PRINT, MFP, SOFTWARE, SERVICES, DOCUMENT & CLOUD NEWS & INFORMATION FOR VARS, CONVERGED RESELLERS & MFP DEALERS www.printitreseller.uk ISSUE 138 · 2026 PRINT IT RESELLER MAGAZINE IN PRINT & ONLINE SINCE 2011 A first look at the 2026 awards line-up See page 22
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It’s been a busy start to the year, planning and preparing to launch the 2026 PrintIT Awards in May. We’ve introduced a few changes this year, included four new categories and updated some of the entry criteria. There are 24 award categories that you can enter this year – so there’s definitely something for everyone. We’ve also included five voting categories. Check out page 22 for a first look at the complete 2026 awards line-up. Entries to the 2026 PrintIT Awards will officially open on Tuesday May 5 and they will close promptly at 5pm on Friday July 17. AI is driving change across the print and IT channel, enabling smarter workflows, predictive maintenance, data-driven intelligence, and more. Following on from last month’s VOX POP feature, leading industry players share further views on how AI is being applied today and where it’s headed next – page 40. Also in this issue, Caroline Green, Operations & Human Resources Manager at Commerce Business Systems, picks the work tools she uses every day and couldn’t do her job without (page 18). This month’s Q&A is with Richard Harris, Managing Director, Oyster, and PITR spent 60 seconds with John Caspell, Channel Partner Manager UK&I, iTS. If you’ve got any news about your business to share, would like to be included on our monthly VOX POP panel, have a compelling business success story or simply wish to comment on any industry issues, please get in touch with me at: [email protected] Michelle Ryder, Editor 04 Bulletin Where do you take yours? 06 Bulletin News from the channel 14 People A round-up of new hires 18 I couldn’t do my job without... Caroline Green picks her favourite work tools 20 My life in print Pete Westwood shares details of his life in print 22 PrintIT Awards A first look at the 2026 awards line-up 26 One-to-one Greig Millar, CRO, Brother UK 30 Interview Sharp UK CEO Stuart Sykes and Chief Strategy & Marketing Officer Trevor Budd 32 Cover Story FUTERA’s expanding role in the channel 34 Q&A Stu Brookes, EMEA Regional Lead & Head of Sales and Channel, PaperCut 39 Dealer profile Digitec marks ten years in business 40 VOX POP Industry leaders on AI – part two 46 Industry insight Neil Macdonald, UK & Ireland Channel Director, HP Inc. 48 View from the channel Richard Harris, Managing Director, Oyster 50 60 seconds with… John Caspell, Channel Partner Manager UK&I, iTS COMMENT Editor’s Comment Register online To receive your regular FREE printed copy of PrintIT Reseller Magazine simply fill in our online registration form at www.printitreseller.uk/register Read PrintIT Reseller online at: www.printitreseller.uk Join us : Follow us @print-it-reseller-magazine PRINT IT RESELLER MAGAZINE IN PRINT & ONLINE SINCE 2011 PrintIT Reseller is published by Kingswood Media Ltd., 7 Amherst House, 22 London Road, Sevenoaks TN13 2BT • Tel: 01732 759725 Email: [email protected] www.printitreseller.uk No part of PrintIT Reseller can be reproduced without prior written permission of the publisher. ©2025 Kingswood Media Ltd. 2026 ISSUE 138 printitreseller.uk If you no longer wish to receive PrintIT Reseller magazine please email your details to [email protected] Group Editor: James Goulding 07803 087228 · [email protected] Editor: Michelle Ryder 01732 759725 · [email protected] Publishing Director, Social Media and Web Editor: Neil Trim 01732 759725 · [email protected] Advertising Director: Ethan White 01732 759725 · [email protected] Account Manager: Jeff Root 07976 950285 · [email protected] Designer: Brian Cloke 07484 288189 · [email protected] Issue 138 ISSN 2055-3110 (Print) ISSN 2055-3129 (Online) PRINTITRESELLER.UK 3
01732 759725 4 BULLETIN We’re all about championing print at PrintIT Reseller, so why not join in the ‘Where do you take yours’ challenge? Simply snap a photo of yourself reading the latest issue in the most unexpected spot you can find – whether that’s atop a mountain trail, tucked into a hidden café corner, or even mid–air on your next flight. Send me your pix for a chance to see your face (and your favourite pages) featured in our next edition. Where do you take yours? We want to see where you take your issue and where our magazine travels with YOU! Please send your pix to me at [email protected] Jason Cort, European Director Product Management and Marketing, Sharp Europe At Sharp Inspire Expo in Lisbon, Jason Cort, Stuart Sykes and Trevor Budd all took some time to catch up on the latest news before sitting down for a one-to-one with editor Michelle Ryder. Stuart Sykes, CEO, Sharp UK Trevor Budd, Chief Strategy & Marketing Officer, Sharp UK As we weren’t able to present the trophy on the awards evening, Ethan White went to Tungsten HQ to hand Matt Hill, VP Sales EMEA, his Industry Leader of the Year award for the PrintIT Awards 2025
01732 759725 6 BULLETIN Viking partners with Konica Minolta Viking Office Systems, an Isle of Man-based managed print and document management solutions provider has partnered with Konica Minolta. The collaboration will bring Konica Minolta’s print and document management technology to Viking Office Systems’ extensive customer base across the island. With the island serving as a major offshore financial centre, many of Viking’s customers operate in highly regulated financial services environments where performance, security, and service continuity are critical. As the financial sector undergoes significant disruption and the managed print market experiences increased churn, the company says it is partnering with Konica Minolta to strengthen its offering, support existing customers and win new business. Stan Keig, Managing Director at Viking Office Systems, said: “The market is evolving rapidly, and this partnership with Konica Minolta enables us to evolve our own offering to match this, continuing to meet customer demands by delivering the best solutions along with service excellence. “We were early