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03 CONTENTS technologyreseller.co.uk ISSN 2632-9301 (Print) ISSN 2632-931X (Online) Technology Reseller is published by Kingswood Media Ltd., 7 Amherst House, 22 London Road, Sevenoaks TN13 2BT • Tel: 01732 759725 Email: [email protected] www.technologyreseller.co.uk No part of Technology Reseller can be reproduced without prior written permission of the publisher. © 2026 Kingswood Media Ltd. Editor: James Goulding 07803 087228 · [email protected] Publishing Director, Social Media and Web Editor: Neil Trim 01732 759725 · [email protected] Advertising Director: Ethan White 01732 759725 · [email protected] Events & Commercial activities: Paul Johnson 01732 759725 · [email protected] Account Manager: Jeff Root 01732 759725 · [email protected] Designer: Brian Cloke 07484 288189 · [email protected] If you no longer wish to receive Technology Reseller magazine, please email your details to [email protected] Register online To receive your regular FREE printed copy of Technology Reseller Magazine simply fill in our online registration form at www.technologyreseller.uk/register Read Technology Reseller online, on tablets and smart phones www.technologyreseller.uk Join us : Follow us technology-reseller-magazine technologyreseller.co.uk IN PRINT & ONLINE SINCE 2016 IN PRINT & ONLINE SINCE 2016 04 Distribution News QBS Software awarded King’s Award for Enterprise 10 Reseller News ANS expands AI skills offering with new apprenticeship programmes 16 MSPs Carolyn April highlights key findings from GTIA Research’s State of the Channel 2026 report for the UK and Ireland 20 Cover Story Hammer Distribution explains why sovereign security is becoming the channel’s next big opportunity 22 Technology Reseller Awards 2026 All the winners from the Technology Reseller Awards evening on May 21 27 Events Kingswood Media announces 2026 channel roadshows 28 Unified Communications James Goulding reports from the Northern Ireland leg of Access4’s UK and Ireland roadshow 30 Golf Society Paul Johnson’s report on the Print IT & Technology Reseller Golf Society’s first meeting of 2026 34 Business Briefing HP debuts PCs built for next wave of Windows PC experiences powered by NVIDIA RTX Spark 36 Tech Digest New products and services for MSPs and their customers 41 People New faces, new places
01732 759725 DISTRIBUTOR NEWS 04 Huntress extends reach into mid‑market with four new distribution partners Huntress is maintaining its global growth trajectory and extending the same enterprise-grade protection used by Fortune 500 companies to midmarket organisations and SMEs with the addition of four new distribution partners. These are QBS Software in the United Kingdom and EMEA, global distributor Ingram Micro and two US-based companies Vertosoft, a specialised distributor with deep roots in the US public sector, and Liquid PC. Tuan Nguyen, Vice President of Channels and Alliances at Huntress, said: “For over a decade, we have enabled our partners to defend against cybercriminals. These four new distribution agreements will help us expand faster and protect more customers with the Huntress Agentic Security Platform and 24/7 AI-Centric SOC. Together with Ingram Micro, VertoSoft, Liquid PC and QBS, we are building a distribution infrastructure to ensure every business is protected.” Huntress currently protects more than 250,000 organisations, five million endpoints and 10 million identities worldwide through a combination of Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR), Identity Threat Detection and Response (ITDR), Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), Security Awareness Training (SAT) and Security Posture Management for Identity and Endpoint (ISPM and ESPM), all backed by a 24/7 AI-centric SOC. www.huntress.com … Westcoast to distribute Owl Labs products Owl Labs, renowned for its AI-powered, 360-degree video conferencing solutions, has appointed Westcoast as a UK and Ireland distribution partner for its full range of Meeting Owl and Owl Bar products, including the recently launched Meeting Owl 5 Pro 360-degree camera, speaker and mic device, certified for Microsoft Teams. Westcoast, part of ALSO, will position Owl Labs products in its Unified Communications division alongside other collaboration technologies, expanding Owl Labs’ footprint in the UK and Ireland and connecting partners with a trusted distributor deeply invested in video conferencing. By making its solutions simpler to source, deploy and support, Owl Labs expects its Westcoast partnership to help reduce set up friction and get meetings started on time. In a survey for the company’s State of Hybrid Work report, 79% of workers said they lost QBS Software awarded King’s Award for Enterprise QBS Software has been honoured with a King’s Award for Enterprise in the International Trade category in recognition of its sustained international growth and its success in delivering software to some of the world’s largest organisations. Its software delivery platform connects more than 12,500 software publishers with a network of over 6,000 reseller partners across EMEA, simplifying procurement and expanding routes to market. QBS CEO Dave Stevinson said: “It is an incredible accolade for QBS to receive such formal recognition from the King. This is testament to our global workforce delivering