Print.IT Reseller - issue76

PRINTITRESELLER.UK 39 VOX POP COVID-19 has presented a number of unprecedented challenges to organisations in every sector, however it has also opened doors of opportunity for print and IT vendors to innovate. PrintIT Reseller invited a panel of industry leaders to share their thoughts on business post-pandemic Looking to the future: Part one Frank Hulshoff, Director Rent, Demo & Marketing, Flex IT Distribution: “Flex IT is in the unique situation in that the products and services we offer can help companies deal with the fall out of the COVID epidemic. Circular IT products proved to be the go-to solution for many companies who needed to scale the home office workplace for example, and circular IT proved to be the best investment. We expect this trend to continue as many companies are experiencing and appreciating the benefits of circular IT for the first time now.” Steve Holmes, EMEA Regional Director, PaperCut: “COVID-19 certainly wasn’t on anyone’s 2020 business plans, and some businesses will come through it stronger than others given the pandemic’s impact on different industries. Our core business remains strong, and we’ve been doubling down on delivering solutions that provide better ways of printing during this period of remote working and business recovery. “Not to be overlooked during this recovery period, is the importance of our relationships with our valued channel partners. Their unique relationships with our customers mean that working hand in hand as a partnership has never been so important. By doing so, we can ensure that we’re giving them the support they need to address their customers’ needs. “Last but not least, we recognise that the power of PaperCut is in its employees, so we’re paying close attention to their wellbeing and looking for ways to offer needed support. While no-one has a crystal ball into what the future holds, our hope is that we’ll exit the pandemic with the same size or bigger team than we started. “We know there will be some obstacles ahead in the next six months, but we believe that being agile, responsive and paying close attention to our channel and customers’ needs, will ultimately ensure that PaperCut continues its market-leading growth over the next 12 months.” Martin Randall, Sales and Marketing Director, Vision: “Following acquisitions in our FY19 and key new business wins in the first half of FY20, when we reached the halfway point of this financial year in March, we were on course for record growth of over 30 per cent. “The impact of COVID has been tough, but with the good work done in the six months leading up to March, we are fortunate that YOY results won’t see a decrease. In terms of the rest of the year, in addition to business secured from an increased focus on enabling remote working and supporting businesses to achieve the COVID-secure office, we remain optimistic that September sees a greater return of people to the workplace and in turn the start of a more notable upward trend in volumes.” Phil Jones, Managing Director, Brother UK: “I hope the rest of the year allows us all to re-establish some stability and certainty, though how realistic that is depends on whether there’s a second wave of coronavirus and how that’s managed. Ideally, a more stable environment means we can get back to the rhythm of life and the rhythm of business – delivering good outcomes for the economy as a whole and for people in their day-to-day lives. PrintIT Reseller: COVID-19 sent 2020’s business plans, goals and ambitions into a tailspin; what are your business’ hopes and plans for the rest of this year? continued... Steve Holmes Martin Randall Frank Hulshoff