supporters of digital transformation solutions, and Konica Minolta’s portfolio fits our strategy perfectly. While the managed print market has its challenges, the Isle of Man remains buoyant, and this partnership positions us well for future growth.” Cameron Mitchell, Head of Indirect Sales at Konica Minolta Business Solutions (UK) added: “We’re very excited to partner with Viking Office Systems, whose local expertise, strong customer relationships, and on the ground professionalism, complement our technology and ensure customers receive the service, support and innovation they deserve.” www.viking.co.im Westcon-Comstor launches Tech Insights Westcon-Comstor has introduced Tech Insights, a free to use programme designed to help channel partners uncover new revenue opportunities by identifying risks and gaps within customer IT environments. The cybersecurity, networking and hybrid cloud solutions distie, says the new service is built for simplicity, speed and scale and delivers customer-ready outputs that accelerate deals while creating upsell and cross-sell potential in high margin services. Tech Insights enables partners to rapidly evaluate the health and configuration of customers’ security posture and AI data readiness. Expert led assessments provide an actionable snapshot with prioritised recommendations, alongside the ability to validate multi-vendor solutions in real world scenarios. Customers receive a clear view of gaps across cloud, identity, application and data security, with guidance on what to address first, all without disrupting live environments. Available now to partners across EMEA, the programme supports a more consultative, outcome focused sales approach and establishes a framework for follow on projects. Assessments are aligned to standards including GDPR and NIS2, enabling targeted budget conversations based on evidenced gaps. Geert Busse, Solutions Architect Director EMEA, Go-To-Market at Westcon-Comstor said: “By unlocking deeper insight into customers’ IT landscapes across cybersecurity, AI and cloud, partners can open new doors, progress deals and position themselves as trusted advisors. We’re excited to bring Tech Insights to market and see the positive impact it will have for partners, elevating their strategic positioning with customers while unlocking new growth opportunities at pace.” www.westconcomstor.com ABC Managed Solutions celebrates its people ABC Managed Solutions has recognised standout members of its workforce through its annual Leading Light and Shining Light awards, celebrating employees who consistently go above and beyond for clients and colleagues. The awards hold particular significance for the company as all nominations come directly from staff, highlighting individuals whose teamwork, dedication and positive impact are felt across the organisation. This year’s Shining Light awards were presented to Aysha Mahmood and Neil Edgar, while the Leading Light honours went to Alex Burgess and Katie Wilcock. www.abcmanagedsolutions.co.uk Award win for Parallel Group Parallel Group has been named Hillingdon Business Services Company of the Year 2026, a recognition Managing Director Gavin Auckland says is a brilliant recognition for the business, and a moment the whole team is proud of. The award comes following the company’s move into a newly designed office space intended to support collaboration, innovation and future expansion. The company said the award reflects the work that happens every day at Parallel and recognises a team that cares deeply about the service it delivers, the relationships it builds, and the standards it holds itself to. Auckland said: “This is a strong and exciting way to begin 2026. We have invested in our people, our space, and our capabilities, and this award is a reflection of that effort. Every member of the team has played a part in getting us here.” Parallel Group described the awards evening as a great celebration of the borough’s business community. Auckland added: “We are excited about what the next chapter holds, from expanding our services to welcoming new team members and continuing to support our clients as their businesses evolve.” www.parallel-group.co.uk BULLETIN
PRINTITRESELLER.UK 7 BULLETIN TD SYNNEX appointed Cisco distributor Cisco has appointed TD SYNNEX as its distributor in Ireland. The announcement builds on the close and well-established relationship between the two companies in the UK and worldwide. The agreement will give Cisco authorised partners in Ireland full access to the wide range of value-added services and support TD SYNNEX offers, including its Cisco Momentum programme, which provides exclusive events, tools, and resources that help accelerate Cisco partner growth in Cisco technologies. Momentum is aligned with Cisco’s strategic areas of focus – security, lifecycle, SMB, and managed service provider – with dedicated communities and tailored resources to support partners in growing and developing their business. The distie is investing in dedicated business development and field sales heads to provide Cisco authorised partners in Ireland with direct and personalised support. Jon Sawdon, Business Unit Director, Cisco and Enterprise Networking, UK and Ireland, TD SYNNEX, said: “We are really looking forward to supporting Irish Cisco partners as they grow their business, prepare for Cisco 360 Partner Program and drive success through 2026 and beyond.” https://uk.tdsynnex.com Nebula partnership Nebula Global Services has announced a strategic partnership with Meter, the vertically integrated enterprise networking platform that combines hardware, software and managed services into a single subscription model. The agreement will see Nebula deliver deployment, global logistics and lifecycle support to Meter’s reseller community, enabling partners to offer more seamless, secure and scalable networks to customers worldwide. Ross Teague, CEO, Nebula Global Services said: “Enterprises are demanding networks that are easier to deploy, simpler to operate, and ready to scale. Meter’s full-stack, subscriptionbased approach pairs perfectly with Nebula’s global service delivery model. Together, we give channel