit from participating in the Forum’s discussions, resources, and initiatives?
ME: The Environmental Forum is the only BOSS SIG which is open to all levels of the supply chain regardless of the organisation size so everyone can benefit from the education and information which the Forum provides.
BT: Are there any upcoming pieces of legislation or government policy changes that members should be preparing for? And how do you see these regulatory shifts influencing the environmental agenda for our sector?
ME: Whilst it is a fact that under the current government the flow of Environmental legislation and policy changes has slowed down it has not ceased. The next new piece of legislation which will have a significant impact on BOSS members’ operations will be the introduction of a Deposit Return scheme for plastic bottles and cans in 2027. This may require some members to invoice, recover and return deposits on all sales of these products which would
be a new operation.
BT: What innovations or initiatives from members have particularly impressed or inspired you recently?
ME: Wholesalers and Resellers such as VOW, Lyreco and Red Inc continuously impress with initiatives that support their total commitment to the environment. However, whilst it is more difficult for manufacturers to
BT: Why is it important for our industry to have a dedicated Environmental Forum?
ME: Global warming and its catastrophic impact on our environment is a major issue for our times. It is vital that all individuals and organisations play
their part in addressing the problem and the Environmental Forum ensures that the business supplies industry has the information, encouragement and skills to develop best practices.
BT: Where do you feel the SIG has made the greatest impact so far - whether in awareness, collaboration, or tangible change across the sector?
ME: The Environmental Forum educates and informs all levels of the business supplies supply chain in both current and future legislation and developments
in sustainability and the environment. It also encourages best practice through a sharing of information and initiatives amongst members. This enables the
industry to “stay ahead of the game” in this rapidly changing area.
BT: What are the key opportunities for members who engage with the Environmental Forum?
ME: To develop sector leading practices that will create competitive advantages for increasingly environmentally aware and demanding customers
BT: How can businesses of different sizes benefit from participating in the Forum’s discussions, resources, and initiatives?
ME: The Environmental Forum is the only BOSS SIG which is open to all levels of the supply chain regardless of the organisation size so everyone can benefit from the education and information which the Forum provides.
BT: Are there any upcoming pieces of legislation or government policy changes that members should be preparing for? And how do you see these regulatory shifts influencing the environmental agenda for our sector?
ME: Whilst it is a fact that under the current government the flow of Environmental legislation and policy changes has slowed down it has not ceased. The next new piece of legislation which will have a significant impact on BOSS members’ operations will be the introduction of a Deposit Return scheme for plastic bottles and cans in 2027. This may require some members to invoice, recover and return deposits on all sales of these products which would be a new operation.
BT: What innovations or initiatives from members have particularly impressed or inspired you recently?
ME: Wholesalers and Resellers such as VOW, Lyreco and Red Inc continuously impress with initiatives that support their total commitment to the environment. However, whilst it is more difficult for manufacturers to make such significant progress due to the capital cost related to many initiatives; 3M’s progress in developing carbon footprints for every product in its range is particularly impressive.
BT: What are the SIG’s priorities for the next 12 months.
ME: The principal objectives of the meeting remain to Educate and Inform the industry and encourage dialogue between members to encourage best practices. In 2026 we have restructured the meeting format to focus on a specific Environmental Area in each meeting and provide a more detailed investigation into these
areas.
BT: What would you say to members who are considering getting involved for the first time?
ME: Join the Environmental Forum to play your part in ensuring that the business supplies industry is a leader in Sustainability and the Environment whilst creating competitive advantage for your own business.
Dealer Group Forum
The forum exists to highlight issues that affect dealers operating within the business supplies industry and provide a conduit where these issues can be fed back to the wider industry or taken to government.
Chair: Steve Carter, Managing Director, Advantia
BT: Why is it important for the business supplies industry to have a dedicated Forum for dealer group leaders?
SC: The forum is a place where we are able to share thoughts, ideas and concerns about the industry and have honest and open conversations. Very often our members will ask me for my opinion on industry related topics, and it is really helpful to be able to build a wider perspective into my answer, as opposed to just giving my own views.
BT: How would you describe the Forum’s role in supporting and representing independent dealers through their dealer groups?
SC: The information that dealers pass into their respective groups is very often worth its weight in gold. As a forum we can collectively work through the
information that we have been given and, where required, decide on what actions we may wish to take for the greater good.
BT: What are the biggest challenges dealer groups and their members are likely to face over the next 12 months?
SC: The sudden and very sad demise of Exertis Supplies shows just how quickly things can change within our industry. I really hope that I am wrong, but I can’t help but think that there may be other supply chain casualties in the year ahead, and the challenge for dealer groups and its members is how we adapt when
we are faced with these situations. I think it is a case of having to pre-empt various scenarios and collectively work through the ‘what ifs.’ This again
is where the dealer group leaders forum plays a really important role, in sharing information and supporting each other.
