01732 759725 48 Q&A View from the channel Q: What do you see as the biggest challenges facing channel businesses today? A: The main challenges in our industry revolve around adapting to rapidly changing technology and evolving customer needs. And there are two parts to that. First, we need to stay on top of technology. That’s crucial. But we also need to communicate the value the changes represent to our customers. That’s the way we build and maintain customer relationships. The shift towards remote working and cloud-based solutions is a great example. Our challenge is to explain how our services are flexible and scalable to meet those diverse and unique client requirements. Q: Which OEMs do you partner with and why? A: We have strong partnerships with KRL, a super dealer over in Hull. They share our customer service values. Our trusted manufacturer is Konica Minolta. We have strict criteria, but it’s backed up by some solid trusting relationships on both sides. We choose them because we trust them to deliver. And they trust us to represent them. Our partnerships mean that our clients are the real winners. They can rest easy knowing that they’ll get high quality products that match our market-leading service. Q: What are your customers most interested in currently? A: If I were to sum it up in two words, I’d say: ‘value’ and ‘simplicity’. Whatever the specific area of software or hardware they need, it always comes back to this. Currently, customers are looking for efficient, secure document management systems that enable seamless remote access, along with enhanced data security and compliance features. That’s why we are enjoying so much interest in our new Agility software too. But whatever the product – it all boils down to saving time and money with a provider they can trust. Our commitment to continuously trying to add value to each and every one of our customers consumes us. Q: How have you changed/are you changing business operations to exploit new opportunities? A: We're continuously evolving our business model to align with market demands. This includes investing in cloud technologies and enhancing our remote support capabilities. We’re also expanding our portfolio to include more versatile, cloud-friendly solutions like Agility. Agility is our own proprietary document management software, and we are very excited about it. We’ve also invested in our premises here in Lancashire to improve our working space and invite customers onsite for training and interactive demos. Whether we are on or off-site, we want customers to feel part of the Evolve family. Our head office hospitality is a big part of that. Q: When selling MFPs, what are the most popular software solutions you provide and why? A: The most popular software solutions we provide with MFPs focus on document and print management. We offer PaperCut, Document Navigator, Daniel Maddox, Managing Director, Evolve Document Solutions and, of course, our very own Agility, which we are incredibly proud of. These solutions are popular as they enhance productivity, ensure data security, and support the diverse needs of a modern, hybrid workplace. And, at the risk of repeating myself, Agility will come into play as part of a blended solution to all our customers’ document management challenges. Q: If you could change one aspect of your job what would it be and why? A: If there’s one aspect to change, it would be to have more opportunities for direct customer feedback. Direct interactions are where the gold is. I love getting on the phone or visiting customers. It’s the honest conversations that provide invaluable insights into customer needs and experiences. I’d swap a decent chat over a brew for a spreadsheet any day! Q: How do you spend your week – time on phone, face to face meetings with customers etc.? A: My week is a balanced mix of strategic planning, team management, and building customer relationships. Whatever it takes to be connected with our clients and team. I’m super proud of the team we’ve created at Evolve. We all work hard, and we have super-talented people. What they do and what they can achieve together is always my main focus. Q: What would make your job easier? A: One thing about Evolve is that if we find a way to improve our working lives, we make it a priority to sort it. We’ve recently expanded into adjacent units next to the head office. We’re in the process of completely remodelling and refurbishing one of them to act as a knowledge-sharing productivity hub. It’s where staff and customers can collaborate and learn. This will make our jobs easier. No doubt. We’ll build even stronger client relationships and create a better business together. www.evolvedocumentsolutions.co.uk Daniel Maddox
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDUxNDM=