Lyreco unveils safety platform

Teesside-based safety and MRO reseller Caswells Group has acquired neighbouring office supplies dealer, Jarreds Office Supplies.

Gene Jarred and his wife Lily opened the business in 1972. They initially supplied duplicating machines (prephotocopiers) and paper stock before adding office stationery, furniture and electronic typewriters and photocopiers.

Caswells said the acquisition offers the potential for customers to take advantage

Garry White (pictured), Managing Director of supply chain software provider Oasis, has announced he is taking early retirement.

Caswells’ Commercial Director Paul Murphy commented: “Owners on both sides have known each other socially from the beginning and traded with each other. We had been seeking an acquisition in this field for some time to further enhance our offering to our customers.”

Joanne Dougherty, Sales Manager at Jarreds, added: “It’s been a great move to become part of Caswells, not just for customers of both companies but also for staff. After 50 successful years, we are now able to enjoy being part of a larger group which offers opportunities for skills and career development in other areas.”

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Lyreco UK & Ireland has launched a centralised safety products platform. Called Lyreco Safety, it includes up-todate safety category information and advice as well as guides and resources to help customers implement their PPE and safety gear effectively.

The reseller said the platform covers everything from PPE and site safety to first aid and workwear, with easily accessible categories and subcategories. Each category page offers safety information, links to technical specifications and the latest standards.

Included is a resource library with documents and videos, procurement advice as well as training material, Lyreco’s product catalogues and case studies.

White has been working in the office products industry for the past 33 years, including 16 at Office Depot and seven at Staples. He joined Oasis in 2016 and took over as Managing Director a year later.

He leaves Oasis in the hands of two longserving execs. Projects Director John Flanagan – who has been with the business since 1996 –has been named Managing Director. He will take the lead role on client and supplier relations, new business and marketing.

Meanwhile, Peter Duncan – at the company since 2004 – will support Flanagan as Operations Director. He takes on responsibility for implementation, development, finance and business administration.

Former Managing Director Jo Franklin will continue as Chair, providing support and guidance to the new leadership team.

Brother’s UK subsidiary has announced two promotions to its senior leadership team. Following the retirement of Sales and Marketing Director Andy Forsyth after a 40-year career in the business technology sector, the vendor has established two new roles– both reporting to Managing Director Phil Jones. The positions are designed to support the company’s strategic growth plans.

Greig Millar (above, left) has been promoted from General Manager for Sales to Chief Revenue Officer. At Brother UK for 20 years, he will now be responsible for leading its sales team and partner strategy – developing deeper relationships with reseller partners to mutually drive managed print services revenue opportunities.

Terry Caulfield (above, right) – previously Brother’s General Manager for Products and Solutions – has been named Chief Commercial Officer. He will lead the OEM’s category management and specialist printing solutions division. In the role, Caulfield will focus on driving strategic growth in Brother UK’s target verticals across retail, transport and logistics, and hospitality.