COS

The Trusted Name in Workplace Supplies

A Family Business Leading the Way in Sustainable Workplace Solutions

For nearly half a century, COS has been a trusted name in workplace supplies across Australia. Founded in Sydney by the late Dominique Lyone in 1977, the business has grown from a small start-up into a nationwide leader, delivering education and workplace products to customers in every corner of the country. Today, COS is still Australian owned and operated and proudly led by second-generation sisters Belinda and Amie Lyone, who serve as Co-CEO’s of the family business built by their father who had a vision of exceptional service and social responsibility.

“When our father started the company, he could never have imagined the scale it has reached today,” Belinda reflects. “We have warehouses in every state and territory, a team of more than 700 people, and a product range that touches the lives of workers, students, and patients every single day.”

A Smooth Transition in Leadership

The leadership handover to Belinda and Amie was not left to chance. Beginning in 2018, the family engaged advisors and invested in education to prepare the sisters for the role. Both attended a course at Harvard, and while their father was initially cautious about the shared leadership model, he came to see the value of the Co-CEO approach.

“Running a family business comes with unique challenges,” Belinda explains. “Our father wanted to make sure we had the right tools and mindset to succeed. The planning process was long, but it made the transition smooth, and it gave us the confidence to take the company forward in our own way.”

Strategic Priorities Driving Growth

At its core, COS is committed to making workplaces healthy, safe and productive. The company delivers thousands of products with next day service, ensuring that organisations from schools to hospitals to corporate offices have what they need when they need it.

“Our focus is on the people who use our products every day,” Belinda notes. “Workers, students, and patients all rely on us, and we take that responsibility very seriously. By staying close to customer needs, we can keep innovating in areas like hygiene, technology, and comfort.”

Recent growth has also been fueled by acquisitions. In 2023, COS purchased Kookaburra, a specialist provider of audio-visual products. This addition expanded the company’s reach into technology, complementing its established strengths in education and office supplies.

“Acquisitions are a way for us to move into adjacent categories more quickly,” Belinda says. “Kookaburra gave us a strong foothold in audio visual products, and we are continuing to look for opportunities in areas such as furniture, workplace amenities, and technology.”

Leading on Sustainability

Perhaps the most defining achievement for COS in recent years is its leadership in sustainability. From January to July 2024, the company officially reached net zero operations with 100% renewable electricity for their facilities nationwide, a milestone that reflects years of effort in reducing emissions, improving energy efficiency, and creating sustainable supply chains.

“Achieving net zero operations was something we are incredibly proud of,” says Belinda. “But it is only the beginning. Now we are focused on decarbonisation, which means looking beyond our operations to how we can influence products, packaging, and our entire ecosystem.”

COS has prioritised product transparency, reducing plastic, and ensuring that customers can make better choices through its e-commerce platform, COSnet. Every item listed includes clear sustainability information, enabling easy comparisons.

“We want to empower customers to choose products that are better for the environment,” Belinda explains. “It is about making sustainability practical and accessible in the workplace.”

Giving Back Through the Lyone Foundation

The family’s values extend well beyond business. In 2013, they established the Lyone Foundation, a philanthropic initiative that donates one percent of COS revenue each year to local Australian charities focused on human welfare. To date, the foundation has donated more than $23million to the Lyone Foundation supporting over 130 organisations, reflecting the family’s long standing commitment to giving back.

“Our family has always believed in supporting the community,” says Belinda. “The foundation was a way to formalise that commitment and ensure that as the business grows, our impact grows with it.”

Company Culture Built on Values

COS recognises that its strength comes from its people. With more than 700 employees nationwide, the company has worked hard to build a culture that values passion, service excellence, innovation, and community.

“Our philosophy is simple,” Belinda says. “Happy employees create happy customers. That is why we put so much emphasis on the employee experience.”

This investment has paid off. COS has achieved Great Place to Work certification, with 84 percent of employees rating it as a great workplace. The recognition reflects efforts to create an environment where employees feel engaged, supported, and proud to contribute to the company’s mission.

Adapting to Changing Workplaces

The way Australians work has changed dramatically in recent years, and COS has evolved alongside those changes. With the rise of hybrid and remote work, as well as shifts in education and healthcare, the company has expanded its product range to meet new needs.

“Whether it is headsets for remote communication or gloves for hygiene in healthcare, we have to anticipate what our customers require in different environments,” Belinda explains. “In education, we also stay closely aligned with curriculum changes so that we can provide relevant and practical supplies.”

The focus is on making workplaces feel welcoming and productive. From kitchens and bathrooms to collaborative furniture and technology, COS is committed to ensuring that organisations have everything they need to thrive.

Innovation for the Future

Looking ahead, COS is investing heavily in artificial intelligence and personalisation to transform its customer experience. Through its COSnet platform, the company is creating a smarter, more tailored online shopping journey that anticipates customer preferences and streamlines procurement.

“AI allows us to go beyond simple e-commerce,” Belinda says. “It means we can create an experience that feels personal, efficient, and intuitive. For our customers, that is a game changer.”

In addition to digital innovation, the company is also exploring opportunities in furniture and technology to enhance the modern workplace. “People expect their workplace to feel comfortable and supportive,” Belinda explains. “We see strong growth potential in furniture, collaborative spaces, and workplace amenities that make offices feel like home.”

Looking to the Next Chapter

With nearly five decades of success behind them, Belinda and Amie are clear that COS’s future lies in staying true to its values while embracing change. Sustainability, customer service, and community impact will remain the cornerstones of the business.

“We are building on a legacy created by our father, but we are also making it our own,” Belinda reflects. “It is a privilege to lead this company into the future, and we are excited about the opportunities ahead.”

Belinda adds, “Every decision we make comes back to our customers, our people, and our community. As long as we keep those priorities at the center, COS will continue to grow and make a positive impact.”

From humble beginnings in Sydney to a nationwide leader in workplace solutions, COS represents the best of what a family business can achieve. With its focus on sustainability, innovation, and philanthropy, the company is not only shaping the workplaces of today but also building a better future for tomorrow.

At a Glance

Who: COS

What: Leader in office supplies delivering education and workplace products to customers in every corner of the country.

Where: Lidcombe, New South Wales

Website: www.cos.net.au

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