It seems an influx in demand for desk lamps has lead to a hasty need for an article about them. With so many questions and demands, it’s probably best we answer everyone’s queries here, plus we’ve found a good’en for you!

Being as we’re looking for a lamp suitable for both the home and the office, Helix are the brand to stand out with this one. They are a leading manufacturer of a wide range of products designed for both the home and the office environment. All their products have been carefully designed to offer maximum functional benefit plus real value for money. All their lighting products are built and tested to the highest quality standards and conform to BS EN 60598 for total peace of mind.

To your right we have the Helix 100 watt GLS (standard screw-in household bulb) version of the Classic Helix desk light. It has an extra long 110 cm arm reach with fully adjustable movement of both the arm and shade for easy positioning. It comes complete with a stable weighted base, however, the bulb is not included!

• 100 watt GLS desk lamp with 1100mm arm reach
• Attractive modern styling with the classic four spring arm mechanism
• Stable weighted base
• Requires 100 watt GLS Edison screw bulb

The Helix Classic range has been designed to be the most functional desk lights available, using the precise spring balanced arm mechanism which allows quick and accurate positioning to the light shade for maximum visual comfort in use. Plus, all products come with a 3 year guarantee, now that’s peace of mind! The featured model has managed to cover every requirement and shines (literally) above all the rest! We bring it to you with a generous 43% off bringing the total down to just £59.57. We do have plenty of other modern desk lamps to offer if this one’s not right for you.

The Green Bit

Helix are aware that everything they do has a potential environmental impact in one way or another and recognise the part they play in the control of these impacts so as to minimise their collective effects upon the environment.

Helix is committed to the principles of social responsibility and to the protection of human rights.

Prices correct as of 30/10/09

Our quality Croxley Script envelopes are made by Hamelin Paper Brands who are the market leaders in the paper industry. Their envelopes cover all requirements spanning from the average household through to big and small corporations.

Worldwide research has indicated that the most effective advertising medium of researching the desired audience is by mail; the envelope therefore continues to play an important part in projecting and delivering that offer. We feel that the best envelope you could use to produce that desired effect would be the Croxley Script brand envelopes, namely the White C5 Pocket envelopes featured to your right.

These envelopes are white pocket envelopes with a window and peel and seal closure.

• 100gsm
• A22416* C5 229 x 162mm
• Peel and Seal
• Boxed 500
• *Window – 62 mm in 25 mm up

Hamelin Envelope Division is recognised as one of the European leading manufacturers of envelopes. This strong reputation, founded on the quality of its products as well as the quality of its service has been established over the last 30 years. All the Croxley Scrip envelopes are non-opaqued for a high white appearance and are packaged in high quality boxes. If these are not quite what you’re looking for, stick with us, we have plenty more White C5 Envelopes and Brown C5 Envelopes available on the site which big saving throughout the entire range.

The Green Bit

Croxley Script envelopes are manufactured utilising materials that are environmentally sustainable and they continue to develop and innovate in this area to ensure the best outcome for the future. Hamelin Paper brands always use paper from sustainable sources and are increasingly manufacturing options from quality recycled papers. In addition to this, some of their envelope brands show the EU Eco-label accreditation for the paper from which they were made. This not only guarantees the sustainability of the source but also a reduction in emissions during the manufacturing process.

Left handedness is fairly common with between 7 and 10 percent of the population using their left hand to do most tasks. It is a well known fact that left-handed people are sometimes placed at a disadvantage. This is due to the overwhelming majority of right-handed tools. Most tools and devices are designed to be used with the right hand. A perfect example of this is right-handed scissors, a very common tool. They are made so that the line being cut can easily be seen by a right-handed user, but is not visible for a left-handed user. Also, the handles are shaped in a way that is difficult for a left handed person to hold, and prolonged use can lead to discomfort such as soars and blisters. Mainly however, the shearing action which is how the blades work together or how they are attached at the pivot, operates functionally for a right handed user, but a left-hander will not be able to work the scissors correctly and may force the blades apart rather than cutting through the material. There is such as thing as ambidextrous scissors (which are supposed to be usable for both left and right handed users) but these do not help as the cutting blades are still set for right-handed users. So 5 Star have decided enough is enough!