BT: How can closer collaboration between dealer groups, wholesalers, and manufacturers strengthen the overall industry?
SC: Close working relationships between manufacturers, wholesalers and dealer groups is vital. When building supplier relationships, I have always worked on a triangle basis with the consumer at one point, the dealer and dealer group at the next point and the manufacturer and wholesaler at the third point. Whatever is agreed and put in place, has to work equally for all three points on the triangle; if it doesn’t work for one, it simply will not work for the other two. With that
in mind, all of us in the supply chain have to take equal responsibility for ensuring that the consumer is fully aware of, and has easy access to, new and existing products and services.
As dealer groups and dealers, we need to support the manufacturers and wholesalers by attending events, roadshows etc, so that we have a full understanding of everything that we do have access to.
BT: What are the Forum’s priorities for the year ahead?
SC: We need to keep gathering information from the dealers, as they are at the coalface and always have a good grasp on what is happening in the market place. From that information we can prioritise what We need to keep gathering information from the dealers, as they are at the coalface and always have a good grasp on what is happening in the market place. From that we need to prioritise what we work on in the year ahead. The next BOSS Dealer Group Forum is on
6th May, so I would encourage any dealer who has any industry related questions or concerns to ask your dealer group leader to raise these on your behalf. If you are not in a group please raise them through me.
BT: What motivates your involvement in the Dealer Group Forum?
SC: For the last 33 years I have been in and around our dealer group and I know how incredibly valuable that has been. Over the years people invested a lot of time and effort to help me develop my skill sets, which are primarily operations and purchasing based. If I have things in my armoury that will be of benefit to
other people, I will gladly share and help out wherever I can, and it is this that motivates my involvement in the dealer group forum.
The Manufacturers Forum The forum provides an opportunity for manufacturers within the business supplies industry to highlight and discuss challenges and topical issues.
Chair: Stuart Login, Managing Director, Trodat
BT: Why is it important for manufacturers in the business supplies industry to have a dedicated Forum?
SL: Primarily the forum connects people and companies in the vendor community to facilitate collaboration and discussion of sector specific
topics.
BT: How would you describe the Forum’s role in supporting and representing manufacturers across the sector?
SL: We aim to represent the manufacturer and vendor communities to the wider industry and to give them a collective voice when it comes to government lobbying and legislation consultation. Furthermore, it provides the chance to discuss current issues with like minded individuals.
BT: What are the key opportunities for manufacturers who engage with the Forum’s?
SL: Connection to others in the industry to discuss the current issues, opportunities and challenges within the industry, as well as access to the wide range of services offered by the BOSS Federation.
BT: How does the Forum help members navigate shared challenges such as supply chain pressures, sustainability expectations, or shifting customer needs?
SL: Often, we find that shared knowledge can help a wider understanding of such topics, which can ultimately lead to better working relationships for all
stakeholders in the supply chain.
BT: What are the biggest challenges you expect manufacturers to face over the next 12 months?
SL: Further industry contraction and consolidation within the industry, uncertainty in the global economy leading to instability in supply chains and the ever-present digitisation of paper based workflows.
BT: How can collaboration between manufacturers, wholesalers, and resellers strengthen the industry as a whole?
SL: True partnership can lead to a more efficient, robust supply chain which can benefit all parties and maintain margins across the industry. A simple “lower cost for us” mindset often creates unnecessary friction for all parties in some relationships.
BT: How do you see the Forum evolving as the industry continues to diversify beyond traditional office products?
SL: We continue to focus on attracting new vendors to our community that represent some of the newer categories that are becoming more important to the reseller community.
BT: What are the Forum’s priorities for the next 12 months?
SL: To remain relevant and useful to our members whilst keeping them informed of current trends, legislation and issues affecting our industry. Leaders of the Future Committee Leaders of the Future connect people from all industry channels to positively influence the sector. Their purpose is to empower emerging leaders, supported by their mission: Leading, Guiding, Connecting, Shaping. They share ideas, build relationships, and learn from one another, helping the industry
attract and develop top talent. The group offers induction training for newcomers and runs events that strengthen professional networks across the sector.
Co-chairs: James Day, Managing Director, Durable & Amy Remmer, Account Director, VOW Wholesale
BT: Why is it important for the industry to have a dedicated leader of the future committee?
JD: The uniqueness of this group for me makes it an important society within our industry. In a marketspace that is traditionally less sexy than others it helps to give us a point of difference and attract new, emerging talent to the industry.
BT: What are the biggest challenges you think future leaders in our sector are currently facing?
