Creative Cove and Stationery Supplies go head to head in industry awards
Two indie greetings retailers are bossing it as they’ve been shortlisted in the British Office Supplies & Services Federation awards for the second year running.
And for Sarah Laker at Stationery Supplies it’s a chance to keep hold of the BOSS Federation’s Independent Retailer Award after for the third year on the bounce – while Creative Cove’s Sandra Jervis hopes to wrestle the trophy away from her good pal after the pair went head-to-head in the same category last year.
Also up against Stationery Supplies, of Marple and Wilmslow, and Lampeter’s Creative Cove, are Universal Office Equipment, run by Eliot Jacobs from his post office network in Camden, Crouch End, East Finchley, Herford, Muswell Hill, Potters Bar, Stoke Newington and Ware, and Ray Williams at JPS Stationers in Chesham.
BOSS ceo Amy Hutchinson said: “We were blown away by the number of entries received this year and thank all those who took the time to nominate others too. Our judges have commented on the calibre of entries in many categories so it’s a massive congratulations to all those shortlisted.”
Sarah is also a finalist in Campaign Of The Year for her National Stationery Week project as well as Professional Of The Year, in the awards run by the authoritative body for the UK business supplies industry, which began life in 1905 as the Stationers’ Proprietary Articles Trade Association, publishing a list of approved products and prices, with retailers known to cut prices prevented from receiving supplies – a resale price maintenance scheme that had full legal backing until the 1960s.
“Honestly, I’m struggling for words,” the usually-talkative and effervescent Sarah told PG Buzz, “it’s humbling to be recognised in three different areas, and to be among so many amazing people and companies. I’m really looking forward to the awards evening in November – now the question is do I need a new frock!”
For an “absolutely delighted” Sandra, who picked up her first Retas Award in July for Best Independent Greeting Card Retailer Wales, it’s turning out to be a great year.
She added: “It’s so affirming when other people look at what you do and say yes, you’re doing a good job. So thank you to BOSS for recognising something in me!
“Despite the huge successes I’ve had, the awards and the fun on social media, 2023 hasn’t been great inside my head. I’ve struggled massively to keep myself going on some days and have been rather absent on social media because, when you feel in the pits of a black hole, the last thing you want to do is shout about yourself.
“So having industry giants and friends doing that for you, it makes it all rather special. Thank you to those who have believed in me, those who support me and tell me to keep going. And apologies to anyone I’ve neglected over the last few months!
“The fact this has been announced on World Mental Health Day is really lovely. A shout out to anyone struggling – you may not think you’re doing brilliantly, but someone else most certainly does!”
Thanks to headline sponsors 3M, Antalis, Avery, Bic, Exertis Supplies, Tork and YPO, the awards ceremony takes place on 30 November at the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel in Manchester.
