Banner Blog

Banner have been named as a supplier on Crown Commercial Service's Office Supplies RM6059 Framework.

Banner is pleased to announce that following a formal OJEU tender exercise, Crown Commercial Services (CCS) has awarded Banner a place on the Lot 2 Office and Electronic Office Supplies Framework Agreement.

As educational settings prepare to re-open in line with the government’s three phase plan for easing lockdown, some organisations are showing that a relatively low risk environment is possible.

Across all areas of industry, where front line staff have been dealing with the wider public during the Covid-19 pandemic, safeguards have been shown to protect staff. Measures that have been introduced included queue management to restrict the flow of people in public areas at any one time, two-metre space floor markings, Perspex screens at receptions, colleagues washing their hands every 30 minutes and the deep cleaning of communal areas.

If you’re formulating plans to re-open educational settings you need to carry out a Covid-19 risk assessment and implement a plan that aims for the best possible safety and wellbeing.

By doing this, you’ll give staff and students the confidence to return to settings, ensure a successful re-start and reduce the risk of educational interruption.

As workplaces prepare to re-open in line with the government’s three phase plan for easing lockdown, some companies are showing that a relatively low risk environment is possible.

Even in the retail sector, where front line workers have been dealing with shoppers during the Covid-19 pandemic, safeguards have been shown to protect staff.

At Marks & Spencer, the rate of coronavirus infection among employees has been no higher than among the general population, according to Retail Week. This achievement may be down to the measures that the company took in March. These included managing the number of people shopping at any one time, two-metre space floor markings, Perspex screens at checkouts, colleagues washing their hands every 30 minutes and the cleaning of self-checkouts after every customer.

If you’re looking to re-open premises you need to carry out a Covid-19 risk assessment and implement a ‘back to work’ plan that aims for the best possible safety and wellbeing.

By doing this, you’ll give people the confidence to return to work, ensure a successful re-start and reduce the risk of business interruption.

Brother are committed to helping customers and their businesses work as effectively as they can whilst working from home.

To help ensure this Brother have created a home printing solution containing four printers to help customers ensure they have the most reliable printers possible in their home offices. The printers the make up this solution range from a single function mono laser to an A3 all-in-one inkjet.

Sustainable cleaning solutions and protecting the natural environment remain high on the agenda for Banner, a supplier on several public sector cleaning and janitorial frameworks. 

Discussions about how to better protect the natural environment have moved higher up the public agenda in recent years, but this issue has long been on Banner’s radar.

As one of the largest distributors of workplace products, with over 350 fleet vehicles making over 18,000 deliveries per day, Banner has a responsibility to operate responsibly.

One element of operating responsibly is a commitment from Banner to continually review their highly complex supply chain, which is the most significant part of their environmental footprint and social impact.

This commitment has led to the introduction of many environmentally and ethically sourced products in recent years. In fact, Banner currently offers over 3,000 products that are 50% recycled and has introduced many products that help customers to reduce single-use plastics in the workplace.

The current situation has seen an unprecedented number of employees working from home, including those who have rarely worked remotely before. 

The information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has signalled that it will take the current circumstances into account when considering enforcement action under GDPR.  However, the ICO will still expect employers to take appropriate action to protect information when working from home.

For many of us, our initial working from home set up may now need a re-think into a long-term solution.

Even a basic desk and chair may still not be a reality and the effects of working from the floor, sofa or bed are taking their toll.

Don’t let your new workstation hinder you, there are solutions to make most places in your house safe, comfortable, and inviting.  Here are our tips and top picks of the best products to suit many different home office locations.

Six ways that EdTech is transforming education

If you work in education, you’re likely to be aware of the huge potential of technology, or EdTech, for students and teachers.

EdTech is the mix of hardware, software and educational theories that can make learning easier and improve outcomes.

And a government EdTech strategy, backed by a £10 million investment, aims to bring more new and helpful tech innovation to schools.

The UK government launched the strategy in 2019. The plan is to encourage tech that reduces teacher workload, boosts student outcomes and levels the playing field for students with special needs.

The sun is shining, the air is heating up, and it's harder to concentrate when working. 

That's a familiar story for many of us when temperatures start to rise, and one that can take its toll on workplace efficiency.

One study of 600 office workers found that productivity dropped by around 20% when the weather got hotter, with projects taking 13% longer to complete and people becoming 45% more distracted.

Here are 5 tips to help you work smarter in the summer months: 

The Facilities Supply team here at Banner, headed by Andy Whiting are delighted to announce that we are now a member of the Institute of Workplace Facilities Management (IWFM).

This is a great achievement for Banner as it is a testament to the growth in the Facilities Supplies sector. The membership brings important benefits for our customers.