01732 759725 Westcon-Comstor empowering partners with Tech Insights Westcon-Comstor has launched a freeto-use programme to help EMEA channel partners identify and address gaps in customers’ security postures and AI data readiness. Through expert-led assessments aligned to industry standards such as GDPR and NIS2, Tech Insights identifies gaps in customers’ cloud, identity, application and data security and provides practical guidance on what to fix first, including the ability to validate multivendor solutions without any disruption to live environments. Westcon-Comstor says the programme supports a more consultative, outcomefocused sales motion that can accelerate active deals, create upsell/cross-sell opportunities in services and other high-margin offerings and establish a framework for follow-on projects. Geert Busse, Solutions Architect Director EMEA, Go-To-Market at WestconComstor, said: “Tech Insights makes it easier than ever for partners to add value by having strategic, informed conversations with their customers. By unlocking deeper insight into customers’ IT landscapes across cybersecurity, AI and cloud, partners can open new doors, progress deals and position themselves as trusted advisors. We’re excited to bring Tech Insights to market and see the positive impact it will have for partners, elevating their strategic positioning with customers while unlocking new growth opportunities at pace.” www.westconcomstor.com Ingram Micro UK to distribute Philips Monitors MMD Monitors, brand licence partner for Philips Monitors, is expanding its reach across the UK channel through a distribution agreement with Ingram Micro UK. Covering the complete business monitor portfolio of Philips Monitors, from entry-level office monitors to high-end professional models and monitors for creative professionals, the partnership will provide resellers and system integrators with streamlined access to Philips displays through dedicated brand pages on Ingram Micro’s Xvantage platform and the company’s distribution infrastructure. The two companies are marking the partnership with a launch campaign, running throughout Q1 2026, to drive awareness and partner engagement. Paul Butler, UK & Ireland Regional Sales Director at MMD Monitors, said: “Partnering with Ingram Micro represents a significant step forward for Philips Monitors in the UK market. Their extensive reach and established relationships across the channel will enable us to bring our full portfolio to a much wider network of resellers. We’re committed to supporting our partners with competitive products and strong margins, and this partnership gives us the platform to do exactly that.” https://www.philips.co.uk/c-m-so/ monitors … Cisco and TD SYNNEX extend partnership to Ireland Cisco is building on its existing relationship with TD SYNNEX, named Global Distributor of the Year and EMEA Distributor of the Year at the Cisco Partner Summit 2025, by appointing the solutions aggregator as a distribution partner in Ireland as well. The agreement will give Cisco authorised partners in Ireland full access to the value-added services and support offered by TD SYNNEX, including its Cisco Momentum programme of events, tools and resources designed to help partners DISTRIBUTOR NEWS 04 MARKET UPDATE UK the fastest growing market for refurbished PCs, says Context Sales of refurbished PCs are surging across Europe with unit sales through distribution in the UK, Italy, Germany, Spain and France up 7% year-on-year in Q4 2025, according to analysis by Context. Jacky Chan, ESG specialist at the global market intelligence firm, said: “Our latest analysis shows second-life computing moving decisively into the mainstream, with the UK emerging as the fastestgrowing market in Europe.” In the UK, sales volumes doubled between Q4 2024 and Q4 2025, driven by the convergence of price pressure in the primary market, constrained supply and sustainability factors, helping the UK overtake Germany in terms of market share in the second half of the year. Affordability remains the primary driver of growth. According to Context, around 40% of refurbished notebook sales are in the €200-€300 price band; around one third of refurbished desktop sales are in the €100–€200 range; and a similar proportion of refurbished tablet sales are below the €100 mark. While value-led buying remains critical in the refurbished PC category, Context figures suggest consumers are prepared to spend slightly more for improved specifications, with the €300-€400 segment expanding from 15% of the market in 2024 to 23% in 2025. Chan said: “The direction of the trend is for higher-spec units with higher values. In a market with locked-in supply constraints, these can be an attractive solution for retailers and consumers looking for a solid workaround.” Context expects the EU’s Right to Repair directive, due to come fully into effect in July 2026, to increase the availability of repairable devices and spare parts across the bloc, further legitimising second-life technology and strengthening circular economy models within IT retail. www.contextworld.com Jacky Chan Enhanced support for Microsoft partners Arrow Electronics is enhancing the support it offers Microsoft partners through an exclusive agreement with Oaka Studio, a Microsoft-focused partner advisory and go-tomarket consultancy. Oaka Studio will provide targeted advisory, enablement and go-to-market support to help Arrow channel partners navigate Microsoft’s evolving partner landscape, improve alignment with Microsoft priorities and unlock stronger commercial outcomes through structured governance, clearer positioning and more effective engagement models. Oliver Harvey-Jones, Director of Cloud UK&I at Arrow’s Enterprise Computing Solutions Business, said: “Oaka Studio brings deep Microsoft partner expertise and a strong understanding of the challenges channel partners are facing today. This agreement strengthens the support we can offer resellers and MSPs as they look to mature their Microsoft practices and capitalise on new opportunities.” arrow.com Oliver Harvey-Jones Geert Busse Westcon-Comstor
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