Featured to your right is our 5 Star Left Handed Scissors.

• ABS orange handles with machined stainless steel blades
• 10 year guarantee
• Left handed
• 217 mm
• Save 45%!

With a saving like this, you can now pick these scissors up for just £2.82! So for our full selection of Left Handed Scissors and Right Handed Office Scissors, visit the site where you will find more massive savings like this.

Did you know?

• International Left-handers Day has been designated to August 13th each year.
• Research has concluded that where both parents are left-handed, there is a chance of around 6% that they will produce a left-handed child and two right-hander’s have approximately a 9% chance. The likelihood of one left and one right-handed parent creating a left-hander, is just below 19%.

Prices available from 28th October 2009

Are you looking to make a great impression with your own DVD’s? Maybe you have some fantastic holiday snaps to put on disc or a DVD to send to clients. Whether its friends, family or clients you’re trying to impress, wow them with our Avery DVD labels. The old handwriting technique just won’t cut it anymore, not while there’s software available like this. You need to make the best impression, average will not do. Also consider backup! We’ve all been there; it’s awful when you’ve spent time creating documents only then to lose the data later. You can make sure important information isn’t lost by backing up your work. Saving documents on CD’s is a good idea, but how do you know what’s on each one? Again, adding a CD Label will help you out. It takes no time to create printed labels that are clear and easy to read. This is better than trying to read handwriting and looks really professional tool. When you use our Avery labels and software, you can add text, your company logo and other graphics and even add the finishing touch with your own designed case too!

So if you’ve printed your own CD Labels why not finish the job completely by creating your own inserts for the jewel cases? This way your CD matches the case and it all looks very professional. It also creates an opportunity for you to add extra information such as a song list if you have created a music CD or topics/chapters when making a DVD. If it’s office documents you have saved on a CD you could print the contents for easy referencing. Our Avery insert sets include the cover and tray in one, plus you can customise both cards using the Avery DesignPro® Software.

So whether you’re looking for DVD labels or DVD Case Cover and Tray Inserts, Office 365 is the place to go. We’ll help you on the way to a more organised and a more professional you!

Remember, 1 code = 2 trees! When you purchase any Avery labels, visit their site on www.avery.co.uk where you can enter the code from the label packaging and they will then plant 2 trees on your behalf. The total number of trees now raised by Avery is a whopping 37’844! Well done everyone!

If you work at the computer, it is important that the arms and wrist are supported adequately. Typing and using a mouse for an average of 8 hours a day without the correct support is likely to put strain on the median nerve and result in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common cause of wrist pain. You may experience aching, burning, numbness, or tingling in your palm, wrist, thumb, or fingers. The thumb muscle may become weak, making it extremely difficult to grasp things. Pain can even extend up to your elbow.

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when an important nerve (called the median nerve) gets compressed at the wrist because of swelling. Such swelling can occur in the office if you:

Do a repetitive motion with your wrist like typing on a computer keyboard and using a computer mouse.

• Are pregnant, menopausal, or overweight.
• Have diabetes, premenstrual syndrome, an underactive thyroid, or rheumatoid arthritis.

For the treatment and prevention of carpal tunnel syndrome, you may need to make adjustments to your work habits and environment by;

• Making sure your keyboard is low enough or flat so that your wrists aren’t bending upwards while you type
• Always use palm support products to help eliminate risk factors such as the Kensington Wrist Rest featured to your right
• Position your keyboard and mouse CLOSER to your body
• If you are suffering from a wrist related injury, take plenty of breaks from activities that aggravate the pain. When typing, make sure to stop often to rest the hands, even if only for a moment.
• Keep your forearms approximately parallel to the floor with your elbows at a 90-110° angle and keep the hand position level with or below the elbows position
• Rest your hands on their sides not the wrists.
• If all else fails, an occupational therapist can show you ways to ease pain and swelling and prevent the syndrome from coming back
• Medications like ibuprofen can relieve pain and swelling

For more Ergonomic Wrist Rests, just visit the site where you will find plenty of solutions to your comfort needs.

Did You Know?

