Choosing the correct chair mat for your office setup can be quite confusing, especially with all of the different materials, sizes and backing types available nowadays.

With this simple guide, we hope to break it down for you and make choosing the right chair mat a quick and stress-free process.

Why Chair Mats Matter

Rolling castor office chairs move repeatedly throughout the day, and over time the wheels can leave marks, wear down carpet fibres and scratch hard flooring surfaces. A quality chair mat creates a protective barrier between the floor and your chair, helping to extend the life of your flooring as well as provide ergonomic benefits.  

So, Where to Start?

The most important consideration when choosing a chair mat is the surface it will be used on.

For hard floor surfaces such as wood, laminate, or vinyl, a smooth back chair mat is the best option.

For carpeted floors, we recommend a gripper back chair mat as the pointed grippers help lock into the carpet fibres.

Choosing the correct backing helps secure your mat firmly in place, improving stability whilst you work.

How to Understand Carpet Pile Types

With carpeted floors, it is important to find out the depth of your carpet first to help determine the carpet pile type. There are in fact three types of carpet pile:

• Low pile
• Standard Pile
• Deep Pile

The depth of the carpet pile plays a major role in determining which chair mat will perform best for your office setup.

So, how do I find out the depth of my carpet, I hear you ask.

The answer is simple, by using a paperclip and measuring tape or ruler:

1. Unfold a paperclip so that one end forms a straight pin, then push this end through the carpet and underlay until it reaches the subfloor.
2. Hold a fingernail against the paperclip at the exact point where it meets the top surface of the carpet.
3. Carefully remove the paperclip and measure the distance from the tip of the pin to the point marked by your fingernail.

This measurement represents the combined depth of the carpet and underlay and will determine the carpet pile type:

• Low Pile – Up to 6mm
• Medium/Standard Pile – Up to 9mm
• Deep Pile – Over 9mm

How to Select the Right Size

The dimensions of your chair mat should complement your work area and movement patterns. A mat that is too small can restrict movement, while an oversized mat may take up unnecessary space.

Simply assess and measure your workspace, whilst making sure the mat fully covers your moment area.  

Choosing the Right Material

Chair mats are available in several materials, each offering different benefits.

• PVC – PVC chair mats are a popular and cost-effective choice. They provide reliable floor protection and are perfect for low pile type carpets and hard floors as well as low level usage
• Polycarbonate – Polycarbonate chair mats offer a more premium option with enhanced durability, making them a strong option for users seeking long-term usage as well as perfect for thicker carpets.

However, please note that PVC is NOT suitable for use on vinyl flooring. For these types of floor surfaces, we recommend polycarbonate as the better choice due to it compatible with vinyl as well as being safe to use with underfloor heating.

Key Questions Before Buying

Before purchasing a chair mat, consider the following:

1. What type of flooring do you have?
2. If you have carpet, how thick is it?
3. What size do I need?
4. What is the level of usage?

Finding the ideal chair mat doesn’t need to be a challenge. Answering these questions will help you quickly narrow down the options and choose the best chair mat to suit your workspace.

Whether you’re looking after an office, school, warehouse, healthcare setting or hospitality venue, cleaning has never been more important. A clean workplace creates a better first impression, helps protect staff wellbeing and can even extend the life of your furniture and equipment.

But achieving professional results is not simply about cleaning more often. It is about using the right product for the task.

A glass cleaner is designed to leave a streak-free finish. Washroom cleaners tackle limescale and bacteria. Kitchen degreasers are formulated to break down stubborn grease safely, while specialist floor cleaners help protect surfaces rather than damaging them over time. Trying to make one product do every job often leads to disappointing results, wasted time and unnecessary cost.

That is why many organisations are moving towards professional cleaning ranges that give every task its own purpose-built solution. Staff work more efficiently, surfaces stay in better condition and cleaning standards become much easier to maintain.

