One day, in the land of 3rd Floor Inland Revenue Office Slough, there lived a staple, his name was Stan. Stan the staple lived a happy, albeit a rather mundane life. He spent the majority of his little life in a box where he lived quietly with hundreds of other staples. Being afraid of the dark and rather claustrophobic, Stan spent most of his existence frozen still, so scared in fact that he clung tight to his friends. As there was nothing to see in the dark and none of the little staples ever went anywhere, there really was nothing to say and so life inside the little box was unnaturally quiet. Stan spent most of his days wondering about the meaning of his stapley life, where did he come from, why was he here, the usual stapley nonsense.

Stan was unable to remember much about life before the box, except for occasional terrifying flashbacks of a bright orange light and a strong heat that made him feel all woozy and stretched inside. He had a faint but frightening memory of a sort of jaw slamming down which was then softened by the inkling that he was once connected to his other stapley brothers and sisters a lot more than he was now; he often wondered if any of the other staples ever felt the same.

Despite his fears, Stan grew accustomed to this life inside the box, and began to worry that he should ever have to leave it. He’d once heard rumours that thousands of his ancestors had been forced into cold machines which held them pushed against its walls by springs. He was told of how one-by-one they were brutally used as cannon fodder, individually beaten by the machine until their bodies were mangled beyond recognition, their legs left crippled to the point where they relied on paper for support so heavily they never let go. Stan feared this life more than anything and as days turned to weeks, and weeks turned to years, Stan became agoraphobic.

As if agoraphobia, claustrophobia and nyctophobia were not enough, Stan sank into a deep depression. Unable to leave his box he couldn’t seek medical help and although he felt very attached to his brothers and sisters, he just couldn’t open up to them and so his sadness began to destroy him. He so feared the destiny of his ancestors that he gave up the will to live. He spent days on end trying to hatch a plan where he could end it now, save himself from the hell that was ‘The Machine’. Unable to leave, unable to move, unable to see, unable to speak, all there was for Stan to do was lick himself. So Stan licked; he licked himself all day and all night and he continued to lick for days and days until he began to decay. Decay turned to rust and still Stan would not stop; his plan was working. Stan licked himself so much that he rusted right through and on that fateful day, our little Stan crumbled. Stan was gone, lifeless, finally useless to the machine…

And the moral of this story is, if you’d like to save your staples from the slow and painful death that our Stan endured, then make sure you use them before they become depressed!

Find a massive selection of small staples and an impressive variety of large staples here at Office 365 where you can enjoy excellent customer service, next day delivery and unbeatable prices!

There are many working environments that deal with deliveries, outgoing post, packaging and so on. This is particularly true for warehouses and factories, however most businesses have a post room or mailroom that deal with outgoing mail daily. If your company are wholesalers or internet based retail companies, then the main objective of your business is to send out orders. In order to do so you’ll need the right materials and equipment. One of the vital products you’ll need to consider if the items you’re sending are of a delicate nature is labels. It is your responsibility as the supplier to make sure that your packages are sent out with care and clearly labelled so that the delivery person or company are aware of how to treat the package. Then, should there be any damage to the parcel when it arrives with the customer, you can seek responsibility from the courier, rather than incurring costs yourself, as you clearly advised them that the item was fragile. For the minimal price of handle with care labels and fragile labels, you can save yourself quite a penny!

Our Handle With Care Tape featured is ideal for mailrooms and warehouses sending out continuous fragile items.

• Text is ‘Handle with care’
• Printed polypropylene tapes
• Red wording on white tape
• Ideal for companies with quality systems such as ISO 9000
• Packed 6 rolls
• 50mm x 66m
• 25% off! – Just £14.55 for a pack of 6!

Simply peel off enough tape to reveal the text ‘Handle With Care’, or alternatively use the tape to secure your packaging closed whilst doubling as a warning message. Another similar alternative is our Fragile Tape featured to your left.

• Text is ‘Fragile’
• Printed polypropylene tapes
• Red text on white tape
• Ideal for companies with quality systems such as ISO 9000
• Packed 6 Rolls
• 50mm x 66m
• 55% off! – Just £8.78 for a pack of 6!

A proven effective way of filing your paperwork at home and in the office, the ring binder is a very useful tool, however with the variety of different options available; you’ll find that the ring binder can be an innovative solution to a range of other requirements too. You’ll find ring binders are used for recopy books, homework folders, subject folders and you’ll even find they are an ideal product for storing artwork. Available commonly in A5, A4 and A3 sizes, the ring binder is also available in different ring styles. For example, the ‘D’ ring style has it’s rings fixed onto the inside back cover and is designed so that the contents sit flat on the back cover and square on the right hand edge of the ring. This style has a wider cover which consequently allows for the use of dividers which is useful in filing of any kind. ‘O’ ring binders on the other hand are fixed into the spine and do not normally have a ‘lever option’. This ring style will hold less paper and the covers are smaller than the ‘D’ ring alternative meaning that divider tabs may poke outside of the binder. On the plus side, this option is cheaper and ideal if only being used for plastic sleeves and average quantity contents.

