BLOC National Conference brings members and partners together to shape the future

BPGI member BLOC welcomed more than 350 members and key partners to its ‘Shaping the Future’ National Conference, held at The Crowne Plaza, Stratford-upon-Avon, on 18 June.

The event marked an important milestone for BLOC, as the first national conference since the merger of Office Friendly and Integra. Bringing together the wider BLOC community, the day focused on collaboration, innovation and business growth, giving members the opportunity to connect with peers, engage with suppliers and explore the future direction of the independent dealer channel.

BLOC Managing Director Jeanette Caswell opened the conference with an update on the organisation’s development since the formation of the group. She highlighted BLOC’s continued growth, including the expansion of the team to more than 30 colleagues, and outlined the wide range of support available to help members strengthen their businesses, identify new opportunities and adapt to changing customer needs.

The morning keynote programme also featured bestselling author and professor of organisational behaviour Damian Hughes, who delivered a session on future-focused high performance. Drawing on examples from elite sport and business, Hughes explored how successful teams build strong cultures, lead through change and turn ambition into long-term achievement.

Aidan McDonough, Chairman of BLOC Group, closed the morning keynote sessions by encouraging delegates to make the most of the supplier exhibition and business sessions, reinforcing the value of collaboration, relationship building and shared ideas in supporting future growth.

A key feature of the day was the ‘Shaping the Future’ panel, hosted by Steve Hilleard, CEO of OPI and Publisher of Workplace360. Panellists discussed the opportunities and challenges facing businesses across the workplace products sector, including growth strategies, mergers and acquisitions, diversification, workforce development and the growing role of artificial intelligence.

AI was a recurring theme during the session, with discussion focused on its practical application within businesses. Rather than replacing people, panellists highlighted the opportunity for AI to improve efficiency, automate routine tasks and support better decision-making, while preserving the human relationships that remain central to business success.

Delegates also attended a series of business sessions covering marketing, sales and procurement. Alicia Torres of Force24 explored how better customer data and personalisation can improve marketing performance, while Gary Naphtali of Sales Perfect delivered a practical session on strengthening sales conversations, building credibility and creating value for customers. Simon McLoughlin of B2B Product Consultancy led a discussion on sourcing and buying, including supply chain disruption, supplier price increases, product availability and the need for proactive supplier management.

The supplier exhibition formed the centrepiece of the afternoon, bringing together more than 80 of BLOC’s key supplier and service partners. Members were able to engage directly with leading brands, explore workplace solutions and discuss opportunities across areas including sustainability, technology, product innovation and commercial strategy.

The BLOC team also used the event to showcase the new BLOCHUB platform, alongside the Initiative brand and the wider range of services available to support members across strategy, marketing, purchasing, sustainability, finance, technology, training and business growth.

Following the exhibition, delegates had the opportunity to continue conversations during boat trips along the River Avon, before coming together in the evening for the BLOC celebration dinner. The evening marked the successful launch of BLOC Group and included a toast to the late Paul Nicholson, Director of Commercial, recognising his contribution to Office Friendly, the independent dealer channel and the wider industry.

BLOC Group thanked its members, supplier partners, speakers and sponsoring partners for supporting the conference, with special thanks given to headline sponsors Antalis and VOW.

The event underlined the strength of the BLOC community and its shared commitment to supporting independent dealers as they adapt, collaborate and shape the future of the sector.