Environmental responsibility is also becoming part of the buying decision. Increasingly, businesses want products that perform well while reducing their environmental impact. The Maxima Green range has been developed with exactly that balance in mind, offering highly effective cleaning products made with environmentally conscious ingredients and manufacturing processes. Alongside the wider Maxima range, users benefit from products that avoid harmful solvents, strong acids and caustic ingredients wherever possible, while maintaining the high standards expected in commercial environments.

The commitment extends beyond the bottle too. Wherever possible, products are manufactured in the UK, paper products come from recycled or responsibly managed sources, refuse sacks are made using recycled agricultural plastics, and packaging is designed to be recycled or recyclable. Professional cleaning is not about using more chemicals. It is about choosing smarter products that are designed for the job in hand. The result is a cleaner workplace, better value and greater confidence that every clean is being carried out effectively and responsibly.

Storage is one of those workplace essentials that rarely gets much attention, until you run out of it.

Whether it is lever arch files, archived documents, stationery supplies, IT equipment or warehouse stock, every organisation faces the same challenge: finding secure storage that is practical today and flexible enough for tomorrow.

That is where foldable storage cupboards are proving increasingly popular.

Unlike traditional steel cupboards that can be difficult to transport, assemble or relocate, the Phoenix SCF Series has been designed with flexibility in mind. The cupboards can be assembled in minutes and just as easily disassembled when layouts change, departments move or businesses relocate. For organisations operating across multiple sites, that can save both time and money.

The cupboards are equally at home in a busy office, warehouse, school, healthcare setting or public sector environment. Adjustable shelving allows them to be configured for everything from stationery and office supplies through to archived records and boxed files, while robust steel construction ensures they can withstand the demands of daily use.

Security is another key consideration. Available with either traditional key locking or electronic locking options, the cupboards help organisations keep important documents protected and support GDPR compliance by restricting access to sensitive information.

The environmental benefits are worth noting too. Thanks to their innovative foldable design, the cupboards can be shipped flat-packed, significantly reducing transport volumes and associated carbon emissions compared with conventional assembled storage solutions.

For facilities managers, office managers and procurement teams, it is a simple idea that solves a surprisingly common problem. Secure storage is essential, but it should not become a headache every time your business needs to adapt.

In today’s flexible workplace, perhaps storage should be just as flexible as the organisations using it.

The World Cup is finally here, and while the football may be taking place thousands of miles away, it is still likely to have an impact on workplaces across the UK. 

With many matches kicking off late in the evening or even during the early hours of the morning, there will undoubtedly be a few tired faces appearing at work over the coming weeks. Whether it is staying up to watch England, catching a dramatic penalty shootout, or following your favourite international stars, sleep schedules could be taking a bit of a knock. 

Of course, that presents a challenge for employers. How do you help your team stay focused, comfortable and productive when the excitement of the tournament is competing with a good night’s sleep? 

The answer is simple: create a workplace that is set up for performance. 

Coffee Is Not the Only Solution 

For many people, the first response to a late-night match is another cup of coffee. Whilst quality coffee, tea and refreshments are always appreciated in the workplace, they are only part of the picture. 

A productive working environment is built on a combination of factors that help people stay comfortable, engaged and focused throughout the day. 

That could include: 

• Ergonomic chairs that support good posture 

• Sit-stand desks that encourage movement 

• Monitor arms and laptop risers to reduce strain 

• Proper task lighting to reduce eye fatigue 

• Air purification and ventilation solutions that improve comfort 

• Breakout spaces for collaboration and recovery 

• Hydration stations and workplace refreshments 

When employees feel comfortable, they perform better. It really is that simple. 

Small Improvements, Big Results 

Just as football teams look for marginal gains, businesses can often achieve significant improvements through relatively small workplace changes. 

An employee who spends eight hours a day sitting at a poorly configured workstation may experience discomfort, reduced concentration and lower productivity. The right ergonomic solution can make a remarkable difference. 

Similarly, something as simple as improving office air quality, reducing clutter or upgrading meeting spaces can have a positive impact on employee wellbeing and engagement. 

More Than Just Office Supplies 

Many organisations still think of us as the company that delivers pens, paper and printer cartridges. 

The reality is very different. 