software to the world’s largest companies.” www.qbssoftware.com …IBM Storage Protect for Cloud added to ArrowSphere Cloud in EMEA In an expansion of its long-standing collaboration with IBM, Arrow Electronics is making IBM Storage Protect for Cloud available to channel partners in EMEA through the ArrowSphere Cloud platform. Channel partners in the region can now access, bundle and deliver IBM’s SaaS-based data protection platform as part of broader multi-vendor solutions, enabling them to move faster, scale more efficiently and build predictable, recurring revenue streams while helping customers strengthen data resilience in cloud environments. IBM Storage Protect for Cloud is a multiworkload data protection platform designed to safeguard business-critical SaaS data. It provides automated backup, granular restore capabilities and other features designed to protect against data loss caused by cyber threats, human error or service disruption. The solution supports modern cloud environments and enables organisations to maintain business continuity in line with growing security and compliance requirements. Mike Worby, Head of Strategic Alliances for Arrow’s Enterprise Computing Solutions Business in EMEA, said: “Our extended agreement with IBM reflects our ongoing strategy to enable channel partners to build, deliver and scale multi-vendor cloud solutions through a single platform. This approach aligns with how customers want to buy and consume technology today, with a growing preference for flexible, integrated solutions delivered through a streamlined digital experience. By adding IBM Storage Protect for Cloud to ArrowSphere Cloud, we are strengthening our portfolio while enabling channel partners to accelerate delivery, scale their businesses and develop recurring revenue opportunities.” ArrowSphere Cloud supports the design, delivery and lifecycle management of cloud and software solutions by giving channel partners access to a digital catalogue of cloud technologies and services from leading vendors, alongside tools for billing, provisioning and subscription management. Embedded AI capabilities enable channel partners to work more effectively with their data, identify new opportunities and streamline day‑to-day processes across sales, operations and lifecycle management. arrow.com Solstice AV strengthens education offering Solstice AV is bringing Newline Interactive displays and software to UK resellers ahead of the education sector’s summer refresh through a new partnership between the UK-based AV distributor and the display manufacturer. The partnership strengthens Solstice AV’s growing education technology proposition while giving resellers access to a competitive interactive display range supported by Solstice’s expanding operational and technical capability. Newline Interactive’s portfolio includes Google EDLA-certified interactive displays offering multi-touch collaboration, wireless content sharing, cross-platform compatibility and a simple, user-friendly experience for teachers and students. Michael Tulip, Managing Director of Solstice AV, said: “Newline is a business we’ve been watching closely for some time, so we’re delighted to be bringing the brand into the Solstice portfolio. They’ve built an impressive global operation, with products now used by more than 10 million users across over 50 countries, and that kind of growth doesn’t happen by accident. It comes from having good people, good leadership and products that genuinely work in real‑world environments.” He added: “From a reseller perspective, the timing is excellent. We’re heading into the busiest period of the year for education technology projects, with schools and trusts preparing for summer refresh programmes and looking closely at how they modernise classrooms for September.” To support growing demand for its education, LED and collaboration technologies, Solstice AV has been investing in its sales, technical support and deployment capability. www.solsticeav.com Michael Tulip Dave Stevinson
DISTRIBUTOR NEWS continued... technologyreseller.co.uk 05 AMETEK SurgeX extends reach with EET AMETEK SurgeX, a provider of power protection, diagnostic intelligence and remote monitoring solutions, has appointed pan-European IT distributor EET to extend its reach from its core AV channel to a range of IT environments, including networking infrastructure, server rooms and data centres. Justin Peyton, Sales Director EMEA & APAC at AMETEK SurgeX, said: “We’re pleased to partner with EET to strengthen SurgeX’s growing presence across the European IT market. EET’s scale, technical expertise and reputation for exceptional service make them a natural fit for our expanding product ecosystem. We’re keen to build on our market position and extend our advanced power protection technologies deeper into IT environments, giving IT managers flexible, remotely manageable tools to improve reliability and operational efficiency.” Headquartered in Birkerød, Denmark, EET’s offering spans server, computer and printer components, storage and network solutions, surveillance and security, ProAV, POS & Auto ID and consumer electronics. SurgeX’s advanced surge elimination and power conditioning technologies help safeguard sensitive The agreement significantly strengthens onemedia’s infrastructure and connectivity offering, allowing it to bridge the