JD: Industry pressures are making more and more companies poorer in regards to their time. It is usually in times like these personal development gets sacrificed.
BT: What are the key opportunities for individuals that engage with the LOTF Committee/Community?
JD: Shared experience and networking has certainly helped me personally broaden my mindset and helped in regards to finding innovative solutions to problems
BT: What motivates your involvement with the LOTF Committee and what do you hope the committee achieve this year.
JD: I feel motivated by the belief we are offering a support network to people where they can prioritise their own personal development and learn something new with likeminded people.
People and Culture Forum
The BOSS People & Culture Forum was created in 2024 in reaction to the incoming Employment Rights Bill (now Employment Rights Act) and exists for senior HR leads in the Business Supplies Industry to share best practice and understand upcoming legislation.
Chair: Sam Stafford, Head of HR, Viking UK
BT: Why is it important for our industry to have a dedicated People & Culture Forum?
SS: The business supplies sector is undergoing a major transformation. Advances in technology and the shift to hybrid working are shrinking traditional markets,
forcing organisations to rethink roles, structures, and productivity expectations.
In this context, it’s easy to focus purely on cost. But real transformation happens through people. Organisations that can redeploy skills, build capability in new growth areas, and maintain engagement will be the ones that thrive.
Now, with upcoming changes in the UK under the Employment Rights Act, it’s even more important for People teams to anticipate the impact on policies, ensure they reflect legislative requirements, and translate these changes into meaningful guidance for leaders and employees alike.
That’s why a People & Culture Forum matters. It allows senior practitioners to share insight, challenge assumptions, and position people strategy as a commercial lever - not just a support function. Long-term resilience and growth will be defined by how effectively we invest in, develop, and mobilise our workforce.
BT: What are the biggest people related challenges you expect organisations in our sector to face over the next 12 months?
SS: Over the next 12 months, one of the biggest people-related challenges for organisations in our sector will be real organisational design in response to reduced budgets and the adoption of AI. Teams need to be prepared, capable, and supported to move forward with minimal disruption. This should involve mapping out roles, structures, and ways of working, rather than simply making redundancies and expecting someone else to pick up the work.
Teams need to be prepared, capable, and supported to move forward with minimal disruption. Supporting high-calibre, multiskilled teams is critical. This requires
leaders who are fully engaged and able to guide their direct reports through change. Middle-management capability will be a defining factor in success, and organisations must have the right programmes, support structures, and culture to reinforce this responsibility. Leadership is not a bolt-on function; it goes far
beyond 1:1s and reporting. Measuring leadership effectiveness, embedding accountability, and investing in development are key to ensuring teams remain resilient and adaptable.
Organisations that can redeploy skills, build capability in new growth areas, and maintain engagement will be the ones that thrive. Another emerging challenge is the advent of AI. Levels of adoption and engagement with this technology vary widely, and organisations need structured policies, training, and education to guide employees. Without this, fear of AI replacing roles could create resistance, gaps in productivity, and uneven adoption across teams. By proactively supporting employees to understand and use AI, businesses can de-risk operations, improve productivity, and build confidence and engagement across the workforce.
BT: How are shifts in workplace expectations, hybrid working, and skills development shaping the needs of the industry?
SS: Shifts in workplace expectations, hybrid working, and skills development are redefining what organisations in our sector need from their people and their
leaders. Employees now expect flexibility, meaningful development opportunities, and clarity on how their work contributes to the organisation’s goals. Hybrid working adds a layer of complexity: teams need structures, tools, and ways of collaborating that maintain productivity, engagement, and culture, even when people are not physically together.
At the same time, skills development has never been more critical. Organisations are navigating technological change, including AI, and evolving market demands, which means they need multi-skilled, adaptable teams capable of taking on new challenges quickly. This requires a strategic approach to
learning, continuous development, and leadership capability - ensuring employees have the support and confidence to deliver, while leaders are equipped to guide teams through uncertainty and change.
Ultimately, these shifts mean that organisations cannot simply manage processes; they must actively shape culture, embed capability, and invest in leadership at all levels to remain competitive and resilient
BT: Are there any regulatory or HR related changes that members should be preparing for?
SS: Yes, there are a number of regulatory and HR-related changes that organisations in our sector need to prepare for, particularly with the upcoming changes under the UK Employment Rights Act from April this year and beyond. These changes will have a direct impact on policies, employee contracts, and working
arrangements, so People teams need to be reviewing their frameworks now to ensure compliance and to understand the practical implications for their workforce.
For those smaller organisations without an HR department, keep abreast of upcoming changes through gov.uk, ACAS and the CIPD.