Our A3 size binders are available in two further options, upright and oblong. Portrait (upright) ring binders are the standard and have their rings along the long side, where as oblong or landscape ring binders have their rings on the short edge. Many artists and designers appreciate the selection here so that they have a choice of how to best display their work.

Finally there is a choice of either 2-ring binders or 4-ring binders. The distance between rings on a 4-ring binder is 80mm, 80mm and 80mm. Using these binders allows pages to sit more evenly, spreading pressure and therefore preventing wear or specifically, preventing holes from tearing. Choosing a 4-ring binder is the best option for filing bigger quantities. 2-ring binders have the same distance between rings and are the cheaper option.

A great example of a portrait 4-ring binder is the Emgee A3 Black 4 –Ring Binder featured.

• 4 D-ring mechanism
• 50mm spine width
• Ticket pocket on spine
• Made from heavy-duty board
• Three-piece construction for extra durability
• 40mm capacity
• Upright
• Black
• Packed 2
• Up to 50% recycled
• 25% off – Just £26.51!

Not only is this a sturdy 4 ring option and not only does it feature the wider cover that is standard for a D-ring binder, but it also boasts an environmentally friendly side being up to 50% recycled. The icing on the cake has to be the 25% off, plus with it being Emgee, you can be sure of its quality! However there are plenty more ring binders where this one came from, so if this isn’t the one for you, come and take a look at what else we have on offer!

There is a staggering number of different types of labels available on the market today, and with so many to choose from and with them all appearing so similar, we understand how it can become infuriating! So today’s blog is dedicated to helping you understand one of our more popular choices of labels so that you can make an informed choice.

Before we go into specific labels, it is important that you know precisely what you will be using these labels for. Are you looking at addressing envelopes, labelling folders and files, labelling goods, creating media discs, labelling items for transportation outdoors? It is important to know the intended purpose so that you can purchase the most practical option.

As well as this you will need to decide which size is best for your chosen application. Once you know this, narrowing down your search will be much easier and you’ll feel confident in your final decision. Bear in mind that this decision may be dependent on your printer settings, your specific label printer or the size of your envelope/package.

Next you will need to decide which type of printer (if any) you intend to print on these labels with. This is also a searchable option when finding labels. You will even find additional options such as Quick Dry and Weather Proof, Anti Tamper etc.

Our Label Rolls feature labels which are produced on a roll in rows of just one. They can be continuously fed through a printer using label printing software or fed through specialist label makers and typewriters. More often than not, these labels run along a very long strip and come in numerous different sizes, adhesive types and colours. Luckily most labels can easily be detached using the clever separation points which save time and effort. Available from 5 Star, Avery, Brother and Dymo, the selection in sizes is staggering! Take a look at the chart below for reference.

Now you have the refine by options, you may find it a little easier to select your ideal labels. However if you still find yourself in a fluster, please feel free to get in touch where one of our team will be very happy to help – 0870 766 1624.

Internal mail envelopes are used by businesses everywhere and play a fundamental role in the safe delivery of documents throughout an office. They are specifically designed for hard-copy communication and document transfer within an organisation and are often bold in colour and available in various colours in order to distinguish departments and differentiate from external mail. Designed and made from hardwearing material the internal mail envelope is intended for repeated use. It features multiple addressee boxes and each time it is used, the sender will cross out the previous addressee and then write out the new one in a fresh box. All available envelope closures are designed for repetitive use, with specialist tacks and adhesives, tuck in flaps and string and washer options available according to your demands.

With all this said, it can still be difficult to find the size you’re looking for, so as a quick guideline remember;

• 220×110 (DL Size) – Available in our New Guardian Rage
• 229 x 162 (C5 Size) – Also available in our New Guardian Range, plus our antimicrobial range from Oxford Biocote
• 254 x 178 – New Guardian
• 250 x 353 – Available in the Oxford Biocote range
• 260 x 330 – Also available in the Oxford Biocote range
• 324 x 229 (C4 Size) – Available in our 5 Star, New Guardian and Oxford Biocote brands
• 381 x 254 – New Guardian

You will often find punched holes in the envelopes; these are added to confirm whether or not it contains any documents. One way to make your internal mail envelopes last longer is to place labels over the last used line so that you don’t have to use up all the boxes, but don’t skip lines. Typically an envelope will have 50 address boxes. Here at Office 365 you will find we have a great selection of brands and sizes available along with much choice in the way of envelope seals and colours. Take a look for yourself and if you need any assistance, just give us a call on 0870 766 1624.