gap between high-end hardware and the underlying infrastructure and offer a single source for LED video walls, UCC solutions and professional connectivity. As demand for 4K/8K resolution and zerolatency transmission grows, this collaboration ensures UK partners have a reliable, highperformance foundation for every installation, including dedicated UK expertise and comprehensive technical support. www.onemedia.co.uk … HPE appoints TD SYNNEX a global distribution partner TD SYNNEX has been selected as one of HPE’s global distribution partners, broadening access to the enterprise technology leader’s networking, cloud and AI portfolio. Its appointment comes as the enterprise technology leader moves to a unified global distribution model supporting a more consistent execution across regions while continuing to support regional and specialist distributors providing local expertise and flexibility. Sergio Farache, Chief Strategy and Technology Officer at TD SYNNEX, said: “TD SYNNEX’s selection reflects our ability to scale successfully and expand growth opportunities for our partners in the channel. As HPE unifies its global distribution approach, our focus is on execution, bringing scale, operational consistency and local market knowledge together to support the continued expansion of our relationship across additional geographies, while helping partners deeply understand HPE’s portfolio and better support their customers.” TD SYNNEX’s capabilities include logistics and partner services, professional and lifecycle services, digital and role-based enablement and go-tomarket support delivered globally and locally. www.tdsynnex.com/na/us/hpe/ time in meetings due to technical difficulties such as connecting to a meeting or setting up a camera. Owl Labs CEO Frank Weishaupt said: “Our partnership with Westcoast represents a significant step in our UK growth strategy, aligning our products with a distributor that shares our dedication to customer success. Together, we are enabling seamless hybrid meetings with technology that makes it easier than ever for organisations to build meeting spaces that work for everyone.” owllabs.co.uk www.westcoast.co.uk … Arrow and Motorola align video security with digital security Arrow Electronics has signed an EMEA distribution agreement with Motorola Solutions, strengthening its portfolio across physical security, cybersecurity and cloud-based intelligent services. Under the agreement, Arrow will distribute Motorola Solutions’ video security and access control technologies, delivered through Motorola Solutions’ subsidiary Avigilon. These include advanced video surveillance cameras and AI-powered, cloud-based and hybrid video management platforms. Mike Worby, Head of Strategic Alliances at Arrow’s Enterprise Computing Solutions Business in EMEA, says the collaboration reflects the growing alignment of video security and access control technologies with digital security operations. He said: “This agreement with Motorola Solutions is a strategic step for Arrow. Through Avigilon, Motorola Solutions brings a sophisticated portfolio that moves physical security beyond passive monitoring into intelligent AI-enabled platforms that integrate naturally with enterprise IT and cybersecurity architectures. By onboarding Motorola Solutions, we are positioning Arrow to address growing customer demand for integrated physical and digital security capabilities.” Increasingly deployed as part of wider cybersecurity, cloud and operational technology strategies, cameras and access control systems from Motorola Solutions are no longer standalone tools, but intelligent data sources that generate actionable insights, support compliance and strengthen incident response across industries. arrow.com … Onemedia to fuel AV infrastructure growth with PureLink partnership Specialist technical AV distributor onemedia has announced a UK distribution partnership with PureLink GmbH, a manufacturer of professional AV connectivity solutions including pro-grade cables, signal management tools and emerging technologies like AV over IP and USB-C. Many happy returns Midwich’s experience centre in Innovation House, Bracknell is five years old. Since opening its doors in 2021, more than 11,000 partners, end users and consultants have visited the centre to gain hands-on experience of AV solutions before buying. Experience Centre Manager Ty Zagnoiev said: “Over the past five years, we’ve seen a notable shift in how organisations approach AV investment particularly in the context of tighter budgets and ongoing cost pressures. Clients want to see, hear and interact with technology in a real environment before making decisions – and that’s exactly what experience centres enable.” In November 2025, the experience centre underwent a £1m refresh and now showcases over 200 products from more than 50 vendors across 14 technology zones including the latest in immersive environments, hybrid workplace solutions and intelligent collaboration technologies. https://innovation-house.com/ Mike Worby
