office*, the UK’s biggest dedicated event for the PA and office manager community, will return for its fifth anniversary edition next month, on 7-8 October at London’s Olympia, with over 175 exhibiting companies.
Informative, inspiring, brilliant, motivating, fun, effective, and essential – those are just some of the words to feature in 2013’s post show feedback, which also revealed that around four in five visitors were planning to return this year. Those that do will find hundreds of new products, services and solutions waiting for them.
Dukes of London, Inkonomy Drive, Alexander & James BV, Happy Box London, City Pantry, Bespoke Commercial Cleaning, PTP – Management & Personal Development Training, and Green Facilities Management are just some of the new exhibitors confirmed for 2014.
The following is a preview of some of the new innovations – including office equipment and supplies, business services, corporate gifts, training, and networking opportunities – being showcased at this year’s office* event.
Office Equipment, Products & Supplies
Leading mailing equipment supplier AMS is exclusively showcasing its new Folder Inserter, the AMS 6500. The easy to use machine will collate, fold, insert and seal outgoing mail in one single process. It fills up to 2,400 items of mail an hour, much quicker than stuffing envelopes by hand (stand 2061).
Cherry Keyboards & Mice is introducing its new DW-3000 entry-level wireless desktop. Ideal for any office environment and without fear of cross-desk interference, benefits include Whisper keystroke keys with wear-resistant laser key legends (stand 5060).
Dragons’ Den winners Magic Whiteboard Limited allows users to create a whiteboard from a roll, anywhere, in seconds. Now available in A0 (sheets are twice as big), this is the world’s biggest whiteboard on a roll – great for trainers who want a large space to capture ideas and learning at workshops. They are also launching a new Reusable Magic Notebook – write on with any dry marker, wipe clean and reuse (stand 5039).
LSM Consumer and Office Products is showcasing its new range of Archiving and Filing Boxes. The design is modular, and can be added to and extended as demand requires. Made from the highest quality FSC corrugated board, this Archiving range is designed to last for many years of use (stand 2030).
Avery UK is launching its new Labels for Letters and Parcels Kits, which are ideal for low volume mailings. Also new is its Labels for Christmas Cards & Parcels Kit, which includes white tags, and clear or white labels for adding to Christmas cards, parcels and presents. Use Avery Design & Print Online Christmas templates to personalise (stand 2041).
Varidesk aims to improve employees’ working environments by providing them with an affordable, yet effective solution to standing while working. Varidesk’s height adjustable desk sits on top of existing working desks and comes already assembled and ready to use out the box (stand 1009).
New exhibitor Carfax Cards is introducing their patented CaseCard at office*. Designed to leave a lasting impression, the brand focussed personalised covers help to keep business cards in a pristine condition. New launches include a bespoke range of personalised stationery offering duplex material covering 50 colours and 25 embossed textures. They will also be running a Champagne draw, three times a day over both days of the show (stand 4046).
muggi is an innovative new product that enables hot and cold drinks to be carried safely in any busy working environment. This unique tray, which holds up to four mugs, can be carried safely in one hand, leaving the other hand free for support; boosting its health and safety credentials. It securely holds mugs, glasses and Champagne bottles and will catch any unwanted spillages (stand 1011).
The Pilot Pen Company (UK) Ltd is demonstrating the world’s first refillable liquid ink needle tip rollerball – The V5 CARTRIDGE SYSTEM. Made from 71% recycled plastic, this pen is great for those who want the smoothest writing pure liquid ink and hate waste (stand 6063).
GPS, the makers of the Navigator Office Paper brand is presenting Discovery Office Papers. The highlight of the show is the market-leading 70gsm product, which promises hassle-free performance and characteristics normally associated with standard 80gsm papers, whilst helping companies save money and the world (stand 2000).
Promotional merchandise specialist Brandz Ltd is exhibiting for the first time at office* this year, showcasing all the latest cool gadgets and office merchandise. Their range includes Powerbanks, which will charge mobile devices (including smart phones and tablets) on the go. They are available in a range of styles and capacities to suit requirements (stand 1061).
New exhibitor PCC/M&G Stationery, the sole UK importer for M&G Stationery, is showcasing the entire M&G range at office*. The 4th largest brand globally, M&G specialises in writing instruments but also provides a complete stationery brand solution for all office items (stand 4030).