We can help businesses source and manage everything from furniture, technology and facilities supplies to catering products, workwear, cleaning and hygiene solutions, ergonomic equipment and sustainable workplace initiatives. 

In short, we help create environments where people can do their best work. 

Ready for Extra Time? 

As the World Cup progresses and the late nights inevitably begin to take their toll, it may be worth asking whether your workplace is truly set up to support your team. 

Because whilst we cannot guarantee England will win on penalties, we can help ensure your workplace is equipped to perform at its very best. 

If you would like advice on creating a more productive, comfortable and efficient working environment, get in touch. You might be surprised by just how much more they can help with than office supplies.

For many businesses, hybrid working is no longer a temporary adjustment. It has simply become part of everyday working life. 

Yet while office environments are carefully managed for employee comfort and wellbeing, many homeworking setups still tell a very different story. Kitchen tables, dining chairs, sofas and laptops balanced at awkward angles remain surprisingly common several years after the shift towards flexible working began. 

The problem is that discomfort often builds gradually. 

A stiff neck here. Aching wrists there. Sore shoulders after long video calls. Many employees simply accept these issues as part of home working without realising that a few simple changes can make a significant difference. 

In reality, most home workers do not necessarily need a fully fitted home office. Often, the basics are enough to dramatically improve comfort and posture during the working day. 

A laptop riser helps raise the screen to a more comfortable viewing height. A separate mouse reduces strain caused by prolonged trackpad use. Wrist supports and ergonomic accessories can improve comfort during extended periods of typing and desk work. 

These are relatively small investments, but they can have a meaningful impact on employee wellbeing, productivity and long-term comfort. 

There is also a wider business consideration. 

Employers increasingly recognise that duty of care does not stop at the office door. Supporting staff with practical homeworking solutions demonstrates that employee wellbeing is taken seriously wherever work is carried out. 

Forward-thinking businesses are now looking not only at the products themselves, but also at the processes around home working support. Providing suitable equipment, maintaining records and encouraging employees to review their working environments can all help demonstrate a responsible approach to hybrid working. 

In many cases, it is not about creating complicated policies or expensive programmes. It is simply about helping staff work safely, comfortably and productively wherever they happen to be based. 

The businesses that approach home working thoughtfully are often the ones that benefit from happier teams, improved productivity and fewer workplace issues further down the line. 

Sometimes, the most effective workplace improvements are also the simplest. 

Every workplace has experienced it.

The temperature creeps up during the afternoon, meeting rooms start to feel stuffy, concentration levels dip and productivity quietly slows down. Staff become uncomfortable, energy levels fade and even small tasks can begin to feel harder work than they should.

The summer slowdown is real, but often the solution is surprisingly simple.

Keeping workplaces cool, comfortable and refreshed does not always require expensive air conditioning systems or major office redesigns. Sometimes it is the smaller practical changes that make the biggest difference to how people feel throughout the working day.

A well-placed desk fan can improve airflow and comfort immediately. Chilled canned drinks available in staff areas can help teams stay hydrated and energised during warmer conditions. Even simple additions around the workplace can help improve morale and create a more positive working environment.

It is also important to remember that not every employee works in the same type of environment. Warehouses, reception areas, workshops, classrooms and home offices can all become uncomfortable during warmer weather, particularly during prolonged hot spells.

Forward-thinking businesses increasingly recognise that employee comfort is not just a “nice to have”. It is part of supporting wellbeing, productivity and workplace performance.

Interestingly, many businesses spend significant amounts reviewing systems, workflows and productivity processes while overlooking basic environmental factors that affect staff every single day. If people are too hot, dehydrated or uncomfortable, concentration naturally suffers.

That is why seasonal workplace planning matters more than many people realise.

At this time of year, many businesses begin reviewing simple ways to support staff through the summer months, whether that is providing cooling products, workplace refreshments or practical day-to-day essentials that help employees stay comfortable and focused.

The good news is that these are often small, affordable changes that can make a noticeable impact across the workplace.

