PCR Tech and IT retail, distribution and vendor news
Here PCR talks to Platinum Partner EntaTech’s group vice president Jon Atherton about his company’s plans for the conference & expo, and beyond…
How important is it for the UK PC industry to have a dedicated event for retailers?
It is hugely important. The PCR boot camp will give us an opportunity to gain invaluable feedback from retailers on how we can improve our offering to the IT channel.
What do you see being the key issues facing PC retailers in 2012?
Consumers will continue to expect more from both online and on the High Street with regard to price and convenience, and the competition to secure market share will be as fierce as ever. The only inevitability will be that online sales will continue to grow. Our resellers should view www.xpressplatforms.com. This management system will allow them to increase their product offering.
What products/services will you be promoting at the event this year?
We will be showcasing our innovative product portfolio and promoting the benefits of trading with EntaTech such as the Enta account card showing our commitment to offering alternative credit. We also have some unique vendors exhibiting such as Arctic, Wasp and TP-Link.
Why should retailers look out for the EntaTech stand at the PCR Retail BootCamp?
EntaTech account managers and members of the EntaTech Retail team will be on hand to discuss requirements and IT needs to ensure success in the coming year with a view to building and strengthening relationships with EntaTech retailers, new and existing. I will also be on hand to discuss any specific needs!
What are the key brands you carry?
Some of key brands are Intel, Microsoft, Netgear, Kingston, Kaspersky, Gigabyte and NVIDIA. These are the recognised brands we all know and love but we have worked hard over the past two years to extend our portfolio and build new brands such as Arctic, TP-Link, Wasp and Swann.
What are your projections for 2012?
2012 will be a tough year, Confidence is down, consumer and Government spend is down. Credit for our customers will be squeezed so we are being proactive now to do all we can in assisting the channel for incremental credit with our account card. Our introduction of new and exciting products that have not all been specifically IT based has been a great success. Many of our competitors seem to only now be expressing their wish to enhance and grow their portfolio. Thankfully we started this 3 years ago and have seen huge growth, with many hundreds of our customers benefitting.
If there was one thing you¹d change in the PC/tech industry, what would it be?
Better access to product information and comparisons. The process of managing product information across the channel is an important factor. The challenge in today’s fast-paced market is that products quickly become obsolete. Added to this, the level of competition in the market and the expectations of the consumer for products to be readily available means that if a distributor or retailer does not have accurate and consistent details on products then any delay could have a significant impact on a product’s sales.
What distinguishes you from your competitors?
EntaTech has continued to expand its product portfolio to ensure customers can benefit from new and exclusive suppliers, excellent margin opportunities and receive effective support. This is offered through an award winning sales and account management team and excellent online ecommerce facility and is the partner of choice for focus, determination and their pioneering approach to business. Winning PCR sales team of the year four years running says it all! What distinguishes any company is the staff. Over 80% of my sales staff have worked at Enta for over 6 years. Their experience and enthusiasm is second to none.
PCR Retail Boot Camp is an exciting new conference and expo for the UK PC and IT channel, taking place on Wednesday May 2nd at The Brewery, Chiswell Street, London. It is free for retailers to attend and will provide a day of conference sessions, expo showcases and networking – all designed to help dealers improve their business.
In addition, there will be a series of ‘Break-Out Sessions’ during the afternoon, giving distributors and vendors the opportunity to present technical or service sessions with smaller groups of dealers.
Meanwhile, an after-show party, sponsored by VIP, will provide networking opportunities to round off the day’s events.
Dealers can register their interest in attending the event by emailing pcrbootcamp@intentmedia.co.uk.
Micro-P is the Connected Home Partner of PCR Retail Boot Camp, with Platinum Partners including EntaTech, GData, VIP and Arctic, plus Wasp and TP-Link as Gold Partners.
A limited number of additional Event Partner Packages are available. Contact pcr-online-staff@transfer.pcr-online.biz or pcr-online-staff@transfer.pcr-online.biz to find out more.
And keep up to date with all the news by following our Twitter feed @PCRBootcamp.