Innovative office supply company Purrfect Office provides a wide range of clients across the UK with a fresh approach to office supplies and equipment procurement, through a ‘one-stop’ purchasing solution. They will be giving away goody bags at office*, plus the chance for lucky visitors to win £25 in gift vouchers. Anthony Costa from the boy band Blue and Stavros Flatley from ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent will be joining the Purrfect Office team at office* on 7th and 8th October respectively (stand 3044).
According to The Times, sales of upmarket coffees have remained ‘remarkably strong’ this year, with consumers still forking out for their daily coffee fix. LTT Vending Group trend this sales growth with high quality coffee systems using fresh milk, premium coffee – Lavazza and Flavia – servicing the office space (stand 5019).
Toner Trader buy surplus toner cartridges and printer consumables. They also sell refurbished printers and surplus genuine toners and have saved their customers £1,000’s a year at Hertfordshire Printing Supplies (stand 4060).
Zebra Pen (UK) Ltd is showcasing its award winning Sarasa Rapid Dry Gel ink pen. It dries in less than 1 second on most papers and is great for left handers. Special show price available at office* (stand 4063).
TwistKey makes digital media more memorable. Launched in 2013, TwistKey is a unique, fully personalised branding and presentation package for USB memory sticks. The USB is held in secure, reusable, bespoke packaging, with scope for artwork, eye catching imagery and text (stand 3030).
The Germans know a thing or two are about quality, that’s why Schnieder is their No.1 pen company. Launched in 2013, Viscoglide Ink pens are smoother then Gel, effortlessly surfing across the page, and they write 4x longer. Office Product Network is the exclusive UK distributor for Schneider and Elco, which makes innovative filing products (Schneider / Elco, stand 4035).
After extensive trials, Binny Bin disposable sanitary bins are now growing in use across the UK in a variety of organisations from offices, shops, and schools to multiple NHS sites. With Binny™ the majority of organisations do not need to use sanitary waste collection companies, and their cleaners can simply dispose of Binny™ and its sanitary contents into the black bag bin waste (stand 3063).
Business Services & Corporate Gifts
WhosOff.com is used by many thousands of companies to manage staff leave, as well as all other leave and out of office time. From small companies with less than 10 staff to large world-wide organisations with staff spread across the globe, WhosOff is a quick and easy solution for managing staff. The sponsor of this year’s VIP Lounge, they are offering an extra month’s free trial to office* visitors (stand 2034).
DoxZoo is a new online printing portal from Greens. It enables businesses to upload their document files, decide on the type of print product that they require, add a cover design and then preview everything online before ordering. There are a wide range of bindings available, including booklets, stapled sheets, paperback and hardback books, posters and ring binders (stand 5006).
RWS Translations is demonstrating how their latest Translation Memory technology helps companies save money when documents such as Report and Accounts, contracts and catalogues need to be translated. The technology also improves the consistency of language and reduces delivery times – often crucial when translating legal or financial documents (stand 3061).
Prima Passport and Visa provide a bespoke, professional service for visa applications and passport procurement. They always have emergency passport appointments available and a dedicated team of experienced consultants to help. They can save clients time, money and hassle, and can also arrange for their own embassy couriers to attend on an applicant’s behalf (stand 5043).
Appetite for business helps organisations improve performance through learning, data and technology. Their new SharePoint Solutions service was created to help support companies in the successful planning and deployment of a new or existing SharePoint site. They’ll be demonstrating how understanding the key business and technical requirements of a solution is key to any SharePoint implementation (stand 4034).
Award winning fizz specialist Champagne Warehouse – Corporate Gifts will be showcasing its newly launched ‘Signature’ Champagne. Each uniquely designed bottle contains Grand Cru champagne and is adorned with Swarovski crystals. New to the UK market, these exquisite Grand Cru and Rosé champagnes are part of the High End Portfolio corporate gift range (stand 3046).
Visitors who sign up to Maximiles.co.uk at office* will be in with a chance to win their very own Mulberry Handbag. Customers can collect points with Maximiles.co.uk on company purchases and then spend the rewards on themselves (stand 5045).
Coach, a leading marketer of modern, classic American apparel, shoes and accessories has launched a new corporate gifting program designed for the stylish executive. With exceptionally high quality goods at accessible prices, Coach offers a range of exquisite accessories (including handbags, wallets, briefcases and travel totes etc) that are ideally suited for corporate gifts and incentives (stand 2048).