partners a differentiated way to accelerate outcomes for their customers.” Meter’s networking-as-a-service brings together enterprise-grade hardware – including firewalls, switches, access points and gateways, intelligent software and managed services. Its Meter Command system adds autonomous, AI-driven configuration, monitoring and remediation capabilities. Nebula’s services wrap, delivered through its Nebulab Professional & Managed Services, provides certified installation, project management, support and governance under ISO 27001, 14001 and 9001, enabling Meter resellers to deliver enterprise-scale outcomes in weeks rather than months. www.nebulaglobalservices.com Three-year enhanced agreement BLOC and VOW Wholesale have signed a new three-year agreement, reinforcing a partnership that spans more than 30 years and that delivers enhanced value and growth opportunities for BLOC members. This agreement provides an overall improvement to volume and growth rebate programmes specifically to support members within the BLOC community together with preferential delivery rates, underpinned by dedicated account management and a focus on maintaining stability of supply. Jeanette Caswell, Managing Director of BLOC said: “This agreement delivers both volume and growth rebate enhancements but more importantly, supported by a true partnership approach. We’re confident that VOW’s continued focus and investment in services that support the long-term goals for BLOC members will help them thrive now and into the future.” Adrian Butler, Managing Director of VOW UK added: “We have enjoyed a fantastic partnership over many years and this agreement not only reflects that but also enables BLOC, its members and VOW, to really make a step change in how we grow further.” www.bloc-group.co.uk Highland Copiers backs local awards Highland Copiers sponsored the Employee of the Year award at this year’s TARA (Team Achievement and Recognition Awards), hosted by Cru Hospitality and Murray Travel. The event, held at the Kingsmills Hotel in Inverness, adopted an Oscars theme. Highland Copiers said it was delighted to support friends and customers at the annual celebration. The company highlighted the work of Scott Murray, Sarah Murray, Grant Murray and Ross Sharratt, noting that they “continue to fly the flag for true local businesses in the Highlands.” www.highlandcopiers.co.uk Ross Teague Midwich launches global consultant portal Midwich Group has launched Consultant Connect, its new global consultant portal reinforcing its commitment to supporting and connecting the worldwide AV community. Consultant Connect provides a unified platform for consultants, vendors, integrators and end-users, bringing together resources including product news, technical documentation, schematics, training opportunities and events, all curated to support consultants from early-stage design through to project delivery. While Midwich Group does not sell directly to consultants, the launch of the portal reinforces its role in supporting and partnering with its customers and channel partners to connect information and expertise, enabling stronger collaboration across the AV ecosystem. https://midwichgroupplc.com
01732 759725 8 BULLETIN Maverick appointed distributor for Epson projectors TD SYNNEX Maverick – a specialist collaboration, digital signage, and unified communications business within TD SYNNEX has been appointed as a distributor for the full range of professional projectors by Epson in the UK and Ireland. The agreement builds on the strong and established relationships that exist between TD SYNNEX Maverick and Epson in other European countries. Mark Glasspool, Senior Director, UK and Ireland, TD SYNNEX Maverick said: “This is an important signing for TD SYNNEX Maverick. This agreement underlines our credibility as an established supplier for audiovisual partners and advances our strategic position within the growing digital signage market. “Epson is an excellent fit for TD SYNNEX Maverick and our companies already have an established and successful relationship on print solutions. We will be working with Epson to meet the needs of all their partners in the UK and Ireland including support for specialist AV and projection services providers, and to increase penetration of Epson projectors in the wider commercial market.” Craig Waters, Sales Manager at Epson UK, added: “We are looking forward to working with the team to meet the needs of our partners and ensure that they can make the most of their potential with Epson projectors.” https://uk.tdsynnex.com Data Direct expands wide-format offering Data Direct has expanded its wide-format portfolio with the introduction of the new Mutoh XpertJet 1641SR Pro II. The 64-inch eco-solvent printer is positioned as a high performance solution for professional sign, display and graphics environments, delivering colour accuracy and consistent output across a wide range of print speeds. The printer utilises Mutoh MS51 eco-solvent inks, expanding the achievable colour gamut particularly in darker tones. The inks also meet UL GREENGUARD Gold certification and multiple European VOC standards, making them well suited to environmentally conscious print businesses. As an official Mutoh distributor, Data Direct will provide full commercial, technical and after-sales support, including product demonstrations, reseller training, and access to its nationwide service and support infrastructure. Peter Cowan, COO at Data Direct, said: “Mutoh continues to set the benchmark for quality and reliability in wide-format printing, and the XpertJet 1641SR Pro II is a superb addition to the portfolio. As a UK distributor, we are delighted to make this new platform available to our reseller partners, backed by local technical expertise and the dealer focused support that Data Direct is known for.” www.datadirect.co.uk SYNAXON UK partners with Acer SYNAXON UK has formed a new partnership with Acer. The alliance enables resellers to take advantage of the personalised service offered by SYNAXON UK and gives Acer the opportunity to reach more UK partners. In particular, the two companies will be working together to target the SMB and