Stalwart UK trade bodies the Professional Computing Association and the Mac Technology Association are to merge into a new firm, called the Technology Channels Association.

The two operations officially become one as of today (Friday July 10th), creating a pool of 800 members in total. As well as continuing the services performed by the PCA and the MTA, the newly formed TCA will look to broaden its scope to include digital technology and communications areas, as well as traditional systems integrators and traders.

Robert French, vice-chairman of the former PCA and chairman of the TCA said: “The development of the digital technology industry and channel has been incredibly dynamic over the past ten years and the formation of the new trade association recognises this. We will draw our membership from all parts of the channel, including vendors, distributors, resellers and other parties as appropriate and will represent the interests of all of our members equally and fairly, as a proper trade association should.”

The firm also said it would be looking to incorporate other trade bodies into the new structure. “We recognise that it can be very challenging for smaller organisations to do all that they would wish for their members and we welcome discussions with any body that feels it might benefit by being part of a more powerful group,” added French.