Preparation is not just about legal compliance — it’s about translating legislative change into meaningful guidance for leaders and employees, ensuring the business continues to operate smoothly and fairly. Organisations that proactively consider how policies, processes, and communications need to evolve
will be best placed to mitigate risk, maintain engagement, and support leaders in guiding their teams through these changes.
BT: What are the key opportunities for members who engage with the Forum?
SS: Members who engage with the Forum gain a range of valuable opportunities. We regularly review legislative changes, producing updates to ensure all members stay abreast of developments as they arise. The Forum also provides a shared community of practice and access to a rich network of HR
leaders who understand the unique challenges of our industry and support each other in navigating them.
We bring in thought leaders on topical issues, such as AI adoption and emerging HR trends, who present to the group and make themselves available for additional engagement and collaboration outside the Forum. This is particularly valuable in an environment where many HR leaders operate in isolation or with very small teams. Being able to build connections with peers who truly understand the sector not only provides practical guidance but also strengthens insight, confidence, and strategic capability.
In addition, BOSS offers its own mentoring programme and runs a charity that can provide support to employees across the industry. These are fantastic resources, especially for smaller businesses that may not have the capacity to create their own programmes, and our members have first-hand experience of their
benefits within their organisations, which they can share with others.
BT: What motivates your involvement in the People & Culture Forum, and what do you hope to achieve during your tenure as Chair?
SS: I am motivated to be involved in the People & Culture Forum because it provides a platform to connect with and learn from peers, share best practice, and influence the people agenda across our industry.
During my tenure as Chair, I aim to foster a collaborative environment where members feel supported and inspired, promote open dialogue on key HR challenges,
and drive initiatives that advance talent development, inclusion, and high-performance cultures. I am particularly passionate about elevating the perception of HR - ensuring it is recognised not just as a support function or policy enforcer, but as a strategic partner with a vital seat at the table, aligning people strategy
with business objectives to deliver meaningful organisational impact.
BOSS Synergy Group
The Synergy Group provides an opportunity for companies to meet and represent the issues and challenges relating to the business supplies industry data standards.
The forum provides a conduit where these issues can be discussed and fed back to the wider industry to drive consistent ways of operating.
Chair: Chris Anstey
BT: What role does the Synergy Data Group play within the wider business supplies industry?
CA: The Group defines and publishes standards for both data descriptions and distribution with the aim of reducing errors and costs within the industry. This includes transactional data.
BT: Why is it important for the sector to have a dedicated forum focused on data?
CA: Everyone in the industry accepts the importance of having good quality and consistent data but few either understand what is entailed in delivering and maintaining quality data. Most companies are reticent in providing the resource to do so. The Synergy Group is made up of people who understand the importance of data and work to improve this across the industry.
BT: Where has the Synergy Data Group made the most meaningful impact so far?
CA: Defining and maintaining the Office Products Industry product classification (ISPC).
BT: Can you highlight any projects, datasets, or collaborative efforts that have delivered real value to members?
CA: ISPC, Product Uniform (Set of standard fields to build and distribute data).
BT: What are the key opportunities for members who engage with the Group’s work?
CA: To shape the future of data building and distribution in a fast-changing world.
BT: What are the biggest challenges the Group expects to face over the next 12 months?
CA: Balancing different requirements within an industry where power and influence has moved to a very small number of players.
BT: How does the Group encourage collaboration between different parts of the supply chain?
CA: The Group has members representing Wholesalers, Software Houses, Dealers and Manufacturers. The commonality between these is the handling of product and transactional data. The Synergy Group is an ideal forum to discuss and solve problems that occur in the dissemination of data within the industry.
BT: What are the Group’s priorities for the year ahead?
CA: To keep the focus of members and for them to provide the time and input where business pressures result in everyone working harder with less time available.
BT: How do you see the Synergy Data Group evolving as the industry continues to diversify beyond traditional office products?
CA: This has been one of the more interesting problems. On one hand, adding new product ranges to our classification, but then trying to persuade new entrants to the Office Products Industry to utilise our data standards.
BT: What motivates your involvement in the Synergy Data Group?
CA: Quality and consistent data saves money. Customers purchase the right product so fewer returns. If data is built using the same units, it is easier
for the customer to make informed choices. Is it clear what the customer will receive when ordering a specific item. Does the image show exactly what will be hipped in the correct colour? If product relationship data is also built, a good web site can offer larger packs, better quality of value offering. In other words, can do the job of a good knowledgeable sales person. Most sales web sites across all industries are full of errors and have a total lack of consistency. You can
find a product on Amazon with metric dimension and the next product with imperial measurements. I have been involved in producing and distribution
data for over 30 years and want to make it better.
For more information on BOSS SIG Groups click here.
