More than 1100 dealers, manufacturers, suppliers and industry professionals came together to discuss the latest opportunities and challenges in the office products market at Spicers’ Everything for the Office Show at the Jaguar Exhibition Hall, Ricoh Arena, Coventry, last week.

Several of Spicers business initiatives were showcased on larger more defined Spicers stands including, Sales, Promotions, Marketing, 5 Star™, Furniture and e-commerce. With over 100 stands and areas dedicated to Workplace Solutions, Business Machines and Traditional Office Products the show was designed to give dealers the support they need; from expanded product areas to marketing and sales support; to become a one stop shop for their customers.

The show was supported by industry staples including Acco, Avery Dennison, Brother, Bunzl, HP, Newell Rubbermaid and Talk Paper, dealers also had the chance to meet new suppliers like Jushua, Fosse and Sigel.

Inspirational keynote speaker, Sir Clive Woodward, headlined the seminar programme with his motivational keynote on Creating Champions, with the first 50 attendees receiving copies of Sir Clive Woodward’s book, ‘Winning’. The two day programme also included educational seminars on ‘Catalogue Selling - How to make the most out of your 2012 Big Book’ and ‘Category Selling - Delivering growth with Workplace & Technology’.

The opening day culminated in a formal gala dinner with entertainment from Comedien Paul Thorne and the second inaugural ‘Everything for the Office Awards’, celebrating the best innovations in promotional support and services. The ‘Best Stand at EFTOS 2011’ accolade was awarded to Esselte for its amazing design, creativity and execution which really took centre stage at the show. Other awards included:

• Best Promotional Support / Activity 2011 – ACCO Brands

• Best Supplier for Service - Brother

• New Supplier of the Year - Safescan

• Overall supplier of the Year - Hamelin

The awards were judged by Inventory, Merchandising and Marketing Teams from Spicers.