DISTRIBUTOR NEWS 01732 759725 ...continued 06 Appleton points out that the move towards platform-driven ecosystems, where technology solutions are bundled, integrated and consumed within cloud environments, is turning cloud marketplaces into the dominant channel for software, cloud and cybersecurity distribution, with big implications for vendors. He said: “Cloud marketplaces are no longer just another route to market. They are becoming the new channel. The challenge is that many vendors are still trying to apply traditional channel strategies to a model that operates very differently. “In traditional channel structures, vendors typically relied on linear distribution models involving resellers and distributors. Marketplace ecosystems function more like interconnected platforms where solutions are integrated into broader cloud environments and delivered as part of service-based offerings. “Marketplaces change how vendors monetise their products. Instead of focusing purely on product resale, companies need to consider consumption models, bundled services and networking and data centre systems against damaging power anomalies. The SurgeX CONNECT cloud-based remote monitoring and management platform enables integrators and facility managers to diagnose issues, schedule reboots and resolve common faults off site, making it particularly valuable for distributed sites or locations without permanent IT support. www.surgex.com … Westcon-Comstor aims to accelerate SASE adoption with new bundles Westcon-Comstor is launching a new programme designed to simplify and accelerate the adoption of Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) across its partner ecosystem in EMEA. SASEvolution brings together the Palo Alto Networks Prisma SASE solution and Westcon design, deployment and support services in readyto-sell bundles offering Secure Internet Access, Universal Zero Trust Network Access, Secure Enterprise Browser and full-stack SASE capabilities. This repeatable model enables partners to go to market with Palo Alto Networks Prisma SASE, regardless of their existing services capabilities, certifications or expertise levels, and accelerate their shift towards service-led, recurring revenue models. SASEvolution is designed for mid-market and enterprise customers, particularly those with distributed workforces and branch environments that are transitioning from legacy VPNs and perimeter-based security architectures. Daniel Hurel, Senior Vice President, Westcon EMEA Go-To-Market at Westcon-Comstor, said: “Demand for SASE continues to grow rapidly, driven by cloud-first strategies, hybrid work environments and Zero Trust security requirements. However, adoption is often slowed by challenges including complex solution scoping, lengthy sales cycles, skills shortages and uncertainty around commercial models. SASEvolution directly addresses these issues by packaging technology and services together from the outset.” www.westconcomstor.com … AI the focus of SYNAXON’s biggest ever channel event Channel services company SYNAXON UK is holding its biggest ever channel gathering at Molineux Stadium in Wolverhampton on June 17. With the heading From Service Desk to Sales Pitch: Putting AI in Your Starting XI, the event has a clear focus on AI. Katie King, AI author and strategist, will deliver a keynote on how MSPs can turn AI into measurable competitive advantage; Tony Houlihan, CTO of UK MSP TwentyFour IT Services, will explore a real-world AI case study; and lead sponsor Terra Computer and Microsoft, Lenovo and HP will show how partners can use their solutions to harness the power of AI. Other attractions include a talk by business coach and former professional footballer Mel Eves on the science behind human performance and an interactive session on how to win more customers hosted by Tara-Jane Sloane, Managing Director of IT lead generation specialist Telev8. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/from-servicedesk-to-sales-pitch-putting-ai-in-your-starting-xitickets-1982265348017 … Cloud marketplaces are the new channel, says ALSO The rapid adoption of cloud platforms across Europe is forcing vendors and MSPs to rethink existing route-to-market strategies designed for traditional reseller and distribution models, warns Mark Appleton, Group Lead of Vendor Ecosystem Development at ALSO. ALSO, which bought Westcoast last year, gives resellers in 31 European countries access to hardware, software and IT services from more than 800 vendors through a combination of traditional product resale, custom-developed IT solutions, subscription-based cloud offerings and digital platforms for IoT, cybersecurity, virtualisation and AI. continued... Tanny Jeffrey leaves Mdee on a high On April 29, more than 50 channel directors and suppliers gathered at the BT Tower for Mdee’s Partner Event, delivered in partnership with its co-owners BT and EE. As well as being the final indirect channel event to be hosted at the BT Tower ahead of its planned transformation into a hotel, the occasion was the last Mdee event hosted by erstwhile Managing Director Tanny Jeffrey, who left the mobile distributor at the end of April after 12 years at the helm. She said: “Our success is built on the success of our partners. Bringing directors and key leaders together at the BT Tower is our way of saying thank you and recognising the incredible results delivered across the channel this year. I couldn’t think of a more fitting way to close my chapter at Mdee than being part of such a special event.” The day included panel sessions from Mdee, BT and EE; a presentation by headline sponsor Ivanti on the role of AI in automation, security and customer intelligence; drinks and a twocourse dinner on the 34th floor of BT Tower; and the Mdee Partner Awards. Airtime Solutions was named Best BT Partner for the second consecutive year, while Technology Recovery Group took home Best EE Partner. Best New Partner was awarded to We Care Comms, with Maintel picking up the award for Most Improved Partner. Daniel Hurel Mark Appleton
