The Soho Stationery Store

Are you going green(er) this May?

There’s no denying that the vast majority of workers and businesses want to do what they can to improve all our lives in a green way - our recent campaign on the subject of ‘a day in the life of a more eco you’ has created a real buzz, so here are some more ideas and suggestions that you can use at home and at work - these tiny little tweaks done by each of us really will turn the tide against climate change and lessen our environmental impact.

KEEP IT LOOSE
The packaging that our food comes in is a major contributor to plastic pollution and landfill - even when packaging IS recyclable, many are guilty of not bothering to put it in the recycling bin. Buy your fruit and vegetable loose and put them in a reusable bag next time you do your supermarket shop (many shops now provide net bags for this purpose).

KEEP IT DRY
Most of us buy boxes of cereals, pulses, pasta, seasoning and spices - why not try one of the ‘dry scoop’ shops that are making a reappearance? Along with saving on waste packaging, you will find this a cheaper option for your staple goods, and another bonus is being able to buy the amount that YOU want, not what the box size dictates!

DO THE SPLITS
Limiting how much kitchen towel you use is a good discipline, but why not try this genius trick - most small spills only require a tiny amount of towel, so when disaster strikes, tear off a sheet, then tear it lengthways - half a sheet will clear up the mess, and if it doesn’t just use the other half - be amazed at how long a standard roll will last you!

CLOTH NOT PAPER
Why not ditch the kitchen towels altogether and start using a dish cloth instead? Made from natural materials, highly absorbent and almost infinitely washable, you’ll save on packaging and save a packet on kitchen rolls - keep a couple on the go, pop them in the tub when you do the main wash.

Avery Green Office Month

This May search for for tips on how to make your life a little more green. In the meantime by choosing Avery Recycled labels you can make a difference and help to protect the environment. These labels are made from 100% chlorine-free, bleached recycled paper.

We have hundreds of environmantally friendly products to offer you - from the Blue Angel ECO range of desktop essentials from Durable, to storage boxes from Fellowes, and so much more. Check out our webstore or get in touch to tell us just what you need to help you enjoy a greener MAY!

Creating a people first culture

As employee expectations rise, employers have a new challenge on their hands as they look for ways to retain and attract the best talent. A recent study by Microsoft found that as many as 41% of workers were intending to leave their current role within the next 12 months.

FREEDOM
Employees now want the freedom to work in their own way. They want employers to be flexible to different ways of working, they want to choose where they work from, when they work, to choose the tools they use to host their meetings..... And if they are doing a great job, then surely bosses would want to encourage this?

ALL CHANGE
We used to work in a world that was very work centric, work was about the job not the person, people were judged on hours spent at the office, a high value was placed on presentee-ism where workers could be seen and heard, and less so on productivity.
Many businesses owners have been surprised at the output from home workers during the pandemic, and are happy to accommodate the hybrid working model, but it is going to take more than a bit of flexibility to truly become employee centric.
Companies need to work hard to develop strategies that empower people to work in the way they want and really put people first, or risk losing them.

A day in the life of a more eco you - your afternoon and evening!

12:30 - LOCAL LUNCH
If you can, try to buy fruit and veg that’s in season (grown in this country), it's great in the Spring and Summer when there is lots of juicy fruit and veg available but don’t forget the power of a good root vegetable soup recipe for the winter!

13:00 - FOSSIL FUEL FREE EXERCISE
Save on fees and fuel by NOT driving to your local gym - go for a walk or a bike ride instead!

15:00 - GREENER LOO BREAK
Sorry to go here, but flushing things down the toilet that are not bio-degradable is not ok. Wipes and sanitary products belong in the bin.
Check out Natracares range for chemical free, bio-degradable versions.

18:30 - CLEAN UP
Household cleaning products are not only full of toxins but often come in plastic containers. Look for inspiration online for how you can make your own, or buy small bottles of concentrate that you can add water to. Cut down on the amount of laundry you do and if you use disposable wipes (that guess what, are made of plastic) switch to a washable cloth.

22.30: - CLEAN YOUR TEETH WITH BAMBOO
Widely available bamboo toothbrushes are sustainable and 100% bio-degradable. You can even get those little interdental gap cleaners made from bamboo too. Don’t let any more of your 350 toothbrushes you will use in a lifetime end up in the sea.