education markets. “Acer is a significant addition to SYNAXON UK’s growing vendor portfolio and it means we can now offer even more options to our partners, backed by our renowned personal service,” Mike Barron, UK Managing Director, SYNAXON, explained. Exclusive offers and promotions on Acer products will be available through SYNAXON, including the Acer STEM Rewards Programme. This offers schools a £10 reward for every Acer Chromebook or Windowsbased device they purchase. The money can be used to claim a range of STEM-related rewards. Shammi Mistry, Senior Distribution Account Manager at Acer, added: “We are excited about our new relationship with SYNAXON UK.” https://synaxon.com/gb-en Mike Barron TD SYNNEX honoured for fifth consecutive year TD SYNNEX has been named one of the 2026 World’s Most Admired Companies by FORTUNE. This is the fifth consecutive year the company has been named to the list. “This recognition reflects the dedication of our 23,000 co-workers who show every day what it means to put partners first,” said Patrick Zammit, CEO of TD SYNNEX. “Their expertise and commitment keep TD SYNNEX at the forefront of a fast moving industry and fuel the trusted relationships that drive shared success.” The list of World’s Most Admired Companies is developed annually by FORTUNE in partnership with Korn Ferry. Candidates for the list include 1,500 of the largest companies from around the globe and winners are chosen based on the results of a corporate reputation survey administered to top executives, directors and members of the financial community. https://uk.tdsynnex.com Mark Glasspool
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01732 759725 10 BULLETIN New Symphion service closes security gap Symphion has launched its Print Fleet Security Certificate Deployment and Management Service, a fully managed, vendor-agnostic service that deploys and manages security certificates across large, complex print fleets, with no operational lift for customers. The service aims to eliminate a long standing blind spot in enterprise and healthcare security strategies, where printers, despite representing up to 30% of network endpoints are often excluded from identity based networking, zero trust frameworks and TLS only communication policies. Symphion’s new service automates and governs the full certificate lifecycle for printer endpoints across all makes, models, ages, firmware versions, and types of printers. The service discovers and classifies printer endpoints, evaluates their certificate posture, coordinates issuance with the customer’s PKI, deploys and validates certificates across required services, manages renewals and changes over time, and includes records and reporting. CEO Jim LaRoe said: “We designed our turnkey service to universally address the needs of CIOs and CISOs to affordably and effortlessly extend identity-based networking and modern encryption and management to all their printers.” The new offering is available as an add on to Symphion’s Print Fleet Cyber Security as a Service. www.symphion.com Konica Minolta is a top employer Konica Minolta has been awarded Top Employer status by the Top Employers Institute for a ninth consecutive year. The company has not only retained this globally recognised certification but has also achieved its highest score to date, with an impressive 95%. Chief People Officer Gemma Lee said: “We’re extremely proud of receiving our 2026 accreditation. We take great pride in bringing new initiatives and opportunities to our people and are incredibly proud of how they are embraced. Being certified by the Top Employers Institute represents a big achievement and doing so nine years in a row is testament to all employees at Konica Minolta.” www.konicamiolta.co.uk Zyxel Networks enhances Nebula cloud management platform Zyxel Networks is making it easier for MSPs to scale up and grow their business with a series of enhancements to its Nebula cloud management platform. The updates provide new capabilities to replicate site configurations, reducing the time it takes to set up new locations from several hours to minutes. An extended dashboard gives MSPs greater visibility across multiple sites, and additional security features help reduce the risk of unauthorised individuals gaining access to network settings. The new features are available immediately to all partners that use Zyxel Networks’ Nebula to provide managed network and security monitoring services to their customers. Kevin Drinkall, Senior Director, Marketing and GTM Strategy EMEA, Zyxel Networks said: “Thousands of MSP partners across EMEA are using Nebula as the central pillar of their managed services value proposition and as they grow and develop, being able to do more with the same resources is the key challenge they face. The enhanced capabilities of Nebula will enable MSPs to optimise efficiency, take more opportunities, and deliver higher levels of service. They also make Nebula an even better tool for managing customers who need consistency across all locations for compliancy requirements and to minimise risk.” www.zyxel.com Katun attends IT Partners Katun participated in the 2026 IT Partners event which took place in Paris last month. The company showcased its intelligent printing solutions and workflow innovations designed to help organisations improve efficiency, reduce costs, and support sustainable business practices. Featured products included hardware and workflow technologies, and its extensive range of OEM-equivalent printing consumables and parts, engineered to deliver consistent quality and competitive value. Visitors also learned about Katun’s commitment to sustainability through eco-conscious printing initiatives, including remanufactured and refilled toner cartridges, ecoKap, the Print It, Plant It reforestation program, and the recently launched Katun Collects recycling initiative. www.katun.com Gemma Lee Kevin Drinkall PEAC Solutions Launches topi Just four months after completing the acquisition of high growth fintech topi, PEAC Solutions has announced the topi platform is now available to UK resellers. The platform expands PEAC’s digital finance capabilities and strengthens its position in the rapidly growing DaaS market. Its API driven design allows seamless integration into reseller environments, including e commerce, telesales, and point of sale systems, enabling partners to deliver flexible payment options with minimal friction. Resellers can generate instant DaaS pricing in a few clicks, providing customers with an alternative to upfront purchasing or traditional finance. The fully digital workflow removes paperwork and accelerates revenue for partners. PEAC has also confirmed that topi is now an approved Lenovo Global Financial Services (LGFS) funding partner in the UK, allowing resellers to earn additional Lenovo rebates on qualifying transactions. With the platform now live, PEAC plans widespread UK channel deployment to help partners increase sales velocity, improve margins, and capitalise on the expanding DaaS opportunity. www.peacsolutions.co.uk
