Business Info - issue 136

www.binfo.co.uk 40 magazine BUYER’S GUIDE Whiteboards The first thing you should ask yourself, says Yvonne Partridge, business development director at Bi-silque, is how often you plan to use the board, as this will determine the most suitable surface for your needs. For occasional use, Partridge recommends an entry-level melamine surface, which is non-magnetic and needs to be cleaned regularly, and for moderate use, lacquered steel. “This surface has the advantage of being magnetic, which enables you to transform your board by pinning on information with magnets and using it as a notice board or as a planner,” she said. “Being magnetic, the board is also more resistant. Lacquered steel is an easier surface to maintain and we recommend cleaning on a weekly basis.” For frequent, everyday use, ceramic is a good option. This is also magnetic but requires less maintenance. “Ceramic is highly stain- and scratch-resistant and it comes with a surface guarantee of 25 years. Easily maintained, we recommend cleaning is carried out every month to ensure the board remains in tip-top condition.” If aesthetics are important to you, there's the more sophisticated option of a glass board, described by Partridge as “the ultimate smooth high-quality writing surface”. Fit for purpose Another key consideration when purchasing a whiteboard, says Jade Ratcliffe, marketing communications executive at Legamaster, is the size of the space it is intended for. If you only have a small space (or limited budget) to work with, she recommends a mobile, multi-purpose solution that you can move between rooms Buyer’s guide: whiteboards and interactive displays and put away when not in use. “If you are looking for a space-saving solution to suit small groups, you might benefit from a whiteboard, pinboard and flipchart all in one, such as the Legamaster Multiboard. This mobile board can be stored in a cupboard and wheeled into the meeting room when required,” she said. There are also mobile boards for larger groups, such as the Legamaster Multiboard XL and Legamaster Professional RevolvingWhiteboard. For more permanent solutions, Ratcliffe suggests a wall-mounted whiteboard. “For small to medium-sized groups we recommend the Legamaster Professional Whiteboard, which is easy to mount and has a concealed slot system. For larger groups, you might benefit from a Legamaster Conference Unit – a wall mounted whiteboard with an additional two, smaller double-sided whiteboards hinged on to the sides. Perfect for classrooms or large conference rooms.” Eco-friendly Ratcliffe points out that there are many other things buyers will need to consider, from board quality and choice of accessories to longevity and sustainability. “Additional useful features include scratch-resistant surfaces, magnetic surfaces, additional storage for markers and accessories, ease of assembly (especially if it has to be mounted to the wall) and, of course, environmental factors. Many of the products from Legamaster have an environmentally friendly certified e3 ceramic steel surface,” she said. Ratcliffe added: “You want your whiteboard to last, so look for an age guarantee. This means that even if it breaks you’re covered.” To meet demand for more sustainable options Bi-silque has developed its own no-compromise Bi-Office EARTH Collection, as Partridge explains. “You can have a whiteboard with the same high standard of quality and design, with the advantage of being an eco-friendly product. The Bi-Office EARTH Collection is the company’s fastest-growing global product line, with recycled and recyclable whiteboards, certified with the Cradle to Cradle certification. Other materials used in Earth range products, such as paper, aluminium and e3 ceramic steel, are made from recycled materials or industrial waste and follow the most demanding EU ecological criteria,” she said. “By choosing a whiteboard from Bi- Office EARTH Collection, you can have an eco-friendly certified product and truly make a difference in reducing the environmental footprint on our planet.” What key factors should you consider when choosing a whiteboard or interactive board? Business Info asks the experts Ceramic is highly stain- and scratch- resistant and comes with a surface guarantee of 25 years