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DISTRIBUTOR NEWS ...continued 01732 759725 08 partners. Zero Trust access control, device visibility and compliance are challenges every organisation is grappling with, and Portnox gives our resellers a fast-to-deploy, cloud-first answer that they can take to market with confidence.” qbssoftware.com … Hammer and Stormshield to give partners a competitive edge Hammer Distribution is expanding its cybersecurity offering and giving channel partners a European alternative to traditional US-based firewall vendors, through a strategic distribution agreement with Stormshield, provider of a full suite of hardware and virtual Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW) appliances. Dominic Ryles, Director of Cyber and Cloud at Hammer Distribution, said: “In an era of evolving digital warfare, our partners need security solutions they can trust implicitly. Stormshield’s pedigree offers a level of assurance and European engineering excellence that is rare in the market. This partnership is not just about expanding our product line, it’s about providing our resellers with a competitive edge in the high-growth cybersecurity sector.” Find out more on page 20. … TD SYNNEX partners now able build their own marketplaces TD SYNNEX is giving partners in the UK and Ireland the opportunity to create their own selfservice storefronts through its StreamOne Ion aggregation platform. The white-label self-service storefronts give customers direct access to cloud purchasing and provisioning, management and usage reporting and enable partners to retain full control over branding, pricing and the customer relationship. Partners can set up their own URL for their storefront; control which solutions and services their customers can access and which customers can scale subscriptions up and down; trigger crosssell and upsell suggestions within storefronts to boost average order values; create multiple storefronts for different customer groups; and enable multi-factor authentication to ensure only authorised personnel have access. Simon Bennett, Managing Director – Advanced Solutions, UK and Ireland at TD SYNNEX, said: “With StreamOne White Label Storefronts partners can give today’s digitally led customers the convenience, speed and self-service control they expect. Backed by the power of our industry-leading StreamOne cloud platform, they can scale-up quickly and build stronger and more profitable business, differentiate in a crowded market and take their cloud services to the next stage of evolution.” https://uk.tdsynnex.com/ integrated solution offerings. Vendors that fail to adapt their commercial strategy risk becoming invisible in these ecosystems.” Appleton adds that the rise of cloud marketplaces is also redefining the role of distributors within the technology supply chain. “Rather than acting purely as intermediaries between vendors and partners, distributors are increasingly becoming ecosystem architects, helping vendors integrate solutions into marketplace platforms while enabling partners to build and deliver more complex cloud services,” he said. “The role of the distributor is no longer just about logistics or procurement. Distributors are now helping vendors and partners navigate marketplace platforms, build integrated solution ecosystems and create new revenue opportunities within those environments.” Appleton added: “The vendors that succeed in the next phase of the channel will be those that understand how ecosystems work. Cloud marketplaces reward integration, collaboration and service delivery, not just product availability.” https://also.com … Westcon-Comstor launches white-label SOC Westcon-Comstor is empowering channel partners across EMEA to deliver a Security Operations Centre under their own brand with zero upfront investment. The vendor-agnostic, white-label OneSOC service allows partners to launch and scale a SOC, backed by a dedicated, expert security team, without the upfront investment and ongoing operating costs associated with building a SOC in-house. A key component of the distributor’s new services go-to-market strategy, OneSOC delivers rapid, low-latency threat detection across IT, OT and cloud, with data sovereignty and storage flexibility, plus compliance-ready reporting for GDPR and NIS2. It is cloud-ready in minutes and can ingest data from any source. www.westconcomstor.com … Portnox partners with QBS Software QBS Software UK&I has signed a strategic distribution agreement with Portnox, giving reseller partners in the UK and Ireland access to cloudfirst access control technologies that ensure only authorised users and devices can access corporate resources. With cloud-native Network Access Control (NAC), Conditional Access and Risk-Based Device Authentication platforms, Portnox enables organisations to adopt a Zero Trust security model without the complexity of traditional infrastructureheavy deployments. The suite, backed by enablement programmes, technical