01732 759725 12 BULLETIN Konica Minolta positioned as a leader Konica Minolta has been positioned in the leader’s category in the latest IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Print Security Solutions and Services Hardcopy 2025–2026 Vendor Assessment. According to the report: “Konica Minolta distinguishes itself from competitors through its vertically integrated securityby-design architecture.” The report also emphasised: “Konica Minolta’s layered security model for print and document security is designed to address the unique needs of each customer, recognising that a one-size-fits-all approach is not effective.” “We are incredibly proud that our teams’ dedication to security innovation has been recognised on a global stage,” said Ole Maaz, Head of International Marketing Division at Konica Minolta Business Solutions Europe. “We believe this position as a leader in print security solutions and services hardcopy is a powerful testament to the trust our customers place in us and can continue to reply on Konica Minolta to protect their document and IT infrastructures consistently and reliably, today and in the future.” www.konicaminolta.co.uk Kyocera partners with MDI Cloud Kyocera Document Solutions UK has announced a strategic partnership with MDI Cloud. The alliance brings together Kyocera’s expertise in secure information management with one of the UK’s most advanced AI-enabled automation platforms, creating an integrated approach to managing documents, workflows and data. Customers will gain automated document processing, AI-driven insights and a centralised platform for secure information management. Through this partnership, customers can access MDI Cloud’s built in intelligence and advanced cloud capabilities, including AI-powered data capture, automated workflows, digital forms, centralised governance, OCR search, version control and secure hybrid ready storage. Combined with Kyocera’s long standing strengths in information management, the collaboration enables businesses to strengthen compliance and accelerate their digital transformation. Steve Doust, Group Sales Director at Kyocera Document Solutions UK, said: “This partnership represents a major step forward in how we support our customers on their digital transformation journey. By integrating MDI Cloud’s intelligent automation and AI capabilities with Kyocera’s trusted approach to information management, we are giving customers a powerful and accessible way to modernise the way they work. MDI Cloud adds remarkable speed, clarity and consistency to document-driven processes, and we are excited about the value this will unlock for our customers.” www.kyoceradocumentsolutions.co.uk Canon achieves platinum status Canon has earned EcoVadis Platinum status for the second consecutive year, placing the company in the top 1% of businesses rated worldwide for sustainability performance. EcoVadis evaluates over 150,000 companies spanning 185 countries and 250 industries across four categories: environment, labour & human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement. Canon’s overall score improved to 89/100, up from 85/100 in 2025, maintaining its Platinum rating for a second consecutive year. Peter Bragg, EMEA Sustainability & Government Affairs Director at Canon EMEA said: “This ongoing recognition, alongside our improved overall score, serves as powerful validation of our commitment to sustainable business practices and our continuous drive to positively influence our environmental and social footprint. Retaining our Platinum status and remaining among the top 1% of rated organisations motivates us to continue raising the bar for sustainability in our industry.” www.canon.co.uk Ole Maaz Steve Doust Keypoint recognises Xerox Keypoint Intelligence has awarded Xerox two industry accolades: Smart Workplace Solutions Line of the Year for the eighth consecutive time, and a Pick Award for Xerox Workplace Cloud. The Line of the Year award, which recognises vendors with the most comprehensive portfolio of solutions addressing modern workplace needs, reflects the comprehensive Xerox portfolio of document imaging software and services. Jamie Bsales, Principal Analyst in Keypoint Intelligence’s Workplace Group said: “Xerox continues to set the benchmark for smart workplace innovation. The company’s ability to integrate advanced capabilities across devices and platforms while maintaining ease of use and robust security, reinforces why Xerox has earned Smart Workplace Solutions Line of the Year for the eighth consecutive time.” Xerox Workplace Cloud earned a Pick Award for delivering content‑aware security, flexible authentication, hybrid print support, print governance, and cloud‑based fleet management that helps IT teams protect sensitive information, simplify workflows, meet sustainability goals and optimise costs. “Keypoint Intelligence’s recognition validates the value our solutions deliver every day, helping clients secure hybrid work, automate workflows, and manage diverse fleets with confidence,” said Billy Spears, Chief Product Development and Delivery Officer at Xerox. “As we expand our portfolio with AI‑enabled services and cloud innovations, we remain focused on delivering end‑to‑end solutions that drive efficiency and digital transformation.” www.xerox.co.uk