'Green washing' - our guide to help you choose genuine eco products

As buying green takes hold, we are seeing more companies being accused of 'greenwashing' (making false or misleading marketing claims about how green the product is that you’re buying).
Read on for some key indicators that products might not be as green as they seem...

Buzz words
Unfortunately there are no strict regulations for what constitutes a ‘green’ or ‘eco-friendly’ product so unless they are accompanied with backed up claims (eg made from 70% recycled waste), then best not to put too much stock in buzz words.

Images of nature
If a company is looking to push an eco message then images of trees, greenery and blue skies will all help confirm that message, but unless there are substantiated claims to their ‘green-ness’ you can’t be sure what looks green, actually is green.

The bigger picture
Companies may promote one (verified) aspect of their green message, but skim over murkier things happening in the background. A good example is plant-based milk; they have lower carbon emissions than cow’s milk but can cause environmental harm in others ways such as through their use of pesticides/excessive amounts of water.

Independent verification
Companies sometimes use their own icons to indicate a green range but these are for design purposes only. Those that have been independently verified by a third party will carry a logo to prove it and these are the ones you want to look out for.
Check out ecolabelindex.com for a full list of independent verifiers.

Our green choices for your workplace are exactly that - so whatever you need, rest assured the products you buy from us that have any 'environmentally friendly' accreditations are ethical and are a help in the fight against climate change.

A day in the life of a more eco you!
Attaining a greener lifestyle isn't only about using an electric car and taking a Staycation - little things throughout your working day can hugely impact on the amount of waste produced and needless energy used - here's a few things you can adopt each morning - you'll enjoy being a more eco you!

7:00am
TAKE A PLASTIC-FREE SHOWER
Most plastic bottles and containers can’t be recycled unless they are dismantled, and those pump dispensers we’ve all grown used to are one of the worst culprits with five different types of plastic used to make each one.
Make the switch to soap instead of shower gel and use a bar of shampoo - sounds odd but trust us, you won’t look back.
We love: Lush cruelty free shampoo soap, £8 (and you don’t even need conditioner).

7:30 BREAKFAST
The consumption of cereal in the UK is bigger than any other country in the world, and with that comes milk, one of the major contributors to climate change. Oat or almond milk are nutritious alternatives without the environmental impact.
We love: Alpro Soya Almond Milk.

7:45 OFFICE-BASED DAY?
In many bigger cities, companies will contribute towards their employees travel passes, making public transport a cheaper option. Why not speak to your employers and see if they will consider something similar?

8:15 STOP FOR COFFEE
Millions of us grab a coffee on the way to work creating mountains of waste that isn’t recycled. Take your own re-usable cup, or better still make your own before you set off.

Are you up for the Challenge?
We all know that health and well being are an absolute top priority for all of us, but why not take that a step further by doing yourself some good (with a bit of exercise) and generate some much needed money for two of the best charities out there - Cancer Research UK and Macmillan Cancer Support?

You can start straight away by taking up one of the challenges listed below during April - or if you don't quite feel fit enough just yet, you can get in trim in time for the Great North Swim which takes place in June!

Full details are available online - check it out, get involved and raise some cash!

Dog Walking Challenge
Walk two miles a day with your dog in April and raise money for life-saving cancer research.
CHARITY: CANCER RESEARCH UK

Squat Challenge
Complete 100 squats a day in April and raise money for life-saving cancer research.
CHARITY: CANCER RESEARCH UK

The Wheelie Big Challenge
Take on The Wheelie Big Challenge by completing 30, 60 or 90 miles on wheels throughout the month of April. Whether that is on a skateboard, in a wheelchair, roller skating, or cycling, you will help them to be there for people living with cancer.
CHARITY: MACMILLAN CANCER SUPPORT

Great North Swim 1 Mile
Looking for your next open water swimming challenge? The Great North Swim 1 mile is located at the stunning Lake Windermere in the Lake District National Park.
CHARITY: MACMILLAN CANCER SUPPORT
WHEN: 10-12 JUNE 2022

Spring into action!

There's no denying that Spring has definitely sprung, with signs of new life all around us, and with the clocks moving the days are longer and (hopefully) a bit brighter. The only downside of this is you notice how dusty and possibly neglected your workplace may have got during the last few months!

Spring cleaning can be a thing of dread, but it doesn't have to be. Having a good sort and clear out of paperwork and accumulated clutter that is in every work place will not only give you a serious boost, it will also mean you don't have that anxiety of ID fraud and theft once you've dealt with last years paperwork.
Old trade magazines, brochures and catalogues can all be sent to paper recycling along with any leftover packaging you may have kicking about.

Along with cleaning up why not brighten up your office with some colour coordinated essentials? Many products are available in beautiful pastel shades, so you can either mix and match, or go all out for one colourway - lime green box files, stapler, hole punch and desk tidy items can really make a statement - and put a smile on your face!

Whatever you need for your Spring time clean up and clear out we can help you - check out our webstore or get in touch!

Overflowing with filing? We can help you!

The last few weeks of March can be really frantic for some businesses, trying to get all the previous years paperwork in shape, ready for the new financial year - a mix of sorting, filing, and shredding and binning!

A bit like doing the Spring cleaning, it's not a task that many enjoy, but once done it's a thing which gives immense satisfaction, and most importantly gives a feeling of safety and security knowing that confidential data is where it should be - or shredded to avoid any chance of ID fraud occurring.

Whether you need a new or bigger shredder, some suspension files and archive boxes or a set of cabinets to house it all, we can help you!

Visit our webstore or contact us directly, we're here to help you! 😀

Colour Co-ordinated collaboration
Everyone responds to colour and the new COSY ERGO range from Leitz certainly hits the spot.
Calm Blue, Velvet Grey, Warm Yellow - just the colour names have a relaxing effect!

Giving your shared workspaces a lift doesn't have to mean a full refit (but we can help you with that as well!) - simply swapping out your drab files and folders for something a bit more 'modern' in colour can create a mood change for the better.

From coloured files and archive boxes to coloured steel storage for your workspace and breakout areas, we can provide a huge range of products to make your office somehere that you want to work in - just get in touch to discuss what we can do for you!

A greener approach for your workplace essentials

Trying to keep in the green lane when you need to order those vital things for your workplace can be really tricky.
If you're anything like us you'll get a guilt trip each time you need to replace a pen, or need a new correction mouse - after all those things have their own packaging, which may or may not be recyclable - so, what to do?

That's where the brilliant BIC 'Office Eco' pack comes in!
This 9-piece eco-conscious personal stationery kit is perfect for the office, co-working space, home living/work area or school.

Contained in a sturdy, reusable cardboard box are a selection of BIC pens (including a 4 colours medium), mechanical and trad pencils, glue stick, correction mouse and more.

Just one tiny but significant step you can take on the highway to a greener future!

For this and 1000's more must-have products for wherever you work, check out our web store, or even better get in touch directly - we're here to help and are happy to discuss just what you need for your workplace.

Productivity post Covid.
Following on from our recent post on managing your time on jobs, here is our next top productivity tip:

Introducing desk booking software.

If you work in a larger office, think about introducing desk-booking software where an employee can reserve a desk defined by a set of floorpan parameters (eg beside the cafeteria, in a quiet cubicle, in a central hub, etc). They can see beforehand what the occupancy is like, which allows them to plan their workload better, leading to an improvement in productivity.

Key steps to successfully introducing this kind of software include getting staff feedback before introducing the software, having an on-boarding procedure and ensuring desks are cleaned each day and equipped with the right technology (eg wifi, video conferencing facilities, etc) and hardware (eg ergonomic seating/desks, lockers to
store bag/jacket and stationery).

Making a hot desk space that people want to use is also very important - sit stand desks, stools or operator chairs, footrests and other posture support products are all a key part to getting it right - the choice is yours to be as conservative or as way out as you feel!

We can help you choose, or take a look on our webstore for 1000's of great products to turn your desk space into a really HOT desk space!

Productivity post Covid.
Hands up if you struggle to work efficiently regardless of where your 'office' is?
Don't worry, you're not alone!
At home, at your business premises or even at the local coffee shop, getting organised with your work is a matter of getting into certain habits, and sticking to them.

Our first top tip for being fully productive in the post covid landscape is:
Decide what type of work needs doing, and where.

