5
Pilot V Pen
I like to think that learning to write
with a pen on paper is a life skill that
will carry on being taught in
schools for years to come. There
is something about the art of
writing that helps shape our
thoughts and reinforces learning.
So if the pen is mightier
than the keyboard, what’s my
weapon of choice? I love a
good fountain pen, but I keep
losing them. So instead I use a
Pilot V Pen disposable fountain
pen. If I do lose it, I don’t feel
too out of pocket. Indeed, it’s
good to share, just as I have
done with the missing sock
from the pair I used to have…
6
WordPress
I love writing on paper,
but I also love to blog
(see
.
wordpress.com).With
a memory as bad as
mine (did I mention
that already?), I like to
go back to my previous
posts onWordPress – a
really accessible software
application for corporate
websites and private
use – to remind myself
of some of my special
moments. Like walking
the UK. I have an
ambition to walk all the UK National
Trails and have done five so far.
Finally, I should add that while
I’ve only been able to mention a few
products here, one of the best things
about our industry is the choice
available.We offer well over 500,000
products for sale to businesses and
consumers today and I know that
number will continue to grow and grow.
My Favourite
Things
1
Apple tech
I first became a Mac fan in my time at
Dudley Stationery in the late ‘80s when
I persuaded the business that for the
marketing department Mac was the only
way to go. As an early adopter of its
technology, it’s been good to see Apple
become a household name. I’m an avid
user of its products and have discovered
that the best way to get some sensible
separation from my iPhone SE (I prefer
the smaller size to that of the 6 and 7) is
to have an AppleWatch, which delivers
content on demand straight to my
wrist. Today, rather than having
that well known disease,
smartphone pocket twitch,
which was making me look
at my phone each time
it vibrated to alert me of
a new email or tweet, I
have taptic syndrome
instead!
To go with this tech, a
source of back-up power is
essential. I’m currently trying
out the Xtorm Lava Solar Charger. I’m
hiking to Everest Base Camp this time
next year and although happy to be free
of the shackles of email while doing so,
I want to carry my phone as I’m a keen
photographer and it’s the best compact
camera I’ve ever had.
2
Screen cleaner
Moving from type to swipe
brings the risk of grubby
finger marks on screens, so
I always carry a micro fibre
cloth with me. Durable
produces an All in One
Touch Screen Cleaning Kit,
which has a couple of spray
bottles of cleaning fluid,
some wipes and a cloth. AF
also has a good range.
3
3M Gold Privacy
Filter
I’m now commuting up to central
London for the first time. This is fun,
despite Southern Rail, and
gives me time to work on
the train rather than sitting in
traffic on the M25.
When using my laptop, I’m
conscious that my near neighbours may
be able to see and share my budget
information.While there isn’t a direct
competitor to our Federation and I’m
probably kidding myself that anyone
out there is interested in the latest sales
trends in our industry, better safe than
sorry!
I’m currently using a 3M gold privacy
filter so that only I can see what’s on
my laptop screen. It also means that if
I want to play Candy Crush (not that
I would be so childish…) I can do so
without strange looks from my co-
commuters. On a serious note, privacy
filters really do reduce the risk of data
theft – the easiest form of which is
reading what’s on another person’s
screen.
4
A professional notebook
For all my love of technology, I still rely
on a pen and notebook, especially in
business meetings. My memory is so
poor I have to write down everything.
A notebook will always be best for this,
as I never learned to type properly.
I’m currently using a Rhino Flexiback
notebook fromVictor Stationery,
which recently received aWarrant
of Excellence from theWorshipful
Company of Stationers and Newspaper
Makers, where I have been a liveryman
since 2003. This book has sewn sections;
ribbons; a soft feel, no-mark cover; and
cream wove paper, which looks both
modern and serious at the same time.
It’s not made from Rhinos in case you
were worried.
I also love the Conceptum range
from Siegel and the soft cover Black and
Red products from Hamelin. In fact I’m
a notebook geek! And why not? Surely
your choice of notebook says as much
about you as your shirt or shoes?
Philip Lawson, CEO of stationery trade
body the BOSS Federation, lists his six
favourite items of stationery, IT and
office equipment.
Xtorm Lava
Philip Lawson
CEO
BOSS Federation
Autumn 2016
| P2P Magazine |
09
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