Rural WFHomers
RTO more v urbans 

"Hybrid Work lasting" despite
CEO's 5day mandate pressure

Workers in UK market towns are returning to the office in greater proportions than urban based people, according to IWG the leading supplier of office space. “WFH provides greater flexibility and reduces property costs while employees cut expensive commutes”. Full analysis here, first

Disruptors at Gate!
Early alert defence 

History and Lessons learned.
The clear & present dangers?

There’s been a narrative about disruptors v disruptees in the busines supply market for 50yrs. It suggests the latter were complacent and and the first took advantage of their false sense of security. We review the historical examples in mail order, superstores, VC/public backed superdealers; and of course Amazon. Moreover, we highlight the current disruptor dangers and how to defend.....tomorrow

Old, Pointless,
Insular event?

OPI Europe Forum agenda:
'Network party on Titanic'?

As usual OPI Forum has assembled an impressive cast of speakers in London. However, the agenda should be a concern, given there is no space allocated for progressive exponent, case studies in the broadline market of hygiene, foodservice, hospitality, packaging and medical supplies. It feels like a networking 'Party on the Titanic' rather than a 'Reinvention Roadmap'? Full preview analysis here, first...updated

Will loser CloseBros,
close on EVO loan?

Restructuring cost cutter bank
may quit invoice fund facility?

Close Brothers the loss making bank hit by the motor finance scandal just published accounts to 31Jul'26. It's proclaiming restructuring, redundancy, slashing headcount as heavy losses continue. Given it is the primary source of funding for the lossmaking EVO Business Supplies group, will it decide to withdraw its facility? Full story here, first...

The Hopeless Half
source 'Holesaler? 

Strategic v Vulture ownership
commitment decides success

Over the last 10yrs the number of broadline business supply wholesalers has diminished in support and commitment to the reseller channel e.g. Essendant, SPR (pre-CNG) in the US; Spicers and Exertis in the UK. As a result the reseller population has collapsed. Looking forward what to expect? Will the vulture owned VOW survive? Will CNG inspire SPR mk2? Full story here, first...complete

Is 'Working From
Home' Working?

Do bosses agree/disagree

 
flexibility boosts productivity?

The evidence about whether flexible working improves productivity is mixed, but many businesses have already made up their mind. The UK government wants to make it harder for employers to block flexible working requests, with hybrid work becoming the norm. We discuss the findings of TheTimes' economics-business editors team...

Stiff'emall Sycamore
reneges WARN Act

Vulture closes Essendant
robs employees 30days pay

As ProficiencyPost reported exclusively on 3 Aug'26 vulture Sycamore confirmed closure of Essendant stating it would pay 60 days WARN Act severance to 15Oct for 400 employees. On 27Aug, it announced shutdown on 1Sep, plus an illegal 30 days cut of employees pay and benefits. We understand a law firm is moving forward with a class action to force rectification. Full story here, first...

Add CXP Services
for Future success

Lessons from leaders in tech:
Customer Productivity... First!

"The IT services market in the channel is bigger than the hardware market. It was 10yrs ago and still is!" writes Alex Tatham ex-MD of IT distributor Westcoast. Resellers in the business supply market have traditionally been 'box shifters'. Now they need to offer managed productivity services – strategic and technical. Can they step up? We case study the ones that have...later today 

Personalization
beats fast product?

McD: “Price important, but
CXP paramount to customers"

After spending $M's on digital kiosks and mobile-ordering systems, fast-food chains are discovering most customers just want somebody to take their order at the counter and do so in a friendly way, according to executives, market-research, reviewed by The Wall Street Journal.  A huge lesson for transactionally minded resellers in the business supply market. Full story here, first...

Will P B S bailout
bankrupt Buroring? 

German group+wholesaler
alliance the optimal option?

Earlier this year, beleagured German dealer group Büroring and wholesaler PBS Deutschland joined forces to streamline logistics, product ranges, and support for OP dealers. On 19Aug, Buroring called an EGM which caused speculation the organisations were considering a merger or worse bankruptcy for the group? Today, the group confirmed it was in Administration. Will PBS rescue? Full story here, first...