PCR Tech and IT retail, distribution and vendor news
PCR set out to find the most helpful and hardworking account managers in the UK PC and tech channel that really make a difference. We asked retailers and resellers of all sizes to nominate their best account managers at both a distributor and vendor level.
Here’s the top 20 they put forward, in no particular order:
LIZ BEECH
ACCOUNT MANAGER, TARGET COMPONENTS
Liz Beech has been with Target since April this year, and has built her knowledge from scratch, and developed excellent relationships with her customers. Liz always starts her day with a smile and giggle, and is full of tenacity and enthusiasm. She works hard every day, mostly to earn enough to keep her beloved horse, Ada, with only the best accessories a horse can have.
Philip Griffiths from Chips Computers said: “Liz helps in every way possible. She will call to let you know what time orders will be arriving. If she does not know, she will get a response from someone who does. I’ve never had a problem and she always sounds happy.”
NEIL BROCKLEHURST
ACCOUNT MANAGER, SALES, VIP COMPUTERS
Having worked at VIP for more than 12 years, Neil (aka Brock) is highly experienced.
Utopia Computers’ Craig Hume says: “Nothing is ever a hassle for Neil. He understands his customers, goes above and beyond and is the most outgoing personality in the channel.”
Gavin Holder from GHI Computers adds: “Brock is different to the majority of account managers in that he takes time out to talk about the business, the employees and also keeps in contact outside of working hours.”
Another reseller says: “It’s about time Neil got the recognition for his services. He is a part of the team.”
MIKE BUCHANAN
COUNTRY MANAGER, UK & BENELUX, CORSAIR MEMORY
Mike Buchanan has a proven track record within the IT distribution, etail and retail sales channel, spending more than ten years in a variety of roles. He is self-motivated with attention to detail, has strong teamwork skills, and according to himself has a real “passion for winning”.
Microsoft Store buyer and former Dixons PC gaming buyer Simon Urquhart says: “Mike is possibly the most ‘in- tune’ national account manager I have worked with – proactive, attentive, imaginative and a great guy. He’s a strong reason why Corsair and Dixons have such a strong relationship on PC gaming.”
AMY CORCORAN
SALES EXECUTIVE, ENTATECH
Amy Corcoran has quickly become a valued member of the Entatech sales team. She has meticulous attention to detail and has a tenacious approach to ensuring that all of her customers get the best service possible.
“Amy is a fantastic account manager,” says Intellect Computers’ Arian Nikkhah. “She is friendly, extremely helpful and engaging and makes extra efforts to assist Intellect Computers.”
Nigel Fisher from Cymax Computers and Communications says that in the 18 years he has been buying PC equipment, Amy is one of the best account managers he’s dealt with.
MARK COWLEY
SALES EXECUTIVE, SPIRE TECHNOLOGY
Mark Cowley has worked at Spire for two years now, and says the best things about working at the distributor are the working atmosphere and ‘Ben and Tim’s constant banter’.
It’s clear Spire has a comfortable working environment and that enjoyable atmosphere seems to rub off on Spire’s customers.
“Mark took an inactive account in Utopia and turned us into a top spending customer,” says Utopia Computers director Craig Hume. “He is great at vendor engagement, understands Utopia’s target market and is quick to react to new products and technologies.”
PHIL DAVIS
SYSTEMS INTEGRATION MANAGER, SALES, VIP
Several big system builders nominated Phil, including Vladimir Kuznetsov of DinoPC, and Chillblast’s buyer Ben Miles, who says: “We deal with pretty much every distie in the UK, but Phil is the best by far.”
Another says: “He knows everything there is to know about system integrators.”
TIM ELEY
SALES TEAM LEADER, TARGET COMPONENTS
Having been at Target for over five years, Tim has grown strong relationships with customers.
Alan Hudson, director at Amy Computer Boost, tells PCR: “He is flexible regarding pricing and speaks properly and courteously. Tim comes across as both genuine and honest.”
WAYNE GEORGE
NATIONAL ACCOUNT MANAGER, MAD CATZ
Wayne George is responsible for the supply of mice, keyboards and more into mainstream UK retail. Microsoft Store buyer and former Dixons PC gaming buyer Simon Urquhart comments: “Wayne is just a superb national account manager and is willing to explore opportunities.”
