Family-Owned Business Aston & James named as a Finalist in National Industry Awards
The BOSS Federation national industry awards
Since 1905, BOSS has been the authoritative body for the UK business supplies industry, supporting the sector and its people. It is a not-for-profit organisation that concentrates its efforts on playing a strategic role in the support, promotion and protection of the industry. BOSS represents all businesses along the distribution chain from the small retailers to the largest manufacturers, which all have a place in their vibrant, growing community.
The 2025 prestigious industry awards celebrate outstanding achievements in the business supplies sector, recognising exceptional talent and innovation in the industry. Those who demonstrate excellence, either individually or through the success of their team and business. Aston & James is short-listed for the Dealer of the Year.
Dealer of the Year
Who is this Award for?
A dealer who has excelled at growing their sales and profitability. Judges will look for evidence of how businesses have maximised the return from their customer base, whether through effective diversification or embracing innovation.
Who is the award for?
This award will recognise a dealer who has excelled at growing their sales and profitability. Judges will look for evidence of how businesses have maximised the return from their customer base, whether through effective diversification or embracing innovation. Dealers of all sizes are invited to enter.
Entries will be judged against the following criteria:
- Origins of your business and how it has evolved
- Details of your business operating model
- A description of how you have maximised growth opportunities
- Your methods to ensure customer loyalty
- What measures have been taken to ascertain the potential spend of new customers, and how you have sought to win them.
- Customer testimonials supporting your application
Aston & James' Dealer of the Year category entry
Over the years, our business has continuously evolved by embracing the principle of "innovate or evaporate." We've focused on enhancing our capabilities, leveraging systems, refining processes, and seizing new opportunities. We’ve shifted from being a commodity stationery provider to a consultative, multi-category partner. Our workplace-wellness approach to furniture & ergonomics has been a growth engine, followed by expanding our facilities, workwear, and branded goods. Central to our strategy is well-being in the workplace, which we passionately advocate through local partnerships with Oxfordshire Mind and our furniture and ergonomics showroom.
We held our 35th-anniversary showcase in June for our customers, which was backed by 12 brands. After three consecutive years, this was our biggest and best event yet. The theme for 2025 was Future-Ready Workplaces: bringing together ideas, tools, and inspiration to help businesses create smarter, greener, and more people-focused work environments.
Our thoughts on being a finalist:
Darren Aston, MD, said, “To be finalists two years running says a lot about our momentum and our values. We’ve led with kindness, pivoted with purpose and grown with grit, delivering real outcomes for customers while reducing impact. We’re grateful to the judges and proud to represent Oxfordshire as we continue to be ‘Everything for the Workplace.”
The shortlist of companies for the Dealer of the Year Award is:
Aston & James
Office Shop Direct
The Office Works (Nationwide) Ltd
For the industry celebration of the year
Whatever the outcome, Aston & James are delighted to be finalists, and we will be celebrating at The BOSS Awards 2025. The awards will take place at the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel in Manchester on the 27th of November.
The BOSS Federation national industry awards
Since 1905, BOSS has been the authoritative body for the UK business supplies industry, supporting the sector and its people. It is a not-for-profit organisation that concentrates its efforts on playing a strategic role in the support, promotion and protection of the industry. BOSS represents all businesses along the distribution chain from the small retailers to the largest manufacturers, which all have a place in their vibrant, growing community.
The 2025 prestigious industry awards celebrate outstanding achievements in the business supplies sector, recognising exceptional talent and innovation in the industry. Those who demonstrate excellence, either individually or through the success of their team and business. Aston & James is short-listed for the Dealer of the Year.
Dealer of the Year
Who is this Award for?
A dealer who has excelled at growing their sales and profitability. Judges will look for evidence of how businesses have maximised the return from their customer base, whether through effective diversification or embracing innovation.
Who is the award for?
This award will recognise a dealer who has excelled at growing their sales and profitability. Judges will look for evidence of how businesses have maximised the return from their customer base, whether through effective diversification or embracing innovation. Dealers of all sizes are invited to enter.
Entries will be judged against the following criteria:
- Origins of your business and how it has evolved
- Details of your business operating model
- A description of how you have maximised growth opportunities
- Your methods to ensure customer loyalty
- What measures have been taken to ascertain the potential spend of new customers, and how you have sought to win them.
- Customer testimonials supporting your application
Aston & James' Dealer of the Year category entry
Over the years, our business has continuously evolved by embracing the principle of "innovate or evaporate." We've focused on enhancing our capabilities, leveraging systems, refining processes, and seizing new opportunities. We’ve shifted from being a commodity stationery provider to a consultative, multi-category partner. Our workplace-wellness approach to furniture & ergonomics has been a growth engine, followed by expanding our facilities, workwear, and branded goods. Central to our strategy is well-being in the workplace, which we passionately advocate through local partnerships with Oxfordshire Mind and our furniture and ergonomics showroom.
We held our 35th-anniversary showcase in June for our customers, which was backed by 12 brands. After three consecutive years, this was our biggest and best event yet. The theme for 2025 was Future-Ready Workplaces: bringing together ideas, tools, and inspiration to help businesses create smarter, greener, and more people-focused work environments.
Our thoughts on being a finalist:
Darren Aston, MD, said, “To be finalists two years running says a lot about our momentum and our values. We’ve led with kindness, pivoted with purpose and grown with grit, delivering real outcomes for customers while reducing impact. We’re grateful to the judges and proud to represent Oxfordshire as we continue to be ‘Everything for the Workplace.”
The shortlist of companies for the Dealer of the Year Award is:
Aston & James
Office Shop Direct
The Office Works (Nationwide) Ltd
For the industry celebration of the year
Whatever the outcome, Aston & James are delighted to be finalists, and we will be celebrating at The BOSS Awards 2025. The awards will take place at the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel in Manchester on the 27th of November.
