PCR Tech and IT retail, distribution and vendor news
The TCA has confirmed plans to establish The Reseller Academy, an initiative designed to provide education and a recognisable industry standard to the UK’s IT reseller community.
Detailed at the trade body’s recent annual conference, the scheme seeks to teach ‘best practices’ to resellers, and provide an accreditation similar to those required by gas and electricity repair firms.
“Initial informal discussions have shown that there is considerable support for setting up a system that pulls together the various academic, technical and vendor qualifications into one process that allows individuals and the enterprises they work for to be effectively assessed for their competence, commitment and knowledge,” the trade body’s president, Keith Warburton, told PCR. “The TCA, through the academy, has a key role to play as the hub of professionalism in the channel.”
The conference also played host to the first UK Reseller Forum, a joint venture between the TCA and fellow trade body CompTIA, designed to promote networking between members and provide knowledge on new products and trends.
TCA CEO Adam Harris said: “In our marketplace, the 21st century needs to be about co-operation. All players, wherever they sit in the channel, have far more to gain by working together than viewing each other as threats.
“We are keen to build alliances with other trade bodies and we want to foster co-operation between all the players to the benefit of our members, our channel and our end user customers. It is what a proper trade association does.”
The trade body also announced that it will now be offering members free legal advice from IT law specialist Sprecher Grier Halberstam, professional indemnity insurance from Hiscox and a free finance helpline from P&A Receivables.
