Print.IT Reseller - issue 68

01732 759725 26 CONFERENCE Integra Business Solutions’ Focus 2019 National Conference brought together over 220 delegates and 55 exhibitors at the Crowne Plaza, Stratford-Upon-Avon Integra holds 2019 national conference demonstrated just how easy it is to become a victim of cyber-crime. He conducted a very simple, live Google search which revealed a list of a company’s systems and passwords. The point he made was that everyone is a target. “No-one is immune, the fact that huge institutions with sophisticated and massive resources such as the NHS, LinkedIn, NASA or the CIA have been attacked means you should be more aware of the threat,” he warned. During this session he presented some alarming statistics from a March 2019 YouGov study which made the audience sit up and take note. He took delegates through a number of commonplace attacks such as phishing emails, ransomware and social engineering; when asked if anyone had fallen prey to any of these, there was a large show of hands. Industry veteran Robert Baldrey spoke about uncertainty outside; citing Brexit, the general election, artificial intelligence and the potential loss of jobs where people rely on traditional office products, as well as the fact that half of UK retail sales are predicted to be made online within ten years compared to the current level of 20 per cent, as some of the major pressures facing the channel today. Moving on to the uncertainty inside, he talked around dealer consolidation, mergers, declining prices and margin pressures, and the rise and rise of Amazon Business. After painting what looked to be a dire picture, he presented a number of actions that dealers can take to future- proof their businesses and ensure they continue to thrive in a climate where the only certainty is uncertainty. A focus on sustainability Steve Malkin, CEO of Planet First opened his inspiring session referencing the growing demands on businesses to take action against climate change. He said that he sees sustainability as a business opportunity, one that provides positive economic, social and environmental impacts. “Businesses that have environmental protection firmly on the agenda, can save money, enhance their brand, attract and retain talent, win business and above all, do the right thing,” he said. He urged members to unlock the business opportunity and to adopt a sustainability strategy with purpose at its core, a move that he said will help them outperform the competition and better align with customers’ own strategies by offering them sustainable products and services. “50 per cent of people want to see more radical action on climate change,” he said, adding: “We have ten years to combat this pressing issue.” In January 2020, Planet Mark will launch a ‘Decade of Action’ campaign which will involve asking UK organisations to lead the world as we enter the most important Designed to encourage dealers to focus on future-proofing their businesses and capitalise on the many business opportunities available to them, the 2019 National Conference opened with an insightful keynote address from Integra CEO, Aidan McDonough. In his presentation entitled: Focus Your Business for Greater Success , McDonough stressed the importance of resilience in an environment that he said: “Feels like nothing has changed, when in fact, everything has changed.” He spoke about the way technology has enabled always-on instant communication and instant access to more products and services which has shifted the balance of power. “Consumers are now demanding faster and better customer service and price visibility on every product is driving down margins. The political uncertainty and volatility in exchange rates is also challenging. It’s a tough space to operate in,” he said, adding: “The independent sector is resilient, successful and able to adapt. It’s not easy to change, but it is a necessity.” Despite all of the above, McDonough believes there are still many opportunities for continued growth. Integra is helping members to capitalise on these through a number of added-value services designed to help members diversify into categories such as Workwear, PPE, promotional merchandise, education, packaging and medical supplies – all of which are forecast to grow. Another key added- value service – i-merge – aimed at Dealer Principals looking to either buy or sell a dealership, has brought many like- minded businesses together and resulted in the successful completion of twelve deals over the past year. Cyber security The agenda included a thought- provoking presentation on cyber security, delivered by Dr Danny Steed, Head of Strategy at Resolve Cyber Security. In just a few minutes, Steed The independent sector is resilient, successful and able to adapt. It’s not easy to change, but it is a necessity Steve Malkin Aidan McDonough