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01732 759725 14 BULLETIN : PEOPLE Peter Saak to lead Canon’s new integrated printing & services group Peter Saak has been named the new Chief of Integrated Printing & Services Group (IPSG, formally Digital Printing & Solutions) at Canon EMEA. Saak brings strong leadership and extensive B2B customer knowledge having held several senior roles across Canon’s regional sales organisations including B2B Country Director for Canon Eurasia, Managing Director for Canon Central & Eastern Europe and Canon Austria. In his most recent role as Executive Vice President, Developing Regions Business Group, he has been responsible for leading growth and strengthening its number one market share position across B2B product segments in Southeast Europe, Middle East and Africa, including customer acquisition and partner channel development. In this new role, Saak will be responsible for driving the strategic integration of Canon’s advanced printing technology with value-added services to create fully connected and efficient print and document management ecosystems for its customers and partners. He will also have a strong focus on driving innovation and channel expansion into new markets. The appointment follows the announcement that Hiro Imamura, previous Executive Vice President, Digital Printing & Solutions, has returned to Canon Inc. headquarters to take up a new role within the printing group. Commenting on the news, Saak said: “Our goal is to build on the incredible foundation that exists, continuing to combine our innovative technology with solutions and applications that meet the evolving needs of our customers and partners. I look forward to working with the team to drive future growth and reinforce our position as a market leader.” www.canon.co.uk ITDS expands team IT Document Solutions has expanded the team with the appointment of Brannon Lee Chong as a Business Development Manager. The company said: “Bringing a strong mix of B2B SDR experience within telecoms, unified communications, and connectivity, his passion for attention to detail, tackling commercial challenges, and delivering practical, client-focused solutions make him a great fit for the ITDS Managed Services team.” Lee Chong said: “I’m excited to join the business at a time of accelerated growth and opportunity and look forward to continuing the development of my sales skills and growing my knowledge in the managed services space and beyond.” www.itdocumentsolutions.com Brannon Lee Chong Peter Saak Adam Wilson assumes CEO role at Aura Aura Futures has named Adam Wilson as its new Chief Executive Officer. Wilson has been part of the organisation since its inception, having co-founded one of the platform businesses that came together to form Aura Futures in March 2020 and has played a central role in shaping the company’s strategy and proposition. As CEO, Wilson will lead the next phase of Aura’s growth, deepen long-term customer relationships, and continue to invest in people, capability and innovation. His focus will be on scaling Aura’s holistic service model – from experience design and integration through to managed services – ensuring customers achieve measurable outcomes with minimal operational friction. Executive Chair John Conoley, who will become the NonExecutive Chair, said: “Adam is a great colleague and leader in the business and this is a recognition of the role he has increasingly played. He is well-known and well-respected across the business and the industry and is the ideal person to lead us through the growth opportunities ahead.” https://aurafutures.com Adam Wilson SWSC promotes Eddie Ingram High security printing and identity management solutions provider, Smurfit Westrock Security Concepts (SWSC) has promoted Eddie Ingram to the position of Finance Manager. This appointment reflects his outstanding contributions to the company and extensive experience in financial leadership. Having joined SWSC in 2010, Ingram has played a key role in supporting the company’s financial operations and growth over the past 14 years. In his new position as Finance Manager, he will assume direct day-to‑day responsibility for the finance function, overseeing financial planning, reporting, and operational excellence across the business. Peter Thomas, Managing Director at SWSC, said: “Eddie’s depth of experience and commitment to the organisation have been invaluable and we are delighted to see him step into this leadership role. We’re confident he will continue to strengthen our financial performance and strategic capabilities.” www.smurfitwestrocksecurityconcepts.com Eddie Ingram
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01732 759725 16 BULLETIN : PEOPLE New role for Tony Milford PrintReleaf has appointed Tony Milford to lead the next phase of its UK and European expansion. Milford brings over 25 years’ experience working directly with MPS dealers, distributors, OEMs, and software providers. His career spans both founder and senior commercial leadership roles at Vantage Online and Asolvi, as well as recent consulting roles at multiple SaaS software and workplace technology businesses. This gives him a deep understanding of the commercial pressures facing the channel – and the growing opportunities presented by increasing demand for credible, measurable sustainability performance across their customer base. Jordan Darragh, Founder & CEO of PrintReleaf said: “Tony has spent his entire career alongside dealers, distributors and manufacturers, understanding their realities and what truly supports their success. He knows how sustainability can drive commercial value, by helping them differentiate, strengthen customer relationships, and offer something with real credibility behind it. We’re delighted to have him driving our next phase of growth in the UK and Europe.” Milford added: “I’m looking forward to working closely with dealers, distributors, manufacturers, and the wider MPS, commercial print, and packaging communities. These industries have long demonstrated their adaptability, and PrintReleaf provides a practical, credible way for partners