If your office, warehouse or homeworking team could benefit from a few practical summer solutions, now is the perfect time to start planning before the warmer weather arrives properly.

Sometimes the smallest workplace improvements are the ones employees appreciate the most.

Creating inclusive, effective learning environments has never been more important. As classrooms continue to evolve to support a wide range of learning needs, schools are increasingly recognising the value of SEN (Special Educational Needs) resources that go beyond traditional tools. Among these, sensory-focused products – particularly writing pads and tactile materials – are playing a vital role in helping students engage, focus, and succeed.

For many pupils, especially those with additional needs such as autism, ADHD, or sensory processing challenges, the physical experience of learning can significantly influence their ability to concentrate. Standard classroom materials don’t always provide the level of sensory feedback or comfort required. That’s where SEN-specific products come into their own.

Sensory writing pads, for example, are designed to offer more than just a surface to write on. Through carefully considered materials, textures, and formats, they can provide a more engaging and supportive experience. Whether it’s coloured overlays to reduce visual stress, tinted paper to aid readability, or subtly textured surfaces that offer tactile feedback, these small adjustments can make a meaningful difference to a learner’s confidence and output.

The impact is often immediate. Students who may struggle with standard white paper can find coloured or tinted pads far less overwhelming, enabling them to focus more clearly on tasks. Others benefit from the physical act of writing on surfaces that feel more controlled or comfortable, helping to reduce anxiety and improve handwriting fluency.

When students feel that their needs are understood and accommodated, it fosters a more inclusive and positive learning environment. This, in turn, can lead to improved participation, better behaviour, and stronger engagement across the classroom.

Brands such as Silvine have developed dedicated SEN ranges with these principles in mind. Their sensory pads are designed specifically for education settings, combining practicality with thoughtful features that support a variety of learning preferences. From coloured exercise books to specialist pads that help reduce visual stress, these solutions are both accessible and easy to integrate into everyday classroom use.

For schools and education buyers, the key is to view these products not as niche add-ons, but as essential tools within a broader inclusion strategy. With increasing awareness around neurodiversity and personalised learning, having the right resources in place is becoming a fundamental expectation rather than a “nice to have”.

With access to trusted brands like Silvine and a wide range of SEN-focused products, we support schools in building environments where every student has the opportunity to thrive. Whether it’s introducing sensory pads into the classroom or reviewing existing resources, the right approach can make a lasting difference.

Contact us today to discuss your needs.

There’s something quietly powerful happening on Britain’s high streets. Between the familiar chains and online giants, a different kind of movement is growing, one that feels less like a trend and more like a reset. At the heart of it sits Keep It Local, a platform designed to connect people with independent businesses in their own communities. But beyond the convenience or charm of shopping locally, there’s a much bigger story unfolding, one that speaks directly to how businesses think about sustainability, responsibility, and impact.

For organisations looking to strengthen their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) credentials, Keep It Local isn’t just a nice idea. It’s becoming a genuinely practical tool for doing better business.

The shift from “nice to have” to “must have”

CSR used to be something tucked away in annual reports, a page or two about charity donations or recycling initiatives. Today, it’s front and centre. Customers, employees, and stakeholders increasingly expect businesses to demonstrate real, measurable impact. And crucially, they want that impact to be local, visible, and meaningful.

That’s where Keep It Local fits in so naturally. It offers businesses a way to support independent retailers, service providers, and hospitality venues right on their doorstep. Instead of abstract sustainability pledges, companies can show tangible action -supporting real people, in real places, every single day.

Environmental impact: cutting miles, not corners

Let’s start with the environmental angle, because it’s often the most immediate.

When businesses choose local suppliers or encourage employees to shop locally through platforms like Keep It Local, they’re directly reducing the carbon footprint associated with transport and logistics. Fewer delivery miles, less packaging, and reduced reliance on large-scale distribution networks all add up.

But the environmental story goes deeper than that. Independent local businesses often operate on a smaller scale, meaning they tend to produce less waste and are more agile in adopting sustainable practices. Many source locally themselves, creating a ripple effect of reduced emissions throughout the supply chain.