training and go-to-market support from QBS Software, allows partners to address key security challenges, including device visibility, secure remote access, compliance and network segmentation. Jordan Travers, Group Head of Security at QBS Technology Group, said: “What excites me most about bringing Portnox into the Group Security portfolio is the impact it creates for our Rising to the challenge A 50-strong team from Giacom has raised £15,000 (and counting) for the Samaritans by completing the Peaks Trifecta Challenge sponsored by CityFibre. Held in the Peak District on 8 May, the three-part endurance event involved a 2km canoeing stage, a 22km hike and a 100ft abseil. Hayley Duckmanton, Chief People Officer at Giacom, said: “We’re incredibly proud of everyone who took part in the Peaks Trifecta Challenge. Completing all three stages was a real test, but the team showed fantastic determination, resilience and support for one another throughout. Samaritans does life-changing work, and it means a great deal to support a charity chosen by our own people. Thank you to everyone who donated, shared the campaign, sponsored the event or took part. Raising more than £15,000 so far is a fantastic achievement for an incredibly important cause.” https://www.justgiving.com/team/giacom-2026 Simon Bennett Giacom’s Peaks Trifecta Challenge team
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10 01732 759725 RESELLER NEWS company Prolimax and the appointment of Paul Allen as EVP, Sales EMEA. In addition to its UK and EMEA plans, the global engineer and provider of custom-designed, AI-driven solutions across infrastructure, applications, data, security and operations is strengthening its services and support operations in India with the establishment of a third centre of excellence in Bangalore, alongside its existing locations in Gurgaon and Hyderabad established in 2023. To help its US-based multinational clients manage their UK and EMEA infrastructure more effectively, AHEAD will, later this year, be opening a new AHEAD Foundry facility in Reading. AHEAD Foundry industrialises the build, configuration and testing of complex AI, highperformance computing and edge infrastructure and uses a robust IT lifecycle management platform, Hatch, to give IT teams a single view of every asset, site and shipment across every geography no matter where it was built or deployed. AHEAD is supporting Foundry in EMEA with the acquisition of Prolimax, a Netherlands-based technology services provider it has worked with for several years. With the regulatory infrastructure required to operate across the EU, Prolimax brings established EU supplier relationships and integration and logistics capability to Foundry. Leadership in the UK and EMEA will be provided by Executive Vice President of Sales EMEA Paul Allen, recently recruited from World Wide Technology where he was Area Vice President, Global Enterprise. Based in London, Allen has also held senior leadership roles at Dell Technologies and Dimension Data (NTT). Reporting to Executive Vice Chairman Stephen Ayoub, Allen will build AHEAD’s regional team and forge the partnerships needed to establish the company’s presence as a premier digital transformation partner for enterprise clients. https://www.ahead.com/ … ANS expands AI skills offering with new apprenticeship programmes ANS has become one of the first companies approved by the Department for Education (DfE) to deliver the Level 5 AI Leadership Apprenticeships Unit designed to upskill leaders responsible for AI adoption strategies. Unlike traditional apprenticeships, apprenticeship units are shorter, flexible programmes focused on targeted skills development, enabling learners to gain specialist expertise in a matter of weeks. Fully funded and designed to fit around existing roles, they provide organisations with a more accessible way to build critical AI capabilities. Available through the ANS Academy, the Level 5 AI Leadership Apprenticeships Unit is designed for leaders, managers and professionals responsible for shaping AI adoption strategies within their organisations. It focuses on areas including innovation management, governance and responsible AI implementation. The digital transformation provider is also Ekco capabilities validated by Nerdio and Mimecast Ekco Cloud & Security has achieved validation of its managed cloud and cybersecurity capabilities from email and collaboration security specialist Mimecast and Nerdio, a provider of management tools for Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop and Microsoft 365 solutions. As well as becoming one of just 27 partners in the UK to hold Mimecast Elite MSP status, the security-first, Microsoft-centric MSP has secured Nerdio Gold partner status in approximately half the time taken by most partners. Nerdio Gold accreditation builds on Ekco’s Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) specialisation and extends its capability across the full AVD migration and operational lifecycle. Ben Savage, UK CEO of Ekco, said: “We’re extremely selective about the partners we work with, and when we commit to a partnership, we are fully committed, embedding their capabilities into how we design and develop services for customers. We’ve rapidly developed a deep expertise with Nerdio and Mimecast, integrating their capabilities into how we deliver managed services for customers.” … AHEAD powers EMEA expansion with new Reading facility AHEAD, an MSP and provider of consulting to the likes of AWS, Cisco and Microsoft, is accelerating its international expansion to meet surging demand for cloud-native infrastructure and AI-driven operations with the establishment of a new facility in the UK, the acquisition of Netherlands-based technology Amazon Business launches Business Essentials Amazon Business has launched a new buying programme to help organisations in the UK simplify how they source everyday low-value, high-frequency business purchases. Business Essentials introduces a more guided buying experience, giving teams quick access to a curated range of commonly purchased products across key categories such as office, IT, janitorial and breakroom supplies, supported by competitive pricing, quantity discounts, same or next-day delivery options and integration with Amazon Business tools such as spend visibility, approval workflows and purchasing controls to support more compliant buying. Amy Worth, Director, Amazon Business UK and Public Sector Customers EU, says that removing the need to navigate Amazon’s full catalogue helps organisations save time, reduce costs and stay focused on running their business. She said: “Organisations today are under pressure to do more with less, and that often starts with the everyday items they rely on to keep things moving. With Business Essentials, we’re making it easier for customers to quickly find the products they need most, at prices that help stretch budgets further, all through a simple, familiar buying experience.” business.amazon.co.uk Help to Grow brings clarity to Anumana Anumana, a Wilmslow-based data and AI consultancy, has hailed the impact of a government programme designed to help businesses scale more sustainably. Delivered through a national network of 64 accredited business schools, Help to Grow: Management aims to help 30,000 SMEs across the UK strengthen decision-making, improve operational resilience and build stronger foundations for growth. The 12-week, 50-hour programme of workshops, one-to-one mentoring and peer learning is 90% government-funded, which reduces the cost to £750 per participant. Alumni also gain access to a national network offering opportunities for ongoing support, collaboration and continued development. Hemant Patel, Founder and CEO of Anumana, attended a programme delivered by The University of Salford’s Salford Business School, which has supported 252 businesses across more than 60 sectors in the last five years. He said: “Over the past 18 months, our growth has been very fast, but it also became difficult to manage. The programme gave me the opportunity to step back and really understand what was working and what needed to change. One of the biggest outcomes has been the clarity we now have. We have a clear plan, a stronger value proposition and much better structure across sales, marketing and delivery. We have also simplified our offering, which has made us more focused, agile and commercially effective.” https://sustainable-innovation.salford.ac.uk/ programmes/help-to-grow-management-course/
RESELLER NEWS technologyreseller.co.uk 11 continued... https://thrivenextgen.com/transformit/ … CrowdStrike first for Smarttech247 Smarttech247 has become the first cybersecurity services provider based in Ireland to join CrowdStrike’s Partner Services Delivery programme. CrowdStrike is already a technology partner within Smarttech247’s VisionX MDR platform, which enables Smarttech247’s clients globally to detect, investigate and respond to threats across their environments at speed. Starting in June, Smarttech247 will take the relationship further by providing CrowdStrike partners with an AI-enabled MDR platform for implementing, onboarding and running CrowdStrike Falcon-powered security operations. CrowdStrike partners that extend CrowdStrike’s advanced Next-Gen SIEM capabilities to their end customers can be confident that they are backed by a dedicated, expert MDR delivery partner providing round-the-clock expertise and operational capability. Smarttech247 CEO Raluca Saceanu said: “We are delighted to be the first Irish Partner Services Delivery partner and I believe this is a strong endorsement of our commitment to innovation in security operations. This partnership allows us to support both end customers and CrowdStrike partners by simplifying deployment, accelerating time-to-value and delivering world-class managed cybersecurity services.” … CPS acquired by Hexaware Hexaware Technologies, a global IT services and solutions provider, has acquired Consulting Professionals Services Holdings and its wholly owned subsidiary Consulting Professionals Services (CPS). Primarily based in the UK and the United Arab Emirates, CPS is a specialist technology consulting and professional services firm covering regulatory compliance, technology infrastructure, governance & risk and business transformation in the financial services and market infrastructure sectors. The acquisition of CPS will enable Hexaware to enhance its strategic positioning with a FTSE 100 client shared by both companies and strengthen its status as a trusted AI and cloud transformation partner to leading financial institutions and blue-chip Thrive acting as a partner and consultant in co‑managed