Most jobs can be split into time where you need the input of others; meetings where ideas are discussed, work planned and performance reviewed, and time to then carry out the work required.
Although video meetings have been a necessary way to carry out some work - for lots of us this doesn’t come close to meetings ‘in-person’, so planning office-based time for this type of work can be really beneficial.
When you need to get your head down and get on with a particular piece of work, this is where working from home can come into its own. If a quiet home setting is not possible though, plan time in the office when less people are in to give you the headspace needed to concentrate.

Keep your eyes peeled for more top tips in the coming weeks - in the meantime if you need anything to keep you organised, efficient and SANE while working from your office of the day, get in touch, or check out our webstore - we're here, and we're happy to help!

Try these top tips to keep warm without blowing your budget!

Keeping warm while you work doesn't have to mean racking up a gigantic fuel bill - try our six simple suggestions for keeping warm and keeping costs down. They'll also lessen your personal impact on resources, so it's win, win!

01 Draft proofing
Check skirting boards, doors and windows for gaps and get them sealed - even a rolled up towel will do, short term!

02 Keep your core warm
Use layers and thermals to keep your core body warm, which will help your extremities (legs, hands and feet) feel less cold.

03 Contain heat
Close the door to the room you’re working in

04 Move around
Light exercise will keep your blood moving, and your body warm.

05 Avoid cold feet
Invest in woolly socks or good slippers and you’ll soon feel warmer.

06 Drink tea
Keep your body warm by drinking lots of tea!

We can't supply you with socks or slippers, but for everything else for your office have a look on our webstore - or get in touch - we're here to help!

Keeping warm without the bills!

Try these top tips to keep warm without blowing your budget!

Keeping warm while you work doesn't have to mean racking up a gigantic fuel bill - try our six simple suggestions for keeping warm and keeping costs down. They'll also lessen your personal impact on resources, so it's win, win!

01 Draft proofing
Check skirting boards, doors and windows for gaps and get them sealed - even a rolled up towel will do, short term!

02 Keep your core warm
Use layers and thermals to keep your core body warm, which will help your extremities (legs, hands and feet) feel less cold.

03 Contain heat
Close the door to the room you’re working in.

04 Move around
Light exercise will keep your blood moving, and your body warm.

05 Avoid cold feet
Invest in woolly socks or good slippers and you’ll soon feel warmer.

06 Drink tea
Keep your body warm by drinking lots of tea!

We can't supply you with socks or slippers, but for everything else for your office have a look on our webstore - or get in touch - we're here to help!

Try these Apps - for a more sustainable lifestyle

With climate change and sustainability on the agenda, we’ve been checking out Apps that can help you make product and lifestyle choices for a greener future:

Olio
Food waste app
Food waste is a massive problem, between 35-50% of all the food grown goes to waste and when we think about what goes into growing that food (land that has been deforested, species driven to extinction, soil that has been degraded) it is waste on an incredible scale.

What can you do? Change in food production will take more time, but change on an individual level can be surprisingly easy. The Olio app connects you with neighbours and local businesses, providing a platform where you can share surplus food that will otherwise just end up in the bin.

Do Less Harm directory
Homewares
If you’re looking for sustainable homewares but unsure what the green credentials are of the companies you like, then check out the Do Less Harm Directory from madaboutthehouse.com where you’ll find a round up of companies actively ‘doing less harm’. From disposing of old sofas sustainably to using recycled packaging - it’s a great place to narrow down your search.

The Beagle Button
Greener shopping
This is a web extension which helps you make greener choices when shopping online by alerting you to greener alternatives available elsewhere on the internet.

For thousands of greener choices for your workplace essentials, have a look on our webstore - or get in touch - we're here to help!

Mad About The House - The sourcebook for modern living The sourcebook for modern living

Climate change in the office - what can you do?

Choosing products made from 100% recycled waste is an ideal way to do your bit in the fight against climate change.
The Forever range from Exacompta includes Lever Arch Files, Dividers and more, with all board components made from 100% recycled waste, and they also have the prestigious Blue Angel accreditation.
Available in a wide range of bright colours - who said recycled means dull?! 😀

Checkout our webstore to see the Forever range of office products

Don't wait for the new year - start being greener today!