For companies trying to meet environmental targets, whether that’s net-zero ambitions or broader ESG commitments, these small, everyday choices become part of a much larger solution.

Community impact: strengthening the fabric of place

If environmental benefits are measurable, community benefits are something you can feel.

Every time a business supports Keep It Local, it helps keep high streets alive. Independent cafés, shops, salons, and services aren’t just commercial spaces, they’re social anchors. They create places where people meet, connect, and build relationships.

From a CSR perspective, this is gold. Supporting local businesses means supporting local employment, local skills, and local identity. It contributes to safer, more vibrant neighbourhoods and helps prevent the hollowing out of town centres – a challenge many UK communities have faced over the past decade.

There’s also a strong employee engagement angle here. When businesses offer local perks, discounts, or partnerships through Keep It Local they experience their employer investing in the place they live. That sense of connection can be surprisingly powerful in building loyalty and morale.

Economic impact: keeping money where it matters

One of the most compelling arguments for buying local is the “multiplier effect.” Money spent with independent businesses is far more likely to stay within the local economy. It gets reinvested – through wages, local suppliers, and community spending – creating a cycle of growth that benefits everyone.

For businesses, aligning with Keep It Local means becoming part of that cycle. It’s not just about where money is spent, but how it flows. Supporting local enterprises helps build a more resilient economic ecosystem, one that can better withstand external shocks, whether that’s economic downturns or global supply chain disruptions.

And in a time when resilience is a key business priority, that’s no small thing.

A practical route to better CSR

What makes Keep It Local particularly appealing is its simplicity. CSR initiatives can sometimes feel complex or resource-heavy, requiring new systems, reporting frameworks, or specialist expertise. In contrast, integrating local support into everyday business activity is refreshingly straightforward.

It might look like:

• Partnering with local businesses for employee perks and rewards
• Sourcing goods or services locally where possible
• Encouraging staff to use local providers through curated offers
• Promoting local suppliers within corporate networks

These aren’t radical changes. They’re small shifts in behaviour that, collectively, create meaningful impact. And perhaps that’s the real story here. Because when businesses choose to keep it local, they’re not just making a different purchasing decision. They’re helping to build a future that’s more connected, more resilient, and ultimately, more sustainable for everyone.

Cape on? Coffee in hand? Good. It’s me, your friendly office super hero here to save the day from one of the most underestimated villains in the workplace: poor document disposal. You may not see it lurking, but trust me, one unshredded document in the wrong bin can cause more chaos than a printer jam five minutes before a deadline.

Let’s talk about shredding. Not the rock-band kind, unfortunately, but the workplace practice that quietly keeps organisations safe, compliant, and out of very expensive trouble. In a world where GDPR is no longer a scary new acronym but a daily reality, shredding is one of those unglamorous best practices that absolutely deserves its moment in the spotlight.

First, the serious bit (don’t worry, I’ll keep it painless). GDPR requires organisations to protect personal and sensitive data throughout its entire lifecycle – from creation to disposal. That last part is where many people slip up. It’s easy to focus on firewalls, passwords, and secure servers, but physical documents still exist. Invoices, HR records, client notes, printed emails, delivery labels – these all contain data. Toss them in a regular bin and suddenly you’ve created a data breach waiting to happen.

And here’s the thing: most data breaches aren’t dramatic cyberattacks. They’re accidental. They’re human. They’re someone thinking, “It’s probably fine,” and walking away from the recycling bin. Spoiler alert: it’s not fine.

This is where shredding steps in as your unsung hero. A good shredder ensures that sensitive information is destroyed beyond recognition, protecting employees, customers, and the organisation itself. Companies like Fellowes have spent years refining shredding technology precisely because this risk is so common, and so preventable. Modern shredders aren’t just noisy boxes in the corner anymore; they’re smart, efficient, and designed to make secure disposal easy rather than a chore.

Now, let’s talk about why shredding matters to you, personally. Yes, the company could face fines if GDPR is breached, but it doesn’t stop there. Reputational damage, loss of trust, awkward conversations with management, and that sinking feeling of “I wish I’d just shredded it” are all part of the package. As your office superhero, my job is to help you avoid those moments entirely.

