NEWS AND VIEWS

Nemo Office Club has announced the new date for its 2022 Conference - Friday and Saturday April 29-30 at the Crowne Plaza, Stratford-upon-Avon. “Following the postponement of the conference we continue to prioritise Quills Group acquires the health and wellbeing of all of our members and suppliers. After consultation Control Office Supplieswith the hotel - and closely monitoring government guidelines - we are delighted to announce the new date,” said Nemo Office Club’s MD, Tim Beaumont. “The itinerary for the event will remain largely the same.”

The ‘Back Together Again’ Conference, which includes a guest appearance from Lord Digby Jones and an exhibition with more than 40 suppliers the Conference the first in-person joint event since Nemo and Office Club joined forces in July 2019.

Prima will host its largest ever customer event, GROWTHFACTOR-e, on Thursday 12 May.

Focused on growth, the event will provide users with automation solutions, training and networking opportunities with Prima Marketplace partners, followed by an evening event of networking and entertainment. GROWTHFACTOR-e will be hosted at the Hilton Hotel, Liverpool, and will deliver keynote sessions, networking opportunities and practical demonstrations.

“As we optimistically head towards less turbulent times, we feel now is the right time to invite all our customers to a unique VIP experience,” said Ian Buckley, MD of Prima Software.

“Our aim is for GROWTHFACTOR-e to deliver practical advice with an insight into Prima’s recent enhancements and future development roadmap. There will also be a Prima Marketplace supplier exhibition.”

Paul Hardy, European brand director of office cleaning product manufacturers AF International, has left the company, following more than 10 year’s service to pursue new challenges. Margaux Lefaucheux will be assuming responsibility for AF International with immediate effect. During his time at AF International, Paul expanded the brand’s revenue and developed many new markets. “The team retains some incredible talent to drive the business forward.” he said.

Margaux brings a wealth of skills and experience, having joined the company eight-and-a-half years ago and been account manager for the last seven years.

The Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme has been reintroduced, meaning that employers can claim for COVID-related sickness absences occurring from 21 December 2021 onwards. The scheme closed in September 2021, but its return was announced as part of the Omicron response. You’re eligible if you: • Are small/medium-sized (fewer than 250 employees as of 30 November 2021) • Have a PAYE payroll system as of 30 November 2021 • Have already paid your employees’ COVID-related SSP • Are based in the UK.

Antalis Packaging has opened its new Smart Packaging Centre (SPC), which features a demonstration suite for packaging automation and a dedicated packaging design studio.

Following the initial launch of the SPC in 2018 the company has seen demand for its services grow. Antalis Packaging’s head of innovation and design, John Garner, says much of the demand is driven by customers seeking solutions to their packaging sustainability and efficiency concerns.

The new SPC, opened in January, has been designed to cater for this growing need. It provides customers with the opportunity to discuss their packaging requirements as well as packaging design solutions being developed, and samples quickly created on site.

The latest developments in packaging automation, including carton and bag on-demand machinery, are showcased in the new demonstration suite. Customers can also have demonstrations of a full range of in-thebox systems in air cushion and paper technology that wrap, cushion and protect products.

Providing customers with the opportunity to see automation in action is a huge benefit, according to John. “A lot of our focus at the SPC is on helping customers to understand how they can future-proof their businesses,” he said. “The new dedicated design studio offers innovative packaging design as well as artwork design. Once a packaging solution has been developed on screen, samples can be created – and printed – in the demonstration suite.”

Integra’s 2022 Office Product catalogues have been going out to member’s customers across the UK to promote the diverse range of products and services they provide.

This year’s catalogue features more than 7,000 skus, including industry-leading brands and the group’s exclusive own brand, Initiative. Alongside free catalogues, members have access to a comprehensive support programme enabling them to costeffectively promote their latest catalogue including a digital version to support hybrid and remote working.

Facilities supplies, health and wellbeing, technology and working from home all continue to be important parts of the product mix, together with core office products, furniture and print consumables, to name but a few. Categories that present additional diversification opportunities - such as medical supplies, workwear and PPE - have all been expanded and ‘green’ products can be found throughout the publication, giving customers more choice.

Integra’s catalogue is also fullysupported with a digkit containing email templates, web and social media content together with digibook, ecommerce and back-office data.