Nicola's Highlights from the Evo LIVE event 2022

Our favourite products and trends from the exhibition

Last week I attended the Evo LIVE exhibition over in Leeds, UK. Here are my thoughts and highlights from a great day out, meeting with 88 manufacturers and suppliers from the office supplies industry.

There’s no substitute for face to face meetings

After over two years away from the exhibition arena and away from travelling, it was lovely to meet in person with our loyal suppliers. It was clear that there is no substitute for a face to face chat and to see the exhibitors to showcase their products in person. It was great to personally introduce myself, ask questions about the products on display and exchange contact details.

Thinking Post-Covid

It is clear that the world of work is changing. We have supported our customers whilst working from home at the height of the pandemic and we are now navigating the future of hybrid working. It was interesting to discuss what the post-pandemic world of work will look like. We discussed which products will be required to support this style of working and new guidelines to make the progression easier for managers and their staff. I was delighted that our suppliers are happy to help us transition into the new era post-Covid.

Exciting new products coming soon!

I had the chance to view a wide variety of great new products that will be available to us soon. The focus is clearly around health and wellbeing at work along with promoting sustainability in our environment. Here are a few of the brands that really stood out for me…

Leitz

Some of my favourites amongst those exhibited were the Leitz Cosy office desk ergonomics range. The range includes products such as adjustable laptop stands, desk converters along with foot and wrist rests. Design led, using vibrant colours, Leitz has recently won the prestigious German Design Award in 2022 and provides attractive products that are irresistible to stationery lovers!

Rediair

I was particularly interested in the range of air filtration products from Rediair. Providing instant air purification, it is an ideal solution for cleansing the air in poorly ventilated areas. As we move away from Covid quarantines, I feel that air filters will become a vital workplace product, especially in the winter time when natural air flow is impractical.

Monolith Gym Equipment

I was excited to hear about a new range of gym equipment Monolith gym equipment. Made in Italy from eco materials and designed to be space-saving, this range of equipment would easily fit into any workplace. Providing products such as gym equipment for your staff provides a many health and wellbeing benefits, allowing anyone to exercise before or after work or during lunchbreaks and helping to increase movement within the office.

Predicted Trends

The impact of colour in the office

I was excited to hear that 3M are looking beyond black and white and pulling in a world of colour to promote, productivity, reduce stress in the office. Their range of Post-it notes aids collaboration and provides bright, visual ways of brainstorming within meetings.

Hygiene in the Workplace

Germ prevention is still in the forefront of suppliers and consumers’ minds. There were some interesting insights from Dettol Pro Solutions around targeted hygiene in the workplace. Dettol Pro Solutions have developed a specific program for businesses which we look forward to featuring. 

Sustainability is the Future

A host of businesses are promoting their sustainability programmes in order to work to Carbon Net Zero by 2030. There were lots of interesting case studies to view across the exhibition:

Pukka & Lyons Teas

One that stood out to me were sustainable teas from Lyons and Pukka which we will be promoting in the near future. Their commitment to sustainable, ethical and organically produced black and herbal teas was inspiring. We look forward to showcasing the new range of teas, including providing a bamboo dispenser box to display your teas attractively in the workplace.

Kimberly Clark

I also was interested to hear about a case study on hand towel recycling from Kimberly Clark and Harrods, working to increase recycling rates and create a circular process for hand towel usage. The paper towels featured are more absorbent and are made into new fibres to create a closed loop recycling. Watch this interesting video case study to find out more.

Canon A4 Paper

This sustainable paper from Canon also caught my eye. Its 75gsm, very white and produced carbon neutrally. Suitable for a range of uses including laser, toner and inkjet printers, it is currently available on special offer.

Thanks for reading. Watch this space for more updates on the exciting products we will be promoting this year!