When was the last time you gave your computer a good clean? Take a look at your keyboard now, do those keys look clean to you. Imagine all the people who have typed on your keyboard, all the people who have typed on the keyboards in the office and then think to yourself, has this keyboard ever been cleaned? Goodness only knows how many germs those keyboards are riddled with; cold, flu, conjunctivitis, tonsillitis, stomach upsets, you name it you can be sure that those keyboards have come into direct contact with many awful bugs and viruses.

Office hygiene is quite a responsibility and one that will affect the overall operations of the company. Why is it we take the time to dust, to vacuum and to clean the bathroom facilities, however we forget the things we touch the most; keyboards, telephones, desks and so on.

Did you know that up to 70% of computer related problems are as a result of dust, dirt and other airborne particles? Computers are in fact a magnet to dirt and dust as the static electricity attracts it, we see evidence of this with the yellowing of surfaces, plus the extreme dust build up in computer areas when compared to other areas of the home and office. Now if we can see the external evidence of dust and dirt, then what is this doing to the inside of the machine and its components?

Keyboards become sticky and in-efficient from the build up of dust and particles, screens become dirty and cause our eyes to strain in order to see through the grime, mice become unresponsive and behave erratically, whilst other computer functions may appear faulty however just need a good clean. Don’t let your computer struggle and overheat, maybe it’s time to treat it to a nice clean!

It is recommended that you clean your computer and its components every five months as well as standard dusting in order to keep it looking clean. However if you are a business then it is recommend that you clean your computers every 2-3 months. This is where we can help. Here at Office 365 we have a wide variety of computer cleaning products including our very popular screen cleaner and keyboard cleaner.

Our 5 Star Air Duster Can featured to the right has an incredible £11.83 off at the moment and is now just £2.76!

• 5 Star HFC-free Air Duster
• Compressed gas to remove debris and dirt from hard to reach areas
• Use on all printers, keyboards and equipment
• HFC free
• Flammable
• 400ml can

Alternatively, try our AF Clene Swipe Tub which is featured to the left. These fantastic screen wipes also have a discount and are now available with 32% off, for just £3.53!

• Easily accessed
• Convenient tub prevents drying out
• Antibacterial Wipes
• Fragrance – White Rapids

Rexel are a household brand which even our children have heard of, in fact the chances our half the contents of their desks and school bags are Rexel brand products! A key brand within the ACCO Brands Corporation, Rexel now have a staggering 70 years of great design and innovation behind them, along with a fantastic reputation with the customers. Their extensive product portfolio includes many stationery and office items including shredders, trimmers and various filing products as well as desk accessories and desktop tools too.

The ACCO Brands Corporation is actually one of the largest suppliers of branded office products worldwide! Sold and distributing in over 100 countries, their brands aside from Rexel include Wilson Jones®, Day-Timer®, Swingline®, Derwent, Kensington®, Quartet®, GBC®, NOBO® and more. Their range of Rexel Stationery stands head and shoulders above it competitors and with environmental credentials on their side, is it any wonder?

The Rexel Ecodesk range is 100% green, 100% recyclable and 100% reusable! We say their ‘green’ but actually their black and their incredibly stylish too! Manufactured from 100% post consumer recycled rubbish such as plastics and carrier bags, every item is even wrapped in 100% recycled material! With a staggering ten Ecodesk filing products to co-ordinate with the desk accessories which include letter trays, magazine racks, desk sorters and pen pots, you can co-ordinate your entire desk and filing system with these fabulously eco friendly products! What’s more, you’ll find that all Rexel Ecodesk files and folders carry the official Cradle to Cradle certification!

It can be quite a difficult task trying to find room in the office for all the latest technology and office machinery, filing and furniture. However the most difficult task we face, space wise, is desk space. With computer monitors and computers themselves, telephones, fax machines, printers, keyboards, mouse and mouse mats, notes pad, stationery, filing trays, along with any other gadgets required for the job. It all leaves no space for work and gives a look of clutter, a feeling of disorganisation which leads to disorganised behaviour.

If your office has a little floor space to spare, why not consider additional furniture, pedestals for filing where the top can even double as a computer stand or a copier stand, maybe consider filing cabinets even, which are always a useful accompaniment in the office. One of the most useful pieces of office furniture is the printer stand which can not only house your printer freeing up space on your desk, but it also provides a useful home for paper supplies and scanners too. Our favourite is the Influx Basic Printer Stand featured below.

• Influx Basic Printer Stand
• W x D x H: 820 x 485 x 620mm
• Beech
• 38% off!– Now just £80.11!