of all kinds to continue evolving, adding value and thriving.” www.printreleaf.com Tony Milford Northamber strengthens executive leadership Northamber has hired Darren Spence as Group Managing Director. The appointment marks a significant step in its strategy to reinvigorate distribution, strengthen its value‑added proposition and position the company as a destination partner for both resellers and talent. Spence brings over 27 years of experience in the IT channel, with senior leadership roles spanning reseller services, emerging technologies, and consultancy engagements in distribution. Prior to joining Northamber, he was Chief Revenue Officer at Smartbox.ai and previously served as Managing Director of Bytes Document Solutions, as well as founder and Managing Director of Boost Technology Group. He has also advised and supported channel organisations on sales and go-to-market transformation across the UK. Alex Phillips, Executive Chairman of Northamber said: “We have strengthened the executive leadership of the group to support the next phase of Northamber’s growth. Darren brings the operational focus, commercial discipline and leadership capability needed to achieve our goals to be a proactive, value-add distributor across AV, unified communications, cyber security and network infrastructure - recognised for our relationships, service and knowledge in our focus areas. We’re delighted to welcome him onboard.” Spence added: “I’m thrilled to join Northamber at such a pivotal moment in its evolution. Distribution is the engine room of the channel, and my focus will be on clearly demonstrating the value a great distributor can bring. I want Northamber to be a destination employer that attracts the very best people, and a destination distributor that resellers actively want to work with.” www.northamber.com Mark Bradford joins Xeretec Mark Bradford has joined Xeretec as Chief Finance & Operating Officer (CF&OO), becoming a member of its established executive leadership team and reporting to CEO Steve Hawkins. He said: “I am genuinely excited to be given the chance to help shape and drive the next phase of Xeretec’s expansion. It’s a return to a familiar sector and gives me a chance to put my knowledge across technology, print, licensing, managed services, and commercial optimisation back to the forefront. I join the journey to help Xeretec become the UK’s fastest growing and most forward-thinking IT managed services company.” www.xeretec.co.uk Mark Bradford Katun appoints new EMEA GM Katun has appointed Cinzia Gandini as EMEA General Manager replacing Heidi Boller who has stepped down from her role after more than 35 years with the company. Since joining Katun as Director of Marketing in 2018, Gandini has played an integral role in expanding the company’s solutions portfolio, advancing its sustainability initiatives, and supporting consistent sales growth across the region. In her new role, she will oversee the strategic direction of Katun’s EMEA operations and collaborate with cross-functional teams to support Katun’s dealer partners and the company’s expanding portfolio. She said: “I’m honoured to step into this role and grateful for the opportunity to continue working with such a talented global team. I look forward to building on our momentum, strengthening our partner relationships, and delivering meaningful value to our customers across the region.” www.katun.com Cinzia Gandini
We’ve recorded record sales since becoming a RISO Partner. The support & tech sets us apart. IBS Office Solutions Growth – Expand into new markets and open new opportunities with a differentiated, high-performance product range. Differentiation – Offer customers advanced print solutions that set you apart in competitive conversations. Profitability – Deliver greater long-term value with high-speed, energy-efficient technology built for demanding environments. Advancement – Progress through programme tiers to access enhanced incentives, marketing support and strategic resources. Take the next step in growing your print business with RISO. Our Partner Programme is designed to help you strengthen customer relationships and expand your print offering – supported by experienced Dealer Sales Managers at every stage. LONDON | BARCELONA | BOSTON | HAMBURG | HONG KONG | ISTANBUL | JOHANNESBURG | LYON | MEXICO CITY | MIAMI MILAN | NEW DELHI | SÃO PAULO | SEOUL | SHANGHAI | SINGAPORE | STOCKHOLM | TOKYO +44 (0)20 8236 5800 www.riso.co.uk BUILD A SMARTER PRINT PORTFOLIO WITH RISO
01732 759725 18 with people, as it’s important that I’m fair, I can empathise and stand by my decisions. Bringing experience from outside the industry allows me to look at things from different angles and apply best practice, from a practical point of view, while taking people into account too. Reliable technology I use a variety of technology every day, in almost everything I do at CBS. Systems like Vantage, Sage and Excel are essential for managing operations, finances, reporting and dealing with people and data accurately and efficiently. I find these systems are really reliable, so I can focus on being more strategic, looking for ways to improve our operations and support colleagues rather than firefighting and having to be glued to my screen all day. I also keep an open mind about new tools, including AI, where it has helped me with research, drafting content or even problem-solving, on occasion. I believe that, used sensibly, technology can support good decision-making, not replace it, and in a hectic role, that support is invaluable. A sense of humour (and occasionally a stiff drink!) I think you have to keep an open mind and everything in perspective. Operations and HR can be demanding, and, of course, not every day goes to plan. I feel it’s important to have a sense of humour, be able to take a step back to see the bigger picture and also be able to unwind at the end of a long week. It helps maintain balance, resilience and a clear mind. While being professional is essential, I never lose sight of the fact that we’re all human. Taking time to switch off, recharge and return refreshed makes me better at supporting others. Sometimes that’s as simple