Hands up if you make, then break new year resolutions? Good intentions are ok, but really you shouldn't wait until 2022 to start on worthwhile resolutions - if each of us makes just tiny changes in their habits, it can have a HUGE impact globally.
No doubt in your office or home office you have a box for collecting dead batteries - right? You may think that's being 'green' but a far more beneficial change is to use rechargeable batteries instead. They may seem expensive when you purchase, but being able to recharge them several hundred times each makes that cost negligible.

Another planet and budget buster is kitchen towels. Most of us unthinkingly tear off several sheets when we've spilled a teaspoon of milk in the kitchen. Get into the habit of ONLY taking a single sheet, then tear it in half and use that. You'll find your roll lasts for ages, saving you money and cutting down on waste.
Go on, make a few tiny tweaks and see the difference!

From kitchen towels to sit stand desks, we can keep you working safely and comfortably right through '22 - check out our webstore or get in touch - we're here to help!

Post-It Colour Notes - which colour are you?
If your desk space is looking a bit drab and dreary why not liven it up by using bright, colourful Post-it notes?
There's nothing wrong with the classic yellow option, but did you know that there are some gorgeously vivid colourways as well - choose from soulful, carnival, playful, cosmic and probably our favourite - 'Boost'!
Post-it notes are available in a wide range of sizes and in plain or ruled sheets - perfect for making notes during meetings, or reminders so you don't forget to order that turkey in time for Christmas!

Check out our webstore for the full range - and for everything else for your workplace!

The work you in 2022

New study findings suggest many of us are re-evaluating what our jobs mean to us. There are the exceptional cases where people decide to leave the world of paid work behind them, go off-grid and be self-sufficient but for many of us these new findings are more likely to present in a kind of uneasy dissatisfaction with how we’re spending our work time. If this sounds like you, now could be the time to have a good look at your job and identify where that unease is felt most. Read on for our tips for making the most of the job you have.

How can I be better at my job?
This might mean better as in being more productive (in which case skip to Time Management for the low down on that) or it may refer to your skill set.
If you sharpen up your skills in a certain area (for example getting down with advanced Excel in order to help you process information) then talk to your boss about attending a short course in this area. It’s unlikely they’ll say no to you showing the initiative for self improvement which will benefit the company. And this leads nicely on to...

I want to make my job more interesting
By learning a new skill/tool which will allow you to add value to your role (for example you may want to learn video editing so you can create better advertising for your company) you are not only making the job richer for you, if you are clever and pick something that your company would like to be better at but don’t have the current know-how, then you are smashing both personal and company goals in one.
Try setting aside one afternoon per week to devote to learning the new skill and stick to it - visualise the work you’ll produce to keep you going!

I’d like to move up the ladder
First and foremost you won’t get a promotion if your boss doesn’t know you’re looking for one! Have a catch up and see what opportunities there are and what you’ll need to do in order to be considered. Ultimately a boss is looking for someone who can make their life easier, so if you can demonstrate that is you, you’re on the right path.

I’d like to manage my work time better
This probably applies to all of us, whether we’re re-evaluating our job or not! There are some really practical suggestions out there most of which start by asking you to carry out a time audit.
Write down how much time you’re spending on each task over the period of a week and you’ll quickly see where time is being used up. Once you know where the problems are, it’s time to take them in hand!

Whatever you need to be the best work YOU in 2022 we can help - from perfect pens to funky footrests, handy headsets to luxurious lighting - check out our webstore or get in touch - we're here to help!

Love your workplace

Recent studies have shown that for many of us our pre pandemic workplace is no longer first choice for us to work in, and in fact many employers are struggling to tempt employees back in when hybrid and work from home options are so appealing.
This has the double impact of expensive and unused offices, and a loss of direction and unity in the workforce.
Open discussion among colleagues is the best way to bring back that energy and enthusiasm, and with some thought and consideration for both personal situation (and for those who pay the salaries), we can all regain a LOVE for the office!

Here’s a few suggestions to get things rolling:

Office attraction
Is the furniture in your office out dated? Many of us have hand picked chairs and desks that suit our personal taste for home use - why not replace that traditional office chair with a funky, modern equivalent? Sit stand desks are aesthetically interesting and a proven help to avoid back problems.

Keep it clean
It’s possible that over the last 18+ months the office itself will have been neglected, so insist on a full, professional deep clean of the whole thing. Anything that is tired, or damaged get it binned and replaced with new.
The returning workforce won’t make the effort if you haven’t!

