Technology Reseller v09

technolog y reseller.co.uk 13 NEWS : RESELLERS Provista eyes expansion after acquisition by PCM Scotland’s only independent Cisco Gold Partner, Provista UK, is planning a recruitment drive following its acquisition by PCM, the NASDAQ-listed California value-added solutions provider. The Hamilton-based networking and communications specialist has grown consistently over the last 11 years, reaching a headcount of 33 and revenues of £7.7 million in the fiscal year ending July 31, 2017. Provista UK plans to boost investment in marketing, business growth planning and operations as it leverages its new parent company’s network and solutions to expand its UK footprint. In addition to its HQ in Hamilton, Provista has satellite locations from Aberdeen to Birmingham. The acquisition will enable it to expand its operations to PCM’s UK offices in Sheffield, Northampton and Liverpool. Provista UK Director Stuart Little said: “After having built the business to achieve Cisco Gold Partner status, it is exciting to be part of PCM and take the business to the next level. We can now offer our solutions and services across the UK while complementing the other robust PCM offerings.” Graham Long joins Onecom Former Samsung Electronics Vice President Graham Long has joined Onecom to lead the Hampshire company’s newly launched full-service connected audio-visual solutions business Evolve AV. The independent business communications provider has set up Evolve AV to provide connectivity and audio-visual solutions based on Samsung technology. Its first major project is the installation of giant Samsung LED screens and Wi-Fi technology at The Ageas Bowl, which is set to become the UK’s first fully connected cricket stadium. Onecom Chief Executive Officer Darren Ridge said: “Graham’s wealth of expertise and depth of knowledge gained from heading up the Enterprise division of Samsung, which included its commercial display business, will further reinforce the strong relationship between Evolve AV and Samsung. His innovative approach to targeting industry verticals and differentiated sales models will support Onecom and Evolve AV’s mission to lead the market in unified communications and audio-visual technology.” Onecom operates from 12 regional offices, including London, Cardiff, Southampton, Plymouth, Leeds, Telford, Norwich and Brighton. It is Vodafone UK’s largest partner. Taking care of headsets IP Connect, a supplier of headsets and telephony solutions to business in Ireland, is offering Plantronics contact centre customers a complete Care & Asset Management Service to extend the life of their existing assets. IP Connect will clean, service, check warranties and provide full status reports on customers’ headset estates. http://ipconnect.ie Pescado goes from strength to strength Business communications specialist Pescado is on course to grow by almost 30% in the current financial year, from a turnover of £10million in 2016/17 to £12.8million in 2017/18. It aims to achieve a turnover of at least £16 million by 2020. The North Wales-based company is seeing growth across all core areas – business mobile, office connectivity, office phone systems and IT services – with 30% of customers signing up to three or more offerings. Pescado employs 55 people and last year spent almost £1 million buying its 7,500 sq. ft. offices in St David’s Park, Ewloe, Deeside. It has a second office in Belfast and has just appointed two new account managers to service its growing customer base in Northern Ireland. Customers include Lexmark International, Crabtree & Evelyn, Newcastle United, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Adnams and Elizabeth Shaw. Fraser Watson, Managing Director of Pescado, said: “Our mobile customer base now exceeds 42,000 connections and continues to grow with industry-leading retention levels. Our IT revenues have increased substantially year-on-year, since our acquisition of Chester-based Pure IT three years ago. Our fibre connectivity and cloud-based phone system services have also gone from strength to strength, with an uplift of almost 25% in the current financial year.” Pescado is a Vodafone Total Communications Partner, EE Direct Business Partner, Microsoft Gold Partner, Vodafone Fixed Line Service Partner, as well as having supplier agreements with Tier 1 carriers TalkTalk Business and Gamma. www.pescado.co.uk Advantex invests in workforce Advantex has made several appointments to support continued demand for its IT, phone and network services, as it targets a 25% increase in annual turnover to £5 million. Steven Terry has been made second line technical engineer, strengthening the firm’s onsite support and expertise; Kerry Scott has joined as customer services manager; and Lee Rushworth has been appointed marketing manager, bringing 15 years’ experience to the role. www.advantex.uk.com n Home of Hampshire cricket, The Ageas Bowl in Southampton is to become a showcase for Samsung LED and Wi-Fi technology with the installation of two full HD 1080p resolution replay screens, a high speed wireless network with 200 wireless access points and an integrated scoreboard system. The two giant screens, with a combined area of 120 sq. metres, will be used to show replays, stadium information, competitions and sponsorship opportunities. The project is expected to be completed by the end of April 2018.