1 in 30 people suffer from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (a repetitive strain injury condition), throughout Europe.*

The average lifetime cost of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome diagnosis is £17,000.**

* www.bupa.co.uk

** www.hand-consultant.com

You work in an intense office, your full concentration and attention is required of the job in hand. Focus. Your ideas and vocabulary are flowing beautifully now, you’re on the right pattern of thought, maybe you will meet the deadline after all, the……RRRRRRRIIIIIIIPPPPPPPPPP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!……Your every so considerate colleague has decided to wrap that package that needs sending and the noise of the packing tape has put your right off your train of thought, it’s gone. Packing tape or any tape for that matter can be a very annoying noisy thing in an office and Vibac are aware of this. They put they minds together and came up with a solution to the problem, what a thoughtful company! Due to their care and innovation, Vibac’s self-adhesive tapes are well recognized, appreciated and used extensively all over the world and they deserve the credit in my opinion!

Featured to the right is our Vibac packing tape selection.

• Low noise polypropylene tape
• Especially suitable for low temperature applications giving an excellent adhesion
• Packed 6
• Size: 50mmx66m
• Available in Clear and Buff

The Vibac Group is one of the leader companies focused on the development and the production of a diversified line of self-adhesive tapes. The Company operates a Tape Division dedicated to the production of pressure sensitive tapes for carton sealing and other purposes. It always good to know when you’re purchasing from a company who focus solely on the product type you’re purchasing. That focus and dedication to a single product can only result in an extra special item!

The Green Bit

Vibac’s positive impact towards the environment is extremely important to them. Their tape is formulated with a backing where Polyvinyl Chloride is completely absent. Their Ecological New Generation can be printed easily, used safely, unwound in a simple and silent way and, finally, it establishes itself as an ecological winning choice compared with all the other Tapes with a Polyvinyl Chloride backing (PVC).

There is plenty of brown packing tape and clear packing tape to choose from at Office 365, so if this one isn’t right for you, don’t panic, there is generous choice! Just call our team if you need any help – 0870 766 1624

As we have established many times already, 5 Star are the leading brand in value for money products. But they really are worth bragging about, so what’s the harm in bringing them to your attention again?5 Star have developed a range of quality products to suit every pocket and over their 15 years of ‘Stardom’ have developed their ideas and techniques further in order to improve their image and reliability. For example, each of their products now has attractively designed packaging for clearer product display and product information, plus all 5 Star products feature a 12 month, no quibble guarantee!

Featured to your right is our 5 Star Office Laminating Pouches which are the ideal solution for all laminating machines. The pouches are 150 microns and have that super glossy finish that is so sought after. They produce perfect finishes every time on all your A4 documents. And for a box of 100 the price isn’t at all bad either. These 5 Star pouches are on a super saver special offer at the moment. You can save your self a massive 86% when you purchase these pouches. So while stocks last you can pick these up for a mere £4.21! And for a full selection of A4 Laminating Pouches, check out the site.

Did you know that Office 365 have joined the 21st century? You can now find us on the social networking site – Facebook by selecting the following link; http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=44360482033&topic=11429. Take advantage of all our special offers by checking out our page where you will be the first to see all our latest offers and even make some suggestions of you’re own. So if you have a product in mind that you’d like to see on sale, why not let us know, you could be pleasantly surprised!

Prices valid as of 22/10/09 – Pick up your bargains whilst stocks last!

Boy have we found a solution for you! We all need and use plastic pockets in the office and the home. They are one of those items which we really cannot do without! When filing items it is often important to also consider the display and protection of the item too. That’s why clear plastic pockets are such a great idea. They protect your documents from moisture and dust, creases and spillage but also display them in a crisp and effective manor. Due to their popularity in the recent months, we have decided to feature today’s blog on plastic sleeves and have chosen one particular sleeve that impressed us.

The Esselte At Hand Pockets unique design just jumped out at us! They are packaged in an ingenious space saving box which protects them and is also a handy dispenser! 

• Innovative solution for accessing quickly and easily when needed
• Ideal size for the desktop and drawer storage
• Sturdy, compact box containing 50 pockets]
• Attractive and subtle box design
• Box with rip-off section for easy access to the contents
• Easy to remove one at a time
• Light, copysafe, polypropylene
• White reinforcement strip
• 38 Micron

We’re offering you this box of 50 pockets in their handy dispenser with a whopping 31% off! You save yourself £1.49 when you purchase these from us for just £3.36! What a bargain! We do have other clear plastic pockets however if these aren’t right for you. Take a look at the range, the discounts are offered throughout the entire range.