Plant life
The positive benefits of plants are well documented. Bringing a bit of nature from the outside to the inside will not only make any workplace look nicer, the plants will improve the air quality.

Break out
Way before the pandemic there had been a significant change in what was considered a ‘normal’ office - although pool tables and pinball machines may be a step too far for some, a true break out area where anyone can go to at any time of the day, to get some thinking space, or equally as important, some non work social space is a proven benefit to any office.
Kit it out with a hot desk or two, a decent coffee machine, mood lighting - there are so many options. Be sure to canvas opinion if you are footing the bill!

Whatever you need to fall in love with YOUR office we can help - check out our website or get in touch - we're here to help!

WIN an Apple Watch 6 with Navigator!

During November, you have a chance to win an Apple Watch 6 when you buy any ream of Navigator office paper.

To take part, locate the printed promo code on the back of your Navigator ream and enter it at watchprize.navigator-paper.com

You’ll immediately know if you’re the winner, and you can enter for each ream of Navigator paper you purchase!

Good luck!

Along with the Navigator paper range we have 1000's of office essentials available for you - checkout our webstore or contact us to discuss what we can help you with!

Screen sharing or visual hacking?

Keeping your private data secure has always been a top priority - with many of us now working a combination of home, office and hot desking it's vital to ensure that you keep your data safe.
Keep nosey parkers at bay by fitting a privacy screen to your laptop and monitor. Privacy screens darken the view from the side so people can't view your screen, while you can comfortably get the full, head on view.

Another big benefit is that they protect the screen from scratches and reduce glare, preventing eye strain.

Our range of privacy screens will fit everything from laptops to large monitors, keeping you safe however you work.

We have 1000's of office essentials for you - checkout our webstore, or get in touch to discuss what you need for your home/office set up!

Fancy a FREE Leitz WOW Sound Pen Holder?
Buy any 2 products from the funky, fab Leitz Ergo WOW range and claim your FREE Pen Holder!
From monitor risers, to mouse and keyboard rests and so much more - add a bright splash of colour and fun to your workplace!

(full details at www.leitz.com/en-gb/promotions/colours/)

Green, Pink, Yellow, Black or Blue - which one's you?

Checkout out our webstore for these and 1000's more office products!

Get cashback with Fellowes Shredders!

Everybody loves getting cashback - yes?!
At the moment Fellowes are offering up to £100 cashback on selected shredders - sweet! (visit: https://bit.ly/3mURX88 for full information).

Whatever you need for your workplace we can help. From a heavy duty shredder down to a pack of paper clips - we have it all waiting for you!

Check out our webstore, or get in touch with us - we're here to help!

Making the most of meetings

Meetings are a vital part of any business, and getting the content right can be tricky - add in the fact that many of us are now splitting work time between home and office and that planning becomes even more important. But it doesn’t need to be a stress ball - read our tips tips and get the most out of your meetings!

Get the point
What is the point? There needs to be a reason for the meeting and people need to know the objectives in advance. Send round an agenda a few days prior, this will give people the chance to do their homework first so they can interact.

Stand up!
Standing up makes people think creatively and stops meetings dragging on, and on, and on... And who says you can’t stand up during a Zoom/Teams meeting?

Give it some love
No-one wants to go to a meeting in a boring meeting room. By adding a few comforts and treats your attendees are more likely to fully engage with you. Add some sit stools, bean bags, or for a quick session no chairs at all! Some fresh fruit and bowls of kiddie treats will make everyone smile and relax - and get with the program!

Grafitti artist
Use the wall as a giant scribble pad by adding a sheet of Legamaster film - it’s the perfect way to put across ideas, comments and brainstorming thoughts. Visualising ideas through mind maps is ideal on large surfaces like this and will keep your team on board with your thought process.

Time’s up!
Set a time limit - and when the time is up, call it a day. You have lost your participants’ attention after about 45 minutes so anything longer is pointless. Meetings can often start with people catching up from different departments, you could consider starting a meeting five minutes early to allow for a quick catchup, which doesn’t eat into your productive time.

Whether you need some drywipe markers, a new notice board or easel, or the all important biscuits for your meeting we can supply it all! Check out our website or get in touch to discuss what we can do for you!