One of VOW’s key strategic objectives at the start of 2019 was to work more closely with both suppliers and dealers in order to drive collaboration, innovation and efficiency through the supply chain. After a challenging but positive year, the wholesaler chose its recent Green Light event to take the opportunity to recognise outstanding performance by giving out its annual awards.
The award to a Red Venture dealer went to Cosmos, an Office Friendly member who have been quick to adapt to the changing market and have grown consistently through working closely with VOW and their group.
In the Gold Venture category, The Office Works impressed through their long-term values-based strategy and their vibrant and energetic approach. They have embraced portfolio expansion and been particularly successful in selling added-value FS solutions.
The Diamond Venture category was won by Clares Office Supplies who through close collaboration with VOW have established themselves as experts in transformational procurement and supply chain excellence.
The Newcomer Award went to Aston and James who having already diversified their 25-year old business into furniture and workwear have now made great strides into the environmental and health & wellbeing categories, bringing together their own approach and VOW’s evolution CSR policy.
On the supplier side, Fellowes continued its recent run of success winning the Supplier of the Year for their consistently high level of engagement and collaboration at all levels of the VOW business. Their support of marketing initiatives, innovation into new product areas and consistently excellent service set them apart.
Proving that business supplies is now a highly diverse channel, the Product of the Year went to Nestle for their Starbucks Dolce Gusto Coffee Pods, which provide consumers with excellent tasting coffee, and resellers with an ongoing sales opportunity to support a popular office coffee machine.
The final award for Account Manager of the Year went to Paul Granby of Henkel. Paul was recognised for demonstrating a clear understanding of the changing needs of the business and for his consistent enthusiasm working with the marketing and merchandising teams to find new opportunities.
Marketing Director, Helen Wade says, “Historic trading patterns went out of the window this year because of all the uncertainty caused by Brexit. It’s been hard to know what to expect from week to week, let alone from month to month and in circumstances like those, many businesses have understandably chosen to batten down the hatches. But, some of our suppliers and customer partners have been absolutely incredible in pushing forward, and it was great to be able to recognise their performance with an Award.”
“We are really happy for all of the winners and offer them our heart-felt congratulations on their achievements. It’s fantastic to work with such enthusiastic and forward-thinking partners and we are moving into 2020 with great optimism.”