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We caught up with PCR Boot Camp exhibitor BullGuard’s UK and Ireland Country Manager Pete Morley ahead of the event, to ask him what we can expect from firm on Wednesday May 21st.
The expo and conference, held at the Brewery in London, is free to attend for retailers and resellers – to secure your place register here today.
The full conference line up has now be confirmed – check it out here.
Do you see being the biggest challenge facing PC retailers at the moment?
It’s difficult to narrow that down to one. Perhaps the biggest is retailer margins, which are always being squeezed by online stores where margins can be smaller with fewer overheads. BullGuard is able to offer very competitive deals that allow retailers to hit certain targets, and with our unique revenue share programme they can also see a real benefit to their bottom line by receiving 25% revenue share on every licence renewal for the life of the BullGuard products they sell.
Additionally, retailers face a major change regarding the in-store presentation of software with the development of POSA solutions. POSA brings many benefits to retailers such as improved stock management and cash flow, and BullGuard is actively working with key partners in this sector as we facilitate the development of POSA with our retail colleagues.
In your opinion, what’s the most important thing for retailers and resellers to bear in mind when dealing with customers?
Really it’s all about getting “personal” – great customer service, great personal experience, a personal touch – the consumer needs to be looked after and this isn’t always forthcoming from large high street retailers, so it’s a great opportunity to stand out.
What gadget can’t you live without?
My smartphone – it keeps me in touch with the world at the touch of a button.
What do you think will be the next big thing in tech?
There should be more focus on security protection for parents and families as we’ve seen threats increase and migrate to modern devices. From a more generic perspective I’m thinking it will be along the lines of advancements in wireless charging – this could be a real game-changer. In terms of the next must-have gadgets – wearable tech seems to be the way to go.
If you could wave a magic wand, what would you change about the channel?
I’d like to see a more collaborative approach between vendors and resellers – BullGuard’s philosophy is to create a one to one relationship with the channel and to offer a high level of support for all its channel partners.
What is your proudest moment as a company?
There’s been a lot to be proud of, but independent recognition is always up there. Winning the Which? Best Buy award 2 years in a row (2012 and 2013) and of course our nomination for finalist at the PCR 2014 Awards springs to mind!
What products and services will you be promoting at Boot Camp this year?
We’ll be focusing on Mobile Security and Identity Protection ; two areas where significant developments have taken place as a response to changes in malware and associated threats, and which include our personal/financial protection and Facebook parental controls.
What distinguishes you from your competitors?
We have built a reputation for being able to respond to our partners’ specific needs without being restricted by “red tape”, which coupled with a proactive approach means we can react very quickly to changes in the industry. We also provide a level of family protection with our desktop and mobile software that’s not available elsewhere in the market. We have time for our resellers and welcome a much more collaborative business partnership than many of our rivals, as seen by our reseller programme.
What are you key brands/lines you carry?
Internet Security, Mobile Security, Antivirus, Premium Protection, Identity Protection and PC and mobile backup software solutions
What are you most looking forward to at PCR Boot Camp?
The ability to meet the channel direct, to engage and to educate. We see it as a great opportunity to bring a stronger focus to protecting modern computer and portable device users against threats that are changing all the time, and to highlight ways in which they can safeguard themselves and their families.
