BOSS Young Managers' Conference inspires the next generation of OP leaders

The second BOSS Young Managers' Conference took place on Tuesday 29 April at the Aston Conference Meeting Suites in Birmingham and inspired a record number of delegates from every market sector of the industry.

Over 90 young professionals from all areas of the OP industry attended the event, benefitting from a series of talks from current industry leaders and young entrepreneurs thinking outside the box.

The day kicked off with an introduction from BOSS CEO, Michael Gardner, focussing on the need for change and adaptation within the industry which will be facilitated by the Millennial generation. This was followed by a series of presentations from Spicers CEO, Alan Ball; Staples Advantage UK & Ireland MD, Aidan Doyle; and Brother UK MD, Phil Jones who gave inspirational talks on 'The challenges facing the industry', 'The way forward' and 'How to think like a CEO', equipping delegates with the knowledge and tools they need to make a difference in the future.

The afternoon saw the Millennial generation of speakers take to the stage, including 2013 BOSS Young Professional of the Year winner, Emily Jones of office2office, who discussed her rise to success managing Banner's Closed Loop scheme for recycled paper. Tea entrepreneur, Jules Quinn - who launched design-led tea company, The TeaShed, shared her entertaining tale of the trials and tribulations of starting a business. The final speaker of the day was Victoria Arnold, Founder of Desk Union - a collaborative workspace scheme that is gaining global momentum, who inspired guests to believe in their ideas and see them through.

An interactive session concluded the day which saw delegates tasked with providing solutions and suggestions to 8 issues facing the OP industry. Those suggestions will be shared with the current leaders of the industry at the BOSS CEOs' Conference on 4 June at Stationers' Hall.

Feedback from the event has been excellent, with speakers being tweeted that their presentations have inspired the Millennials to face up to the challenges that lie ahead for the industry.

We are educating the future leaders of our industry and there is growing momentum to embrace change and to learn from the current leaders and the younger entrepreneurs who can add a new dimension in products and services. Be sure to watch this space and sign up your future leaders to next year's conference!