If you don’t think your office products supplier can supply canteen essentials think again. Tea, coffee and sugar supplies are second nature to us and means that you can have your dose of caffeine delivered with your printer paper! AND did you know that tea is particularly good at providing a much needed boost of energy without the caffeine side effects.
Tea is becoming the drink of choice for mental wellness and rehydration and with so many different...
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Canteen essentials
Power to the humble pen and paper!
Shock, horror – A new study has found that for children stationery is making a comeback over electronics during long journeys. This is good news for stationers as they see notebooks, pens, pencils and crayon sales increasing. The report is confirmed by child behaviourists who agree that traditional means of entertainment last longer and have fewer secondary drawbacks such as irritability and moodiness which electronic entertainment can cause. Power to the humble pen and...
Read MoreWhat gives workers a boost or incentive to work harder?
It can be hard staying super productive day in day out. We all know about the Monday blues, but did you know there are whole months where we apparently aren’t pulling our weight? The worst are December and then January. What are the top distractions for workers?
Well top of the list is gossiping and chatting followed by spending time on Facebook and then answering personal emails. Then there’s clockwatching , making hot drinks/time spent in...
SPRING CLEAN YOUR DESK
Where did the idea of a Spring Clean come from? Wherever it was it’s not a bad idea, nor is it limited to your home! Here are some top tips:
1) Don’t use an item every day? Find another place for it!
2) Stacks of papers you don’t need all the time? File them.
3) Like personal items on your desk? Limit yourself to 3.
4) Need things close to hand? Keep all items within...
Eco-Friendly Design
Like slow technology, white walls, and cubicles dark rooms and irresponsible waste/consumption practices are a thing of the past. Not to mention, that they are a complete turn off to the forward thinking generation of top talent entering the workforce. The future employees prefer offices with natural lighting, a concept made possible through open design and glass walls. For the bad rep that Millennials get, they are actually highly environmentally conscious. Therefore, companies that employ green practices such as recycling...
Read MoreSTART UP STEPS 1 – 3; STEP 3
STEP 3
In this last of three steps of start up advice let’s look at some of the ‘big stuff’ you will need.
Technology
Technology is the way of the future, and startups are certainly leading the charge. In order to compete with the competition, startups need to have the proper accessories to get their foothold.
- Telephones & Communication Systems
- Computer Accessories
- Printers
- Wires
- Power & Backup
- Furniture
START UP STEPS 1 – 3; STEP 2
STEP 2
Last week we looked at some of the every day supplies you need to get your office up and running. This week we look in more detail about the products that you might need to get your business moving.
What about Mailing & Shipping Supplies?
Despite the fact most of how business is conducted is over the phone or computer, there will always be items or documents that a client needs to receive through...
START UP STEPS 1 – 3; STEP 1
STEP 1
If you have decided now that we are some way into 2019 that this is YOUR year to branch out on your own, over the next three weeks we have some useful information for you.
So you have your idea for a business, have sorted the company name, the business plan and got some money in the bank. Have you forgotten anything? What about the necessary items to fill your new office?
Here are some office supplies...
You can never be too careful
Sometimes you might think that we are surrounded by visible distractions – signs and posters everywhere but they are there for a reason – to prevent accidents or worse. We have a large collection of industry standard hazard signs and posters and if you need something bespoke then we can sort that for you too. Wall mounted or floor standing, indoor or outdoor – why not give us a call to discuss our range and make sure that you are...
Read MoreNew year new office?
Budgets may not lend themselves to a full revamp of your office or home office but a few simple and inexpensive changes could make you feel like you’ve had a re-look. From a canvas on the wall to new desk accessories and lamps what could be nicer to add a splash of colour, add that feel good factor and still be practical? Nowadays colours are vibrant, styles modern and quirky and where wall art is concerned you are limited only...
Read MorePens are indispensable aren’t they?
Pens are indispensable aren’t they? But what happens when they get a mind of their own and end up putting ink on our office furniture – how do we get it off?
If you are lucky enough to have a leather chair then we recommend that you check the manufacturers guidelines as they often can give help on how to remove different stains. In some cases it’s a question of getting a damp cloth and a leather cleaner...
Safety Equipment
As most of us know (and respect) it is law to provide employees with the correct safety equipment to do their jobs. This could be:
- EYE / EAR PROTECTION
- HEAD COVER
- VISIBILTY CLOTHING
- CORRECT FOOTWEAR
- BREATHING APARATUS
However not only should employees be provided with the right PPE (Personal Protection Equipment) but they should also receive the right training on how to use it, how...
Read MoreThe paperless office
Well we haven’t quite got there – the reason being everyone needs and uses paper. If you thought we supplied just bog standard copies paper think again. We have specialist paper for blotting, listing and printed photos. We’get different thicknesses and shades depending on what your project is. If you need branded paper or own brand paper we can help.
We are at the end of the phone or email if you are not sure what you want. Speak... Read More
Work space changes
You may not be moving offices but your workspace might be in need of a facelift. Do you need extra storage or privacy? It doesn’t take a lot of money to overhaul where you work – the placing of a screen or bookcase can sometimes make a huge difference to the feel and running of an office. Our furniture specialists can take you through what’s available and come and visit you place of work to make sure that the changes...
Read Moremailroom / warehouses
If your business has a mailroom or warehouses, we have a large range of specialist products that you need to keep it going. From packing equipment to furniture, trollies, racking and vehicle accessories. Have a look at our webstore for the full selection of items and get your business running smoothly and your goods out quickly.
