Print.IT Reseller - issue 77

BULLETIN Marketing support programme Integra members can now order the 2021 Initiative catalogue featuring the competitively priced range and further complemented by a free of charge digibook. A comprehensive marketing support programme is also available incorporating email, web and social media content designed to help members grow their own brand sales and achieve impressive profit margins. To further help promote the range, members receive a free of charge Initiative insert within their VOW wholesale catalogues. With fewer own brands in the industry, Initiative provides Integra members with an important point of differentiation. With additional pricing support and promotions planned for 2021 together with continued benchmarking, members can offer their customers a competitively priced, high quality range. A price freeze has also been in place throughout 2020 to further support dealers in what has been an incredibly challenging year. With multiple sources, including Antalis and VOW together with Integra’s EOS partner and direct availability from suppliers, Initiative is also easily accessible. www.integra-business.co.uk European distribution agreement Midwich has announced a European distribution agreement with BirdDog. The full range of BirdDog video over IP products and workflows are available to channel partners exclusively through Holdan (a Midwich Group company). www.midwich.com IPIA urges brands to re-look at print In the wake of the government committing £350 million to fuel a green recovery, the Independent Print Industry Association (IPIA) is urging brands and marketers to re-look at print as they plan their sustainability strategies. CEO Marian Stefani said: “The national outcry recently at the demise of the Argos catalogue is a good illustration of how nostalgically brands are looking at print and it little reflects either the nation’s perception of sustainability or how much greener and much more effective print can be.” The IPIA claims most of its members are already investing in technology that uses less energy, more environmentally-friendly inks and FSC certified paper sources. The Green Recovery research by Essity found that 42% of consumers are already seeking out products accredited by sustainability groups and that they trust third-party certifications such as the FSC. “All we’re asking brands and marketers to do in this green recovery is to revisit their perception of print, especially direct mail. If they exclude it as a channel they could be missing a trick, not just in terms of sustainability but also in building lasting connections with customers,” Stefani added. www.ipia.org.uk Smarter Technologies approved on G-Cloud 12 framework Smarter Technologies has been approved as a supplier on the G-Cloud 12 framework Digital Marketplace, which is managed by the Crown Commercial Services (CCS). The framework is an innovative procurement initiative for public sector bodies that use cloud computing, including central government, local government and important sectors such as health and education and emergency services. It is the second time that Smarter Technologies has been selected to be a part of the initiative, having previously been selected as a G-Cloud 11 supplier with the support of sister company Visionist. “We are happy to cement our position for another year for public sector organisations to take advantage of our industry-leading cloud- based services,” said Chief Technology Officer David Miller. “We look forward to helping public organisations around the country realise greater efficiencies and cost-savings through our innovative and tailored technology solutions.” www.smartertechnologies.com Exclusive Networks acquires Veracomp Exclusive Networks has acquired Veracomp, the value-added distribution group with offices in ten central and eastern european countries, to create a new region at the heart of its EMEA operations. Like Exclusive Networks, Veracomp shares core specialisms in cybersecurity infrastructure and many of the same established vendor relationships, while the two companies also have similar value-creating cultures and high growth track records. The new region will be able to harness these synergies to extend its current growth trajectory and support local, regional and global partners to capitalise on new opportunities from Exclusive Networks’ enhanced scale, reach, solutions portfolio and extensive value-add services. Olivier Breittmayer, CEO at Exclusive Networks said: “Acquiring an established distribution group is the best way to accelerate our presence into this new region and we see great opportunities for our strategic vendor and GSI partners as we invest in building on Veracomp’s strong foundations.” “This is a very positive step forward for Veracomp and everyone connected to the business,” said Adam Rudowski, CEO at Veracomp. “Teaming up with Exclusive Networks shows that our approach has been working and allows us to contribute our expertise to a truly global mission while continuing to target growth and create more value in the channel. There are great opportunities for existing and potential vendor and reseller partners to increase scale in the CEE region, and for our people to write a new chapter in a fantastic success story.” www.exclusive-networks.com PRINTITRESELLER.UK 7