IAN HARBAR
SENIOR SALES EXECUTIVE, CENTERPRISE
Ian has over 15 years of experience in the IT sector.
Softcat’s James Bennett says: “Ian and I work together regularly on Panasonic opportunities and I can’t recommend him enough to my colleagues here at Softcat. He’s extremely knowledgeable and always goes the extra mile to help.”
NICK MCDONALD
ACQUISITION PARTNER ACCOUNT MANAGER, FUJITSU
Nick McDonald received many glittering nominations for this feature, with resellers praising him for his top-class support, including the likes of Technology Means Business, AAG Systems and Resolution IT singing his praises. “I’ve never had support from a vendor like this before,” says one.
TIM MONAGHAN
SALES EXECUTIVE, SPIRE TECHNOLOGY
Tim received the most nominations for this feature. He has been described by his customers as “easy to get hold of,” “helpful with a sense of humour”, “indispensable” and “fairly unusual”. PCR also understands Tim has “good banter” as well, which is always a bonus, we suppose.
SCOTT NELSON
SALES ACCOUNT MANAGER, WESTCOAST
Scott Nelson has worked as sales account manager at Westcoast since 2007.
“Scott always goes above and beyond to help customers, and will always offer competitive pricing whilst adding value to orders, to ensure we win business,” says Luke Fenton from NCS’ IT Division.
KAYLEIGH PETFORD
SALES EXECUTIVE, ENTATECH
Kayleigh Petford has grown exceptionally well in her role at Entatech. PCR received several glowing nominations for Kayleigh. Adele Dressler at Westwood Associates says: “If we have problems she sorts them out straight away, orders are sent out swiftly with no issues and she always has a cheery disposition.”
RICHARD POWELL
ACCOUNT MANAGER, ENTATECH
Richard Powell is one of Entatech’s more experienced account managers. Richard has introduced new products to clients, expanding targets.
“Richard is very helpful and enthusiastic about his role as our account manager, and has helped us with many issues,” explains Kikatek. com’s Sze Ming Tang.
CHARLOTTE SHONE
RETAIL ACCOUNT MANAGER, PANDA SECURITY
Charlotte has been instrumental in getting Panda Security solutions well-placed in shops, etailers and TV shopping channels.
QVC consumer electronics buyer Paul Felix says: “Charlotte always goes the extra mile to support both QVC and our clients.” Enta also spoke highly of her.
TYLER DAVIES
ACCOUNT MANAGER, ENTATECH
Tyler Davies has worked at Entatech for four years. He has focused on growing business with Enta’s larger etail customers. Utopia Computers’ Craig Hume says: “Tyler looks after his customers, is great at vendor engagement and has a fantastic track record of securing marketing support.”
KARL SLATER
SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER, PSA PARTS
Karl joined PSA in 2004 as a sales executive and now helps manage three other sales executives. “Of all the suppliers we buy from, nothing is ever too much trouble with Karl. He is always friendly and cheerful too. I would employ him if he were closer,” says Tim Ascherl from Astringo Commodities.
ELEANOR SOUTHWORTH
MANAGED ACCOUNTS EXECUTIVE, BT BUSINESS DIRECT
Eleanor manages a portfolio of around 200 trade accounts and exceeds her targets by an average 140 per cent.
Empire Computers’ Mathew Fearn says: “Ellie has a great product knowledge and always puts loads of effort in to keep us happy. Thanks Ellie!”
IAN EDWARDS
SALES EXECUTIVE, SPIRE TECHNOLOGY
Having worked at Spire Technology for more than two years now, Ian Edwards has obviously made an impression with resellers.
CS Consultants’ Craig Sharpe says: “Ian is the most helpful and accommodating account manager as he gives me product advice and gets deliveries out rapidly.”
BRYAN WORRALL
ACCOUNT MANAGER, SALES, VIP COMPUTERS
Bryan Worrall puts an incredible amount of effort into supporting customers.
Dominic Booth from Kiveton PC Repairs says: “Bryan has dedication to the job, when asked a question regarding a product he WILL get an answer, he’ll bend over backwards to help. He’s also an all round great guy.”