as having a good laugh with colleagues – and yes, (occasionally) a well-earned drink. knowledgeable and supportive team, and that makes my role both easier and more rewarding. Operations and HR only really work when there’s trust, openness and a shared sense of responsibility, and we have so much of that at CBS. Whether it’s managers who care deeply about their teams, engineers who go the extra mile for customers, or colleagues who support each other behind the scenes, working together is at the heart of everything we do. It’s a privilege to support such a strong team. Assistance from suppliers and partners I have built up strong supplier relationships and these are absolutely vital for my role, which connects people, systems and service. Our suppliers and partners provide more than products and platforms, they provide expertise, they respond quickly and are reassuring when it matters most. From HR and payroll support to technology partners and manufacturers, having suppliers who I trust and who understand our business helps everything run more smoothly. When issues crop up, it’s those relationships that result in quick solutions and open and honest conversations. Their support lets me focus on CBS’ internal operations and maintain our valued employee experience, knowing that we’re backed by people who share our standards and core values. My background in other sectors Before joining the print and IT industry, I worked in the legal sector, which gave me a strong grounding in compliance, confidentiality, structure and attention to detail. That experience has been really invaluable in my current role. HR and operations both rely on clear processes, being consistent and understanding risk, and my legal background helps me take on challenges in a calm and organised way. It has also helped me communicate effectively A supportive family Working in operations and HR means spinning a lot of plates – people, processes, deadlines and the unexpected things that land on your desk without warning. Having a supportive family behind me makes a huge difference. They understand that some days don’t end neatly at five o’clock and that my role carries responsibility beyond my own workload. Their encouragement, patience and understanding help me stay grounded, especially when we’re really busy. Knowing I have that support at home allows me to give my best at work, stay focused under pressure and keep a good balance between my professional and family life. A great team Honestly, I couldn’t do my job without the people I work with every day. CBS has an incredibly dedicated, Caroline Green, Operations & Human Resources Manager at Commerce Business Systems, picks the tools she uses every day and couldn’t do her job without I couldn’t do my job without… WORKPLACE Caroline Green
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01732 759725 20 so it’s up to us to demonstrate the cost savings that can be had over the term of a contract. PITR: What (or who) do you think has had the greatest impact in the sector in recent years? PW: It has to be COVID. Print volumes plummeted during the pandemic, which, for all, was difficult to manage. But with the emergence of hybrid working and decentralised print coming to the fore, our A4 offering helps businesses streamline their printing needs whilst helping save money. PITR: If you could speak directly to someone who inspired or challenged you most in your career, what would you want to say to them today? PW: Put simply…thanks! They challenged me to think bigger and pushed me out of my comfort zone when I needed it. At the time, it wasn’t easy – but looking back, those moments shaped my career and taught me resilience. I’d want them to know that their influence still drives me today, and I’m grateful for the lessons they gave me, even when they often came disguised as challenges! well‑known FMCG manufacturer. I didn’t get the job, but the recruitment agent said I would be a great fit for a company called Brother…I thought sewing machines and Man City but went along to the interview and the rest is history. Here I am 16 years later, and I haven’t looked back. It’s a great place to work with a real family feel. PITR: What excites you most about working in print today? PW: The constant evolution of print. When I first started it was all about ‘stack them high, sell them cheap’, a very deal-led model. It’s now a real solution sell in which I love the challenge. Our A4 product portfolio helps dealers drive incremental business for their customers, which brings me real job satisfaction. PITR: And what are the biggest frustrations or challenges? PW: Price pressure is a big one. Print is often treated as a commodity. This can lead to cost saving and ultimately pressure to deliver a viable solution with limited budget available, which of course we always try to deliver. Endusers are sometimes resistant to MPS, PrintIT Reseller (PITR): What was your first job in print? Pete Westwood (PW): I’ve been in the print industry for over 16 years now, all at Brother UK, and in the channel. I started in 2009, as a sales exec in our mail order internet channel (remember catalogues?!) which is now effectively our Online Partners. I then moved over to the VAR space as Business Manager, spending 11 years here making progression to head of the channel. It was in this space where I found my love of MPS. I love the challenge and reward of solution selling, helping overcome complex obstacles to deliver a viable and cost-effective solution to our channel partners, and ultimately end-users. It was from this that we have now recently formed an MPS Business Partner channel which I currently head up, helping MPS dealers drive incremental sales for their business in the A4 space. PITR: What led you to enter the sector? Did you choose print by design, or accident? PW: By accident. I actually went on an intense sales recruitment day for a My life in print INTERVIEW Pete Westwood Pete Westwood, Head of Sales – Specialist Print, Brother UK, shares details of his life in print, what he’s learned, and the highs and the lows of our unique and challenging industry
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