Big Ask: What are your hopes for the industry for 2023?

The industry has faced a number of challenges in 2022, from rising energy prices to supply chain disruptions and a cost-of-living crisis

Read the full article below or read on page 12 in our December magazine

It’s been a challenging year for the office products industry. We spoke to two industry figures who reflected on 2022 and discussed their hopes for the coming year.

David Martin, sales director, One Office Supplies 

“My main hope for the industry in 2023 would be for the stocks to settle. Of course, we must adapt to change but, as the past few years have been unsettling for everyone, it would be great to have more reliable stocks, a bit more trustworthy carriages, and prices that stay the same for longer periods of time! Hopefully, we’ll see a good level of consistency and more control right across the office supply chain. 

“It would also be great to see more people back in company offices. This is a big debate, opinions are constantly changing, and there are certainly advantages on both sides of the argument but, from an office supply point of view, it makes sense.”

Lawrence Savage, marketing manager, Exaclair

“With renewed emphasis upon sustainability, and developing a cultural attitude change to waste management operations across several industry sectors, many manufacturers and resellers are becoming more proactive at creating fresh recycling projects to reduce general waste consumption, particularly with a view to challenging recycling methods.

“The protection of the environment has been an integral part of the Exacompta Clairefontaine group’s corporate strategy for over 40 years and last year 77% of the group’s total expenditure was invested in energy-saving initiatives. With our modern production facilities helping to negotiate the cost of developing more sustainable manufacturing techniques, we are continuing to see the augmentation of ecological products and packaging materials across the business.

“By utilising a collaborative approach alongside our suppliers and dealers we’ve been able to make positive steps towards many challenges, including taking action to tackle the supply shortage of pallets, the minimisation of production waste materials, and the reimaging of resources for the benefit of the wider community.

“As we move into 2023 and beyond it’s important to continue to also work in collaboration with other external industry organisations, and governmental bodies, to develop projects that celebrate sustainability and will, ultimately, benefit us all.”

Phil Neale, director, Graphtec GB Ltd

“It has been a challenging year for the industry, but we have come out the other side more resilient than ever. I’m sure that 2023 will present more hurdles we need to jump, but the resilience we have built upon since 2020 means that we are ready to hopefully overcome whatever may be thrown our way. The industry will have to continue to be agile to adapt to changing landscapes but, as we saw this year, if we change our mindset, we can view changes as opportunities to learn, grow and improve. 

So, as Christmas approaches, let’s celebrate all of the hard work we have all put in this year and let’s head into 2023 ready to tackle challenges head on and cease new opportunities for growth and innovation.”