This fantastic printer stand can house printers of all sizes from little laser printers, to old and frumpy fax machines and even those ancient dot matrix printers.  This printer stand is part of the Influx range which is a division of the Trexus brand. Trexus are strong believers in quality office furnishing and produce the highest standards of office furniture so that you can have the best finish imaginable.  The Influx range combines clean, simple and stylish design with a fantastic choice of materials and finishes, to produce an offering that will meet the requirements of any office. Manufactured with a strong construction and made in a matching woodgrain finish, this printer stand will complement the rest of the Influx range. Influx have been awarded the silver medal as a mid-level product, great for if you are looking for that little bit extra. This medal scheme has been created in order for you to get an idea of the quality and finish to expect.

Brown wrapping paper (aka Kraft paper), also used in mailrooms and warehouses for packaging, is chosen for its strength and durability. This coarse paper not only boasts strength, but is commonly chosen due to its high tensile strength – perfect for packaging and for wrapping presents. In modern society the consumer tends to choose more aesthetically pleasing wrapping paper which do not live up to the standard of the old classic brown wrapping paper. Newer more modern wrapping paper is thin, has very little tensile strength and is likely to tear after minimal handling. It is only down to clever advertising and consumerism that we have transgressed from brown paper packaging (tied up with string ) to this new flimsy substitute.

Brown paper (such as the Marland Kraft Paper featured) is stronger due to the kraft process which is also known as kraft pulping. The process involves the conversion of wood into wood pulp and the result consists of almost pure cellulose fibers. The wood chips are treated with a mixture of sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide, known as white liquor, which break the bonds that link lignin to the cellulose. This may all sound like a load of gobbledy gook, but it is this process combined with the materials used which makes the paper as strong as it is.

We understand how clever marketing managed to sway us; we chose pretty, yet poor quality paper over strong brown paper which can withstand heavy handling. It used to be that a brown paper package was exciting, tied up with traditional string or twine, in fact personally I still find this look far more appealing. However brown paper doesn’t have to be plain. Tie your parcels up with colourful ribbon or invest in some craft stamps and decorate the paper with all kinds of designs. I went to a children’s birthday party 2 weekends ago which was wonderful. We all felt as though we’d gone back in time; a ribbon treasure hunt in the fields, a homemade paper Mache piñata, home cooked biscuits, bread and quiche, it was fabulous and very inspiring as a parent! The icing on the cake was their party bags at the end – brown paper bags individually decorated (by the birthday boy) with a painted character! How lovely, this was then filled with a yummy slice of homemade strawberry and cream Victoria sponge!

Take advantage of our 44% saving on the Marland Kraft Paper pictured above which is also 100% recycled! Our price just £19.63!! As of 16/03/2011 - While stocks last!

At Office 365 we take great pleasure in surprising our customers with our selection of products for all around the home and the office. We’re not just stationery suppliers and as the pennies dropping our customer base is doing quite the opposite! Now one of the UK’s top rated online office supplies retailers, you will find that our selection is not only vast, but fairly priced too! Take a look at our computer media supplies for example, where you will find an impressive selection of all forms of computer media storage products!

So that you can safely store all your hard work (and the fun bits too), your computer uses various types of storage media to save information continuously for future use. Your computer can load an operating system from a drive and process your information; it can find your saved data on its drive or computer optical media and then process it, furthermore, upon request it will save your files on the drive or media for future reference. In order for you to use your machine to the best of its ability however, you must have the right tools to do so and this is where our computer media supplies come in handy.

3.5 Disks (or Floppy Discs)

‘Floppy disks’ replaced the age old tape or cartridge storage media and is still the most commonly used storage medium in educational facilities and offices today. A magnetic 3.5 disk records information in magnetic bits like a tape, however the main difference and as it goes, advantage, is that you can retrieve specific information rather than having to go through each individual file.

CD’s DVD’s Optical Disks

Other forms of storage media like the CD and DVD can have two types of storage; recordable, and re-writable. The first enables data to be written once and cannot be erased and the second enables data to be written which can later be erased if required, then used again for storing further data. CD’s, DVD’s and Blue Ray are all examples of optical discs which use laser to burn minute pits on the reflective surface to store data. Although they cannot be harmed by external magnetic fields, this form of media is subject to scratches which will ruin the ‘playability’ of the disk resulting in the loss of its information; for this reason they must be stored safely.

USB sticks

A USB stick or ‘flash drive’ as they are also known as, is a common and favoured example of a solid state memory. This chip-based storage medium is extremely popular with many people carrying theirs in their pocket or on their key ring for quick access. This amazing device is fast and can safely store several gigabytes of information even when the current is turned off. For this reason it is the most favoured choice for portable storage applications and file backups.

With many other forms of quality storage medium here, Office 365 will have a solution for you and if you need any help, just give us a call on 0870 766 1624.