PCR’s guide to tech distribution in 2020

Whether you’re a retailer or reseller looking to work with the right distributor for your business, or a vendor seeking out the most fitting company to push your products through the channel, here is PCR’s annual guide to the biggest and brightest tech and IT distributors.

CMS DISTRIBUTION

What products/services do you specialise in?

Our focus is on selling solutions, not products or services. By buying bundled solutions from us, you gain access to a wide range of solution design, technical and support services not available from other distributors.

Why should businesses pick you as their distie of choice?

We offer a trusted, innovative service that is focused, technically assured with collaborative information that is tailored for the customer’s needs. Our influence in the technology space is dedicated to being the agile distributor of choice.

Who do you want to work with more in 2020 and how can they get in touch?

CMS Distribution’s technologies cover a wide range of categories within the software, hardware, and consumer markets. We are always looking to connect new technology to new customers and would be delighted to discuss your needs today. Visit our website at cmsdistribution.com, email urvisha.patel@cmsdistribution.com, or call +44 20 8962 2500.

DYNAMODE

What products/services do you specialise in?

Dynamode Limited is one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of networking, LAN infrastructure hardware together with an expansive range of next-generation peripheral products utilising the latest, high-performance bus hardware, hardware containment and data centre solutions including server and networking enclosures, power distribution hardware and intelligent UPS systems for all sizes of installations.

Why should businesses pick you as their distie of choice?

Dynamode Limited has decades of expertise in knowing what customers want with regards to the latest computing and related technologies at a cost-effective price point. Dynamode distributors enjoy healthy sales margins, a wide choice of products for their customer base and pre and post-sales support, all of which are based in the UK. Dynamode offers excellent marketing materials, promotional pricing for its range of products and the all important product training for Dynamode products – helping distributors and resellers to get the most of offering our vast product range.

Who do you want to work with more in 2020 and how can they get in touch?

Dynamode Limited has built up an excellent distribution and reseller network in the UK and Europe. There are huge opportunities for new and upcoming distributors of all sizes, from the small companies to the largest multinational distributions companies – Dynamode has the experience, pricing and product solutions to cater for all types of companies. Offering for example the latest Dynamode USB-C solutions to cater for Windows and Mac computers, means that Dynamode is keen to move into the Apple distribution network as all our solutions are of course Apple Mac and Apple mobile solution compliant, offering a real alternative to mainstream devices which are normally double the cost price. Visit dynamode.com, email acc5@dynamode.com or call 0845 3752023 / 01923 244438.

EXERTIS

What products/services do you specialise in?

Our retail division provides a wide range of consumer technology products from market leading and emerging brands. Our categories include premium audio and TV, consumer electronics, gaming, smart tech, gadgets and accessories, SDAs, commodity IT products and own-brand. We provide specialist services designed specifically for the different types of customers we serve: online, storefront, omni, grocer, telco, utility and DIY. These include: drop ship (reaching 1.6 million homes in the UK) and logistical services; category management; in-store engagement; merchandise and display; promotional bundles; packaging and design; pop-up stores; digital platforms and marketing and PR services.

Why should businesses pick you as their distie of choice?

Exertis has a long-established and proven track record in retail with 51.1% of the addressable market (Context). We are the leading distributor in the gaming market, number one in smart tech, experts in premium audio and offer the widest range of accessories for our customers. We provide a variety of routes to markets for our vendors, establish new outlets for our brands and enable our etailers/retailers to expand their portfolios into new market areas. In addition, our people are our key differentiator, experts in their categories, willing to go the extra mile and make extraordinary happen for our customers.

Who do you want to work with more in 2020 and how can they get in touch?

We want to work more with all of our customers enabling them to adapt to the changing behaviour of consumers who demand an omnichannel approach to retail. There are clear opportunities in the smart tech market to work with CEDIA members and installers that can help homeowners to embrace the advantages that the connected home can offer consumers in terms of energy savings, security and convenience. We look for vendors that can drive consumer growth in any of the technologies in which we operate. Visit Exertis’ websitie at exertis.co.uk or call the distributor on 01256 707070.

HAMA UK

What products/services do you specialise in?

The Hama company mission statement is ‘to provide an accessory for every piece of consumer electronics hardware on the market’, and that’s precisely what we do! With over 9,400 products across categories such as audio, mobile, TV, smart home, photo and home & living, we offer retailers a one-stop solution for their store. We are not about just selling the one mobile charger or cable, instead we will create a complete sell in solution tailored to your store, be it for a counter display, a wall display or a free-stand floor unit with a range of relevant accessories.

Why should businesses pick you as their distie of choice?

Our job doesn’t end at providing the products. Hama UK continues to offer in-depth product, sales and marketing support through our experienced office-based staff and on-the- road teams long after the goods have been delivered. Whether it’s creating instore point of sale, social media promotion, product training sessions or customer service support, Hama UK is always happy to help, with individually assigned sales managers offering store-specific support and advice. Whilst encouraging innovation and embrace advancements in technologies and designs, Hama UK also appreciates the timeless value of good old-fashioned customer service.

Who do you want to work with more in 2020 and how can they get in touch?

At Hama UK there is only ever one type of customer we pursue, and that is a happy one. National department store, small family-run independent, school, hotel, office block, or other type of organisation, we are happy to pop by and discuss your needs. We are passionate about accessories because we recognise that these often hold healthy profit margins for many retail businesses. By demonstrating the benefits of stocking and marketing appropriate accessories in store, we are looking to help retailers overcome the current period of uncertainty. Visit Hama UK’s website at https://uk.hama.com/, email info.uk@hama.com, or call 0333 123 4262.

MENTOR

What products do you specialise in?

Since 1991, Mentor Distribution has been a trade-only distributor of IT and AV equipment. We are an authorised distributor for some of the world’s leading brands including NEC, Iiyama, AG Neovo, Asus, Chief, Humanscale and Metalicon.

Why should businesses pick you as their distie of choice?

We are an innovative company that is at the forefront of the latest technologies. Our team has a wealth of experience, enabling us to offer an exceptional service. Our current portfolio of products include display screens (desktop monitors, public display products, spectraview (colour correction) display products, medical DICOM display products, 4K displays, CCTV monitors, touch screen monitors, privacy monitors and hard glass monitors), servers, motherboards, monitor arms, mounting solutions and other interactive products. In recent years, we are proud to have expanded into manufacturing our own touchscreens and fully integrated privacy monitors to ensure we can continue to satisfy our customers’ needs for the very latest technology. We see 2020 as a big year for our fully integrated privacy monitors.

Who do you want to work with more in 2020 and how can they get in touch?

You can get in touch with us by sales@mentor-distribution.com or calling us on 01462 814000. You can also visit our website at mentor-distribution.com

M2M DIRECT

What products do you specialise in?

M2M Direct is a specialist memory and storage distributor offering information-led, solutions-based added value service. M2M works with best-in-class vendors such as Intel, Samsung, Micron Technology, Crucial, Lexar, Seagate, G Skill and SK Hynix. We have carefully curated a specialised portfolio selecting the latest, most disruptive and innovative technologies from the best manufacturers in the world. Hence, we have one of the most comprehensive offerings of product lines in the industry including memory modules, portable media, solid state drives, hard drives, optical drives, processors, graphic cards, and enterprise server, storage and software products. M2M specialises in a variety of vertical markets including: data centre enterprise storage and upgrades, system integrators & server solutions, corporate reseller workplace, security and encryption, PC gaming and etail.

Why should businesses pick you as their distie of choice?

M2M Direct provides a consultative sales model, providing customers with the correct product for the required solution. We successfully follow a vertically based distribution model, with our specialist portfolio fulfilling all potential requirements within the channel. The M2M customer services team tailor their support according to your needs. M2M has a 98.9% order accuracy with a next day delivery service as the standard protocol. We also offer drop ship white label when required with fully integrated EDI solutions connected and available to new customers. Our team is expertly trained and has the support of world class manufacturers to find the best solution for your customers. We have competitive pricing with flexible credit terms.

Who do you want to work with more in 2020 and how can they get in touch?

Alongside market trend, M2M is expanding further into the cloud and managed data services. Throughout 2020, we would like to expand our customer base to specialised corporate and VAR resellers servicing these markets. Contact us on 0208 676 6067 at sales@m2m-direct.co.uk, or visit m2m-direct.co.uk.

QBS DISTRIBUTION – CONSUMER

What products/services do you specialise in?

QBS Distribution Consumer provides a range of software from vendors such as Kaspersky, BitDefender, Panda, F-Secure and NordVPN. Providing best of breed software for security, vpn, data recovery and productivity.

Why should businesses pick you as their distie of choice?

New for partners is our partner programme allowing premier partners to obtain exclusive pricing, products and marketing aids to support your business positioning the latest consumer software.

Who do you want to work with more in 2020 and how can they get in touch?

We’d welcome a conversation with any resellers targeting the consumer software market and addressing the cybersecurity threat to home users. Our partner programme is tailor-made to support you! Plus any publishers of consumer software looking for a trusted route to market and a distribution partner dedicated to this area of the market to work in partnership. Call Paul on 0330 101 1000, email salesteam@qbs.co.uk or visit qbsdistribution.com/consumer.

QBS DISTRIBUTION – ENTERPRISE

What products/services do you specialise in?

QBS Distribution Enterprise provides the market-leading software delivery platform. Our team of licensing specialists take huge pride in delivering a fast, reliable and responsive service. Through our platform we enable software publishers and channel resellers to increase efficiency and achieve growth. Providing specialist software services for sourcing, business development, marketing, and technical expertise. Key publishers include JetBrains, Smartsheet, TechSmith, Acunetix, Bluebeam, Vyond, Paeseller, SolarWinds ITSM, Intel Software, Nitro Software, Smartbear, TeamViewer, BrowserStack, OpenText, Sharegate, OPSWAT, InVision, Docusign, iStorage, and Paessler.

Why should businesses pick you as their distie of choice?

At QBS, we pride ourselves on our customer service excellence. Providing fast, reliable and responsive service to help customers and publishers to optimise the procurement process to reduce the cost of fulfilment. A software specialist with over 33 years of experience. Key services include, sourcing globally, range management, and pro-active development of emerging technologies.

Who do you want to work with more in 2020 and how can they get in touch?

We’d welcome a conversation with any resellers that are finding it time-consuming to source specialist software or want to review how we can assist in helping them optimise the procurement process to reduce their cost of fulfilment. Plus any publishers of enterprise software looking for a trusted route to market and a distribution partner dedicated to this area of the market to work in partnership. Call 020 8733 7103, email sales@qbsd.co.uk, or visit qbsdistribution.com.

SIMMS

What products/services do you specialise in?

Simms is a specialist distributor of memory and storage technology. In partnership with world-class manufacturers Intel, Micron, Kingston, Crucial, Innodisk and ATP Simms offers the UK’s most comprehensive line up of memory products for a wide range of computing systems. Each technology is specifically designed to deliver optimum levels of performance, quality and reliability for their intended environment.

Why should businesses pick you as their distie of choice?

Aside from a large stock holding and access to the most competitive pricing Simms is the UK’s authority on memory technology. Now in our 30th year, Simms is well versed in helping customers navigate supply complexities and technology transitions in this fast-evolving and extremely cyclical industry. The Simms team boast over 270 years collective industry experience helping clients to effectively manage data through world-class memory and storage solutions. Simms people are always passionate about delivering an outstanding customer experience and pride themselves on their ability to communicate quickly and effectively.

Who do you want to work with more in 2020 and how can they get in touch?

Simms is proud to be the partner of choice to the UK’s leading value-added resellers, system integrators and original equipment manufacturers and welcome the opportunity to help more of these organisations select, source and supply memory technology on time and in budget regardless of market conditions. Whether you are placing memory in the datacentre, workplace or at the edge get in touch today to discuss how we can help you get the best from your server, workstation, laptop or embedded computing project. Call us on 01622 852800, email at sales@simms.co.uk or visit us at simms.co.uk.

SMITHIE UK

What products/services do you specialise in?

Here at Smithie UK we specialise in IT hardware storage, client and enterprise SSD, client and server memory and mechanical hard drives along with a range of optical drives everything from basic DVD writer up to a Blu-Ray writer. We also have an extensive range of LED lighting.

Why should businesses pick you as their distie of choice?

We have a large onsite warehouse, for next day delivery. Within the sales team we have over 100 years’ experience between us in the trade. We will offer you an experienced and dedicated account manager to oversee your buying needs, strong and direct vendor relationships for additional market knowledge, and excellent RMA facilities and warranty.

Who do you want to work with more in 2020 and how can they get in touch?

One of our friendly team will be happy to hear from you soon! Visit smithieit.co.uk, call 01256 844028 or email us at sales@smithieuk.com.

SPIRE TECHNOLOGY

What products/services do you specialise in?

Spire Technology specialises in a wide range of quality PCs, laptops, software, components and peripherals at competitive prices with an equally high level of service. Spire’s breadth of products spans across multiple, well-known brands with products from Adata, Akasa, AKRacing, AMD, Antec, ASROCK, ASUS, be quiet!, Buffalo, BullGuard, Corsair, HP, Intel, Kingston, Lenovo, Microsoft, Nvidia, Palit, PNY, Sandberg, Seagate, TP-Link, WD, Xtrfy and more.

Why should businesses pick you as their distie of choice?

All businesses benefit from their own dedicated account manager when working with Spire. Dealing with all aspects of managing your account and purchasing process, your dedicated account manager will work in partnership with you to build your business from working within your budgets and requirements, to recommending new technologies, products and upcoming brands to help boost your product portfolio and increase your own customer base. Spire is a friendly, approachable yet highly professional company that continuously strives to improve its customer’s experiences. In focusing on continuous employee training and offering the best products at competitive prices, Spire has built up a strong reputation and loyal following within the industry.

Who do you want to work with more in 2020 and how can they get in touch?

Moving forward in 2020, Spire’s main focus will be on continuing our ongoing support for the channel in bringing the latest technology from an array of vendor partners to our customers. We pride ourselves on our customer service and our ability to meet the needs of the channel and it’s ever changing landscape. We are constantly researching and implementing new ways to aid in the growth and profitability within the industry and will continue to do so this year. For those who are interested in forming a new partnership with Spire, please feel free to get in touch via our website – spire.co.uk, email us at sales@spire.co.uk, or telephone us on 01202 828 444.

TARGET COMPONENTS

What products/services do you specialise in?

Target specialises in offering PC components, desktop PCs, laptops, networking, CCTV and security, mobile spares and associated products from a wide variety of global brands. With new ranges that include gaming peripherals from Marvo, enterprise networking from Ubiquiti, an exclusive range of home and business monitors from piXL as well as an extended range of Evo Labs retail-packaged keyboards, mice and desktop bundles, our portfolio is growing and growing. We pride ourselves on offering the products our customers want, at the best possible prices.

Why should businesses pick you as their distie of choice?

We’re genuinely different. We believe that our success depends on our customers’ success, and this shapes everything we do. It’s encapsulated in our vision: “Seeing the world through our partners’ eyes, and making it better, simpler and more profitable place for them”.

Who do you want to work with more in 2020 and how can they get in touch?

After a record 2019, we’re keen to continue the success this year. We work with thousands of resellers of all shapes and sizes, across all areas of the channel. Our only requirement as a distributor is that you are a genuine IT trade business. If you have the requirement for a great range of products from leading brands at market-leading prices, with the support that will help your businesses flourish, visit targetcomponents.co.uk or call 01977 739 300.

WESTCOAST

What products/services do you specialise in?

Westcoast are the UK’s largest privately owned IT business and a fast growing distributor and services provider. As the UK’s leading provider of HP, HPE, Apple, Samsung, Lenovo, Microsoft, Lexmark as well as every brand of Ink & Toner and a range of complimentary products/accessories – Westcoast are well placed to provide all types of reseller with their core IT requirements. With a range of services that can be ‘attached to the box’ – Westcoast’s flexibility and agility still impresses – and with a new 341k sqft warehouse, no other UK distributor has more space to deliver for you.

Why should businesses pick you as their distie of choice?

Unrelenting excellence – Westcoast are the leading distributor for all the brands we sell because we have those limited number of brands allowing our people better knowledge without referring to an internal expert. Our systems are tailored to assist with each of these brands and our overall flexibility allows us to tailor our approach to your requirements better than any competitor. We are hungry for growth and our value add is a relentless focus on removing cost from the supply chain.

Who do you want to work with more in 2020 and how can they get in touch?

Every customer is welcome:
• New brands that want a better capability into leading retailers; • Born in the cloud resellers needing more support for their Microsoft Azure billing;
• Contract printers wanting to outsource their warehouse; • Managed service providers wanting to engage in DaaS;
• Enterprise system integrators wanting to build their own channel model
• Mobile resellers wanting to take advantage of 5G opportunities.

Visit us at westcoast.co.uk, email our new business manager at james.macbeth@westcoast.co.uk or phone 0118 9126000.

Like this content? Sign up for the free PCR Daily Digest email service to get the latest tech news straight to your inbox. You can also follow PCR on Twitter and Facebook.

Read the latest edition of PCR’s monthly magazine below: