The Best, Brightest
B r a n d  Identities 

Proficiency Index new survey:
OP, Tech & HyPac consumers

As a by-product of Proficiency Index's First Buyers Survey in the HyPac market, (Hygiene, Foodsevice and Packaging) it surveyed what consumers felt were their most favoured. brightest brand names. This survey of decision makers revealed fascinating insights in NY, Boston, London & Manchester and featured original brands, private label and leading resellers. Full report here, first ...updated tomorrow

What buyers want
in hygiene supply?

• Rapid response comms
• Personalized special svcs 
• Hybrid, hygienic workspaces

Top 50+ Women

Marketers 2026

Leaders in creativity, sales,
brand growth performance

Marketing to businesses by brandmakers & resellers was traditionally dominated by men. As we celebrate International Women'Day'26, Proficiency Index recognises the most successful women marketing leaders. This is 19th edition of 'Top 50+ Women in Business Supply', the market's real growth achievers, inc. new entrants from progressive independent distributors....Full story here, first 

Tatham's Top10
Tech Trends '26

Cybersecurity. Quantum,
AI, Software, Humanisation

The UK IT market is set to grow by 11%+ in 2026 and the channel will take an increasing market share" says Alex Tatham the ex-Westcoast MD now a highly respected consultant. "AI will dominate the conversation but may NOT have the biggest impact on spending in 2026?". We discuss Tatham's comments and the latest US v EU market trends...

Retail Rankings '25
Xmas Leaderboard

US/UK Growth Performances:
Who's gaining market share?

Results are in for US/UK retailers sales over the Christmas period. Physical store traffic was up only +2%, but overall sales were up +5%, inc. online shopping, fuelled by 3% price inflation. We analyse leading performances inc. DunnHumby and The Times commentary. Full analysis here, first

AI: Augment don't
annoy customers!

Who will seize personalized
productivity services market?
Top 10 Predictions 2026

What will happen in 2026 given a 'flat' consumer & business supply demand and inflationary outlook? How will leaders Amazon, Bunzl, Grainger, WBMason, Uline and Lyreco respond? How will independent dealers, groups, wholesalers, furniture-makers, OP makers survive? How will progressives in HyPac, foodservice, health care embrace AI, cyber-security; Hybrid-WFH; B2C marketing trends?  PP's Top 10 Predictions Updated again

Best Performers
Review of 2025

Leaders, brands, web,
products, productivity,
services, ads, greenest

The #OPocalypse has happened with office supplies now less than 10% of broadline business supply market. Slow consumer and business demand has been buffered by price increases in the hygiene, foodservice & packaging markets. Proficiency Index reviews the best performers in 2025 who pivoted to the new category opportunities in a flat market. Full report complete

Market Review'25 
July-Dec Analysis

Demand down. Prices Up! 

Major Mergers: BRAID/ODP

The AI 'Market Bubble' dominated Wall St media, hyping up GDP. Meanwhile, Main St consumer brands' demand was flat at best. Industry consolidation in Q3 dominated with Essendant's OP withdrawal; the BRAID merger of Brady+/Imperial HyPac distributors; and the final capitulation of ODP to Atlas. Meanwhile, the hybrid work, WFH, 'D2C' trends maintained. We chronicle the main events between Jul-Dec'25...Complete

Market Review'25 
Jan-June Analysis

Tariffication hits demand
amid industry M&A mania

The global economy slowed as supply chains were disrupted by erratic US tariffs. The paperless, office-less movement accelerated, spiking OP players profits bubble as volumes declined. The vultures' graveyard gravitated. Hybrid WFH dominated as <50% returned to corp offices. M&A mania continued. We chronicle the main events between Jan-Jun'25. Complete

Top R e s e l l e r s
R e v i e w  2 0 2 5

Leaders. Laggards. Rising
Stars, Best HyPac players

The bigbox share of the market tumbled again in 2025. Disintegrating Depot & sinking Staples lost heavily as Amazon's growth rocketed. Trad dealers in OP/furniture struggled again, but progressives' agility facilitated the pivot to invest in hygiene, foodservice and packaging (HyPac) supplies plus hybrid work furniture, to service the growing WFH/SMB market. Full analysis of leaders and trends here, first