One of the biggest mistakes I see is the assumption that shredding is only for “important” documents. In reality, if it contains a name, address, phone number, email, payroll detail, or any identifier at all, it belongs in the shredder. Even internal notes and outdated drafts can pose a risk. Best practice isn’t about guessing, it’s about consistency. When in doubt, shred.

Of course, shredding only works if it’s easy. That’s why placement matters. A shredder hidden away in a back room is far less effective than one that’s accessible and clearly part of daily routines. In the new year, smart offices are rethinking this: placing shredders where paperwork naturally accumulates, encouraging secure disposal as a habit rather than an afterthought.

There’s also a cultural side to this. When employees see shredding taken seriously – clear policies, regular reminders, and the right equipment – it reinforces a shared responsibility for data protection. It stops feeling like a compliance burden and starts feeling like common sense. And common sense, as we all know, is one of the strongest superpowers of all.

Let’s not forget sustainability. Many modern shredders support recycling by producing uniform paper waste that can be responsibly processed. Secure and sustainable? That’s a superhero double win.

So here’s my call to action as we move forward: make shredding part of your everyday office rhythm. Don’t wait until bins are overflowing or audits are looming. Build the habit now. Treat every document with respect from start to finish. It’s one of the simplest ways to protect people, productivity, and peace of mind.

Remember, GDPR trouble rarely arrives with flashing lights. It sneaks in quietly, disguised as “just one piece of paper.” Luckily, you’ve got me (and a good shredder) on your side. Stay safe, stay compliant, and keep shredding like the responsible office legend you are.

As an office manager, I spend a lot of time thinking about two things that are deeply connected: productivity and employee happiness. As we step into a new year, it’s the perfect moment to revisit best practices that support both – and at the top of my list is workplace ergonomics. Whether our teams are working from home, in the office, or in a hybrid setup, good ergonomics is no longer a “nice to have.” It’s a fundamental part of how we do our jobs well.

Ergonomics is about designing workspaces that fit the people using them, not forcing people to adapt to poorly designed setups. When employees are uncomfortable—straining their necks, hunching over laptops, or sitting for hours without proper support – it shows up quickly. We see it in reduced focus, more frequent breaks, increased sick days, and eventually in burnout. On the flip side, when people are physically comfortable, they have more energy to engage, collaborate, and produce high-quality work.

In the new year, best practice means being intentional. For office-based employees, this starts with the basics: adjustable chairs that support the lower back, desks at the correct height, monitors positioned at eye level, and keyboards and mice that reduce wrist strain. These aren’t luxury items; they’re productivity tools. A well-set-up workstation helps prevent common issues like back pain, eye strain, and repetitive stress injuries, all of which quietly chip away at performance.

For remote and hybrid workers, the responsibility is shared. We can’t assume that everyone has a perfect home office, especially if they transitioned quickly in recent years. Best practice now includes providing guidance, checklists, and where possible, stipends or equipment to help employees create ergonomic home setups. Something as simple as encouraging the use of an external monitor or a proper chair instead of a kitchen stool can make a meaningful difference.

Ergonomics also goes beyond furniture. Encouraging healthy work habits is just as important. In the new year, I’m emphasizing regular movement, screen breaks, and realistic workloads. Standing meetings, stretch reminders, and a culture that respects breaks all reinforce the message that we value long-term wellbeing, not just short-term output. Employees who feel cared for are more engaged – and engagement is one of the strongest drivers of productivity.

From a management perspective, investing in ergonomics sends a clear signal: we expect people to do great work, and we’re committed to giving them the tools to do it comfortably and safely. It reduces preventable injuries, supports mental focus, and shows employees that their health matters. That, in turn, builds trust and loyalty.

As we set goals and priorities for the year ahead, good ergonomics should be part of the conversation. It’s practical, it’s proactive, and it aligns perfectly with modern best practice. A comfortable employee is a focused employee – and a focused employee is a productive, happy one.