Print.IT Reseller - issue 73

VOX POP 01732 759725 42 Mike Barron: “Everyone at SYNAXON UK was already geared-up for home working and doing that for at least two days a week anyway, so in that sense, we’ve hardly needed to change anything. We have just added a few more regular meetings and updates into the cycle to make sure everyone feels in touch with developments. We have also made sure that we have fun and keep up morale by introducing a Monday Munch Club, where staff are encouraged to take a break, have some lunch, and chat about anything other than work. This normally involves a challenge, such as baking or creating something over the weekend. “In terms of meeting the needs of members, we’ve been working hard to try and ensure we can give them access to the product categories their customers need and we’ve been making doubly sure that they know we are here and ready to help them in every way we can.” Emma Davies-Carolan: “Like most businesses, we’re regularly reviewing workloads and resourcing levels to ensure the balance is right - with essential work taking priority.” Phil Madders: “The main changes have been the transition to remote working. We had already invested in a flexible working infrastructure so the transition to home working was straightforward and painless. The team have embraced the new way of working really positively and the disruption has been minimal.” Mike Nelson: “With our entire workforce working remotely, we are finding new ways of doing business and have recently started offering a range of virtual training sessions and workshops to our customers and partners. These provide a regular point of contact with our channel partners and allow us to help them identify and close business opportunities. “We’ve looked to continue with a business as normal approach as much as possible, adapting where necessary. For example, in mid-June we will be launching our new and improved SP line of devices. We would normally mark a new product with partner launch events, but to adapt to the new circumstances we now plan to run a webinar – for which we’ve already had 200+ sign ups with six weeks to go.” Rod Tonna-Barthet: “Our technologies have always been about providing individuals and organisations with the best tools and the right guidance to ensure they are achieving their goals. As part of this we are strengthening our core portfolio of managed service solutions, including our IT consultancy and unified communications (UC) services. These are available to all of our customers, whether they are channel partners, end-users or public sector organisations. “Consultancy in particular has become increasingly important in recent weeks and will continue to be so as organisations plan their next steps. We have adapted to suit this growing need and are working closely with customers so they can properly define the correct architecture and solutions necessary to help them maintain a sense of continuity. “Once this has been established, we can work alongside their teams to ensure they achieve their goals efficiently. These are usually related to increasing productivity through technological innovation, improving UC capabilities by ensuring all staff are better connected, and helping organisations to become more sustainable.” Jeremy Spencer: “We are seeing greater interest in our IT services, which allow organisations to run seamlessly from home. Solutions that optimise processes, whether financial, administrative or HR related, for example, are also proving popular as they invite users to obtain greater efficiencies and simplify complex workflows.” James Reed: “Aside fromWFH, we have not had to change too much. One challenge has been trying to make sure there is enough stock to meet the surges in demand we have seen for certain product categories. Everyone in the channel recognises that we are all in this together and we are all seeing similar challenges. We are working with our vendor partners and our customers to find the best solutions for everyone.” Martin Randall: “When we implemented a new ‘working under lockdown’ sales strategy we did so with the belief that we were making short- term adjustments, rather than long-term adaptations. The focus has been geared toward restructuring agreements to deliver savings, assisting home workers, and an increased focus on digital transformation to enhance business processes and support remote working. “Regardless of the COVID-19 developments, no doubt elements of this strategy will continue, especially digital transformation. We were already successfully supporting many clients in this area and seeing an increase in interest… this will only continue to accelerate as businesses recognise the importance of streamlining processes and enabling remote working for unforeseen circumstances.” ...continued... PrintIT Reseller: How have you adapted your business to address fast-changing new market conditions? Rod Tonna-Barthet Liam Fitzgerald Regardless of the COVID-19 developments, no doubt elements of this strategy will continue, especially digital transformation