PCR Tech and IT retail, distribution and vendor news
Here PCR talks to Connected Home Partner Micro-P’s retail director Mike Buley 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?
Extremely important. It creates a unique opportunity for retailers to make relevant and informed buying decisions by consulting directly with manufacturers and Micro-P product specialists. Critically, we can talk to an army of retailers face-to-face and ensure we continue to offer the right mix of service, vendors, products for our retail customers – crucial for success in 2012.
What do you see being the key issues facing PC retailers in 2011?
The current economic climate has created an environment where margins are being squeezed at each step of the supply chain. In response, resellers need to be both cautious and bold in their approach to meeting consumer demand, highlighting the key reasons to embrace a connecting technology ethos and the Micro-P Connected Home Story.
What products/services will you be promoting at the event this year?
Micro-P will be sharing our Connected Home story to help retailers maximise revenue streams in response to the increased consumer demand in networked technology throughout the home. Our live working demonstration room will feature a wealth of products across the consumer landscape including TVs, tablets, mobile phones, printers and a wide range of networking products. It is designed to create an exciting educational experience for retailers to identify connected sales opportunities within the home. We recognise that with over 17 million internet televisions sold last year, the time for retailers to embrace the Connected Home and the increased revenue streams it can bring, is now.
Why should retailers look out for the Micro-P stand at the PCR Retail Boot Camp?
We will be recreating a ‘connected lounge’ at the show, designed to showcase key vendors, products and technologies that illustrate the best of solution selling in the consumer market. We will be running ‘connected home’ talks every 30 minutes or feel free to relax on our sofa and play with the products in your own time!
What are the key brands you carry?
Samsung, Acer, Asus, Microsoft, Western Digital, Netgear and Nokia. Micro-P has over 150 vendors and 22,000 product lines within PC, Visual, Mobile, Consumer Electronics, Printers and consumables, Networks and PC components.
What are your projections for 2012?
2012 is an exciting prospect for us at Micro-P. We have some fantastic initiatives to build on in the mobile/telco space with our IT channel friendly approach to MVNO’s and Nokia continuing to innovate consumer handsets alongside Microsoft. Microsoft’s planned launch of Windows8 this year, unifying tablet, PC and smartphone platforms is another expected highlight. With the second generation of tablets due for unveiling, we are promised an innovative and exciting year! The Micro-P Group is forecast to finish FY2012 at £850m, a 20 per cent increase over FY2011 and we are forecasting another increase again in FY2013.
If there was one thing you’d change in the PC/tech industry, what would it be?
Simple, margins!
What distinguishes you from your competitors?
With the largest channel sales force in the UK & Ireland, we consider ourselves the most pro-active IT distributor and, after 31 years of profitability, Micro-P continues to outperform the market, doubling its business in the last four years. Supported by a financially strong parent with significant ambition for growth, our unique ‘can do’, entrepreneurial approach to working ensures we deliver value across a myriad of sectors and are positioned to outpace the ever changing ICT landscape. Micro-P is passionate about its vendors, its customers and its success.
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. All retailers who attend will receive a VIP Gift Bag, including a free Apple TV.
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, Realtime Distribution 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.