And don’t forget if you need something specialist then we can source that too – just let our friendly customer service or your account... Read More
Let it snow let it snow
Oh no we don’t want it to do that!! BUT if it does we have just what you need to keep you safe. Check out our slat and grit bins together with sacks of salt and shovels. For indoors we have grib tiles to avoid slips from wet shoes and wet floor warning signs just to give that extra protection.
Protect your staff and visitors indoors and out!
(And pray for warm, sunny... Read MoreNew Year Resolution
Don’t make your New Year Resolution all about weight loss and taking more exercise. What about looking closer to home or should we say work. Ever aspired to be that person with the tidiest desk? You CAN be – simply invest in some items to declutter your workspace. Drawers to store important paperwork, pen pot to hold all you favourite writing materials, stacking trays for those bits of paper that you need to keep to hand – and a shredder...
Read MoreBe prepared on the roads
Are you ready for what winter will through at you? Chances are you will have thought of some things but don’t forget if you commute by car you could get stuck in some bad weather. Keep warm clothes/ blankets in your vehicle, make sure you have de-icer and what about putting in one of our emergency winter car kits?
Get some reassurance from knowing that you are ready for the... Read More
Workspace
The daylight hours seem less and less and until the days grow longer again why not make your workspace or home office a bit cheerier to get you through winter? A well-positioned desk lamp can give you the extra light that might just help you beat the blues. Why not invest in some canvases to brighten the walls – choose your favourite photographs of faraway hot climes to give you a warm feeling.
Keep the winter chills out by investing in... Read More
The season of ‘snivels’
Well it’s that time of year when our colleagues come to work with runny noses and coughs. We might not be able to stop them but we can reduce the chance of catching their bugs. Keep communal areas as germ free as possible with hygienic wipes and clean regularly. Whilst you are at it use it as an excuse to give your desk, keyboard and other germ carrying devices an early Spring Clean!
Check out our hygiene products... Read More
Interesting facts about safety clothing Part II
Whilst WW1 chemical warfare ‘helped’ the development of respirators, the first inception of the respirator that we know today actually dates back to Iraq in the 9th Century. Invented by two brothers it was intended to help workers breath whilst going down into polluted wells. The gas mask that we know today has evolved over the years from these first cumbersome pieces of kit.
We are all familiar with Hi Visibility garments and even use the trendy term...
Interesting facts about safety clothing Part I
PPE isn’t a modern invention! Today we are familiar with safety wear – goggles, boots, gloves and such like but our ancestors were also mindful of how dangerous working environments could be.
In Japan warriors would wear metal body armour to protect themselves, in France workers wore ‘sabots’ a type of wooden clog to protect their feet from damage. (Interestingly the word ‘sabotage’ comes from the action, during the French Revolution of throwing cogs into the wheels of...
Do you ever wonder how things get invented?
Do you ever wonder how things get invented? Take for example the hoodie. First developed in the 1920s and 30s it’s intention was to offer a softer and warmer alternative to woollen clothing and was first aimed at sports people and labourers in the US. The term hoodie came into popular culture in the 1970s and re-emerged as a trend setter in the 1990s. Today they are used in all types of formal and informal situations, practical and stylish. Rapper Sean...
Read MoreInteresting facts about office supplies products you use every day 4 & 5
4 – King Louise XIV invented the first stapler!
The first stapler known to man was invented by the King of France in the 18th Century. Not only that but apparently each staple had the insignia of the royal court on it. Not sure how big each one was though!
5 – The RAF and the Biro
Lazlo Biro, who was a Hungarian Journalist, invented the biro in 1938 albeit accidentally. He used to fill his...
Interesting facts about office supplies products you use every day 1 – 3
1- BIC worked out that each of their ballpoint pens can produce up to two miles of writing, so given than there are 238,855 miles to the moon from earth, it would take nearly half a million ballpoint pens to draw a straight line from this planet to our only natural satellite.
2- Pens lids cause an average of 100 deaths a year!
Have you ever noticed the little hole at the top of the pen lid...
TIME TO REVIEW WHO YOUR OFFICE SUPPLIES PROVIDER IS?
If you are looking at ways to cut costs and run your organisation in a more streamlined fashion, don’t overlook how you buy in your office supplies. A short time spent looking at this could result in not only time saved in the long run but also money. If your current supplier doesn’t do these then it may be time to look around and find one that does – BOS!
- 1. Product consolidation
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How to be happy at work Part III
9. Get Organised
One thing you don’t want when working is the additional stress of clutter, loose papers and lever arch files hanging around your desk making it difficult to do your job. Having an organised workplace will help you be better prepared throughout the day, whilst also taking away the stress, resulting in an all-round stress-free environment.
10. Don't Multitask
Many of us thrive with our workload when multi-tasking, although some of us struggle. Instead...
How to be happy in your work PART II
Work is a part of everyone’s lives at some point, and as much as we would prefer to be lying on a sunny beach in the Caribbean, we must earn our money somehow. Being happy at work is another thing because we can’t always be satisfied with what we do – it’s just human nature! Although, there are a few ways that we could brighten up our own days up whilst at work.
Here is the second list of tips...
Read MoreHow to be Happy at work Part II
4. Move Around
As much as many of us forget to get up and move around in our busy working lives, sitting all day and working on a computer can lead to health concerns.
Moving around throughout the workday has many beneficial effects, even if you already do exercise outside of work. Whether it’s finding the time to walk around the office or going out for a walk at lunch, exercise will make you feel better and put you in a better...
Read MoreHow to be happy in your work PART I
Work is a part of everyone’s lives at some point, and as much as we would prefer to be lying on a sunny beach in the Caribbean, we must earn our money somehow. Being happy at work is another thing because we can’t always be satisfied with what we do – it’s just human nature! Although, there are a few ways that we could brighten up our own days up whilst at work.
Try these proven tactics over the next...
Read More