Continuous Improvement:

Esselte’s Lean Program aims to reduce waste of all kinds from all areas of the business. Less waste from their company also means less burden on the environment. For example; A more energy-conscious running of the plastic moulding machinery in their St. Niklaas factory saves approx. 350 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year. Also, a more efficient use of warehouse space saves heating and lighting which amounts to approx 40 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year. But most importantly, Esselte believe that even better than recycling is not to throw away at all. So Esselte design their products with the highest specifications to ensure that they last longer.

Prices valid as of 21/10/09

Everyone loves functional design and a quality product at a great price. That’s why today we introduce you to our superb range of Uni Ball Gel Pens. The Gelstick is made for everyday and everybody. Its smoothness, simple use, long life and dependency make it a firm favourite not only for the obvious quality, but for its value too!

The Uni Ball Gel Stick pens we’d like to show you today contain what UNI call Uni Super Ink. Uni Super Ink is the name given to their unique pigment ink that is used in many Uni products, namely the Gel Stick. It benefits from being Tamper Proof, Light Resistant, Water Resistant and it Will Not Fade In Time. With the vast selection of vibrant colours what more could you want from a rollerball? Take a look at our Uni-ball UM170 SigNo Gelstick Rollerball Pens featured to the right.

• High quality gel ink rollerball

• Specially shaped comfort grip for effortless writing and control

• 0.7 tip gives line width of 0.5mm

• Wallet of 5 contains one each of violet, pink, orange, light blue and green as seen in the swatches below.

The Green Bit

Uni Ball has been manufacturing products made from recycled materials since 1992. They continually strive to increase the number of recycled products available. Their objective is to use natural resources effectively and to minimise the impact on the environment. For this reason, they have developed:

• Products made from a proportion of recycled materials

• Products that have a longer shelf life and are refillable

• Simplified packaging to ensure less waste

• Packaging that is produced on materials from sustainable woodland sources and printed by a Carbon Neutral company

• Packaging that uses only vegetable based inks and water-based coatings

• Cardboard packaging that is fully recyclable

We also have a selection of Black Gel Pens, Blue Gel Pens, Red Gel Pens and Green Gel Pens available on the site with big reductions and interesting features, why not have a browse?

Our New Guardian range offers a wide range of business envelopes, made from high quality manila paper with a subtle ribbed finish and appealing sheen to enhance the look of your business post.

It seems that one of the most popular envelope sizes is the C5, so we decided to sift through our C5 envelopes to bring you what we think is one of the best. Introducing the New Guardian Mediumweight C5 Pocket Envelope.

Here we have a top quality C5 envelope with press and seal closure, made using the best 90 gsm manila paper. These envelopes come in boxes of 500 and are made using 100% recycled product.

Following the introduction of ‘Pricing in Proportion’ (PiP) in August 2006, new products have been introduced and sizes have been amended to ensure they fit into the most economical category, maximising the mailing capacity in each pricing band and minimising your postal costs!

These particular C5 envelopes fit comfortably into the ‘letter’ postal size category which is a maximum of 165 x 240mm, and up to 5mm thick, weighing no more than 100g.  This is the smallest postal size and there for, the most economical to post.

New Guardian’s ‘Softer Side’

New Guardian have increased their donation to the NSPCC in 2008 to 20p for every box of New Guardian envelopes sold. So that means for every box you buy, you’re doing your bit too! The NSPCC’s vision is of a society where all children are loved, valued and able to fulfil their potential. The aim is to put a stop to child cruelty. FULL STOP.

Sending your post in a New Guardian envelope will not only offer added protection and quality to your mailing, but it will also help this fantastic charity to achieve their vision of providing a safe and secure environment for children.

New Guardian have been raising money for the NSPCC since 2004 through the sale of envelopes and so far they have donated over £205,000 to support this worth while charity – our vulnerable children and young people.

If you’ve just read all this and decided it’s still not what you were looking for, worry not, we have a great many more Brown C5 Envelopes and even a whole load of White C5 Envelopes at Office 365, each with fantastic savings and individual qualities!