Babyblooms is showcasing its new collection of baby clothes bouquets and natural range of skincare at this year’s show. Handmade and designed in the UK, Babyblooms provide beautiful and creatively packaged gifts that mums-to-be, mums and little ones will enjoy (stand 3049).
Godminster Vintage is showcasing its selection of bespoke hampers and gifts. office* visitors can enjoy tasters of some of the award-winning cheeses and accompaniments that go in to making the perfect hamper, and be in with a chance of winning a Godminster Ultimate Hamper (stand 6031).
The London Gift & Hamper Company is launching their new Christmas 2014 gift and hamper range for corporate companies wanting to practice ‘The Art of Giving’. They will also be highlighting their new baby range for baby showers, maternity leave gifts, and new-born baby gifts (stand 1049).
Training, Recruitment & Networking
Bite Size Limited – pioneers in delivering IT Training in bite size chunks – is demonstrating how their branded Bite Size learning platform can provide an e-learning library for Microsoft Office that will support staff training and development in quick to learn Bite Size chunks, 24/7. Individual or company-wide licences are available (stand 5040).
SmartPA is revolutionising the way PAs work and learn. Together with industry expertise and innovative technology, SmartPA has created a range of cutting-edge home working and learning solutions. These are indispensable tools for any successful PA or secretary (stand 3045).
Heather Baker at Baker Thompson Associates is showcasing their specialised PA training at this year’s show. Visitors can find out more about Heather’s books on minute taking, business writing and BakerWrite speedwriting (which only uses letters from the English alphabet – no lines or squiggles to master) and learn about their new online training package (stand 3041).
Pitman Training, leading specialists in PA, Microsoft Office, business and IT skills training, is bringing its new app – My Career Selfie – to office*. The app supports IYOTSA, helping to challenge and change stereotypical job descriptions. Visitors to stand 2039 can take their own #careerselfie and receive free course demos of self-paced vocational training.
Hemsley Fraser Group has been helping EAs, PAs and secretaries with their career development and training for over 23 years. At this year’s show there’ll be competitions, goodie bags and give-aways, including an exclusive prize draw for office* attendees to win a free place at Hemsley Fraser’s new Secretarial, PA and Administrator Conference taking place in London on 5th November (stand 6049).
The PA Life Club will be celebrating its first anniversary during office*. To mark the occasion, delicious fruit cocktails will be available on their stand 2060. The club is also running a special promotion on annual membership for just £49 (saving £20). Keynote Theatre highlights include PA Life’s editor Colette Doyle interviewing the members of the Association of Celebrity Assistants in the UK on Wednesday 8th October.
Miss Jones PA has just launched a new Miss Jones website, which is an exclusive online members club for all Personal and Executive Assistants. It has been designed to help streamline their personal and professional lifestyle demands with a ‘one stop shop’ inspiration and trust platform (stand 5044).
The launch of the first global association for personal assistants is happening at office*. The Global PA Association (the first professional body of its kind to link with a major university – Birkbeck, University of London) will be dedicated to the continuous development of PAs, and will recognise and champion their value within the workplace (stand 3010).
The PA Club, the UK’s foremost networking organisation for senior PAs, will be showcasing its Prestige Membership including in-house advisory service, Ask Abbie. PA Club members meet regularly at fabulous events held in glamorous locations to network, share best practice, make contacts and meet with their many Partners (stand 2011).
Tickets for Executive Secretary LIVE 2015 – the world’s top international conference for Administrative Professionals will be available from Executive Secretary Magazine at office*. Visit stand 3033 to pick up more details, see who the exceptional speaker line-up includes for 2015, and claim a 10% discount off published ticket prices.
office*’s official charity partner Breast Cancer Campaign fund the best research, bring together the brightest minds, and share knowledge to produce better, quicker results to overcome breast cancer in our lifetime. wear it pink – the original, the biggest, and now the most stylish pink event in the UK is back for 2014. This October, wear it pink to help fund breast cancer research and save lives (stand 4001).
office* 2014 returns to Olympia, London, on 7-8 October. Returning show features include the Keynote Theatre, AIM Accredited Destination and Venue Village, HBAA (Hotel Booking Agents Association) Hub, benefit Pamper Parlour, and the pa-assist.com Networking Hub.
To register for a free entry ticket to office* (including admission to the Keynote Theatre and office* Theatre 3), please visit www.officeshow.co.uk and use priority code OFF402 (direct link: http://www.eventdata.co.uk/Visitor/Office14.aspx?TrackingCode=OFF402).