deployments. Thrive’s latest updates add advanced AI-driven automations and embedded AI capabilities that enable customers to use ServiceNow’s hyperspecific and optimised workflows to reduce manual IT tasks, accelerate service resolution and improve operational efficiency. They also provide a streamlined onboarding and deployment process that enables customers to implement the platform more quickly and realise value faster. TransformIT’s capabilities include pre-built IT workflows and AI-powered IT automation workflows; an enterprise-grade ITSM platform delivered via ServiceNow; co-managed IT services; a selfservice IT portal with AI-assisted issue entry to reduce resolution times; and built-in security and compliance tracking. Thrive CEO Bill McLaughlin said: “Mid-market and SMB organisations need next generation solutions to make their businesses more efficient and more responsive, but the reality is that they are unable to get their hands on these tools either due to resource constraints or complexity. We are positioned to solve, implement and manage technology that meets clients where they’re at.” launching the Level 4 AI & Automation Practitioner apprenticeship aimed at developing the leadership and operational skills of individuals in technical and non-technical roles. Areas covered include prompting, AI agents, quality management, governance, ethics and organisational change. Toria Walters, Chief People Officer at ANS, said: “As AI moves from experimentation into everyday business operations, organisations need people with the skills to adopt it strategically and responsibly at scale. Expanding our Academy offering with these programmes is an important part of how we support that transition. They have been designed to make AI skills development far more accessible and practical for organisations at every stage of their AI journey. Together, they provide a flexible pathway for organisations looking to build confidence and capability around AI quickly and responsibly.” At the beginning of this year, the ANS Academy became the first apprenticeship provider to achieve a ‘strong standard’ across all categories under Ofsted’s new inspection framework. Registrations of interest are now open for both programmes, with cohort enrolment planned for Q3/Q4 2026 for organisations. … Thrive updates platform with AI-driven automation Thrive, a global technology outsourcing provider for AI, cybersecurity, cloud and IT managed services, has added new AI-powered automation workflows to its TransformIT platform. Powered by ServiceNow, Thrive’s TransformIT platform brings together the business knowledge, tools and expertise needed to improve IT performance, increase scalability and deliver a modern digital workplace experience, with Still the best Onecom, the UK’s largest independent provider of business communications and IT services with more than 65,000 customers and annual revenues of £220 million, has won three awards in the annual Vodafone Partner Awards. As well as being named Vodafone’s Strategic Partner of the Year for the 16th consecutive year, the Hampshire-based company received the Innovation Partner of the Year award for its fully managed cyber security solution CyberProtect and the Deal of the Year award for a 4,000-subscription, £1.6m contract with a leading UK business. Onecom CEO Aaron Brown said: “Sixteen years of success doesn’t happen by accident. Whether we’re keeping businesses safe through cutting-edge cyber security or helping them communicate with customers through voice, connectivity and our recently launched Onecom Halo agentic AI workforce platform, our commitment to excellence is at the heart of everything we do.” www.onecom.co.uk Aaron Brown Bold IT awarded AFC Bronze award West Midlands IT business Bold IT has been awarded an Armed Forces Covenant (AFC) Bronze Award by the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme in recognition of its pledge to support the Armed Forces community and be open to employing reservists, veterans and their families. The Tamworth-based IT support business became a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant (AFC), following the appointment of Danny Leitch as Managing Director in January. Leitch left the Armed Forces in December 2022 with the rank of Major after joining the Parachute Regiment aged 17 in 1993 and completing tours of duty in Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan. He said: “I am passionate about giving back to the military and recognising what the military and their families sacrifice for our national security. When CVs come from reservists or veterans, I pay particular attention to them.” Bold IT, a provider of IT maintenance & monitoring, consultancy, cyber security services and awareness training, has increased turnover by more than 400% since brothers Steven and Anthony Brazier completed a management buyout in 2021. https://boldit.co.uk (l-r) Anthony Brazier, Danny Leitch, Steven Brazier Toria Walters
RESELLER NEWS 12 01732 759725 ...continued flexible and outcome-focused from day one, helping mid-size companies thrive in today’s AI-powered digital era by proactively enhancing employee productivity and experience.” … Currys Business launches leasing product The rising cost of everything from energy to wages and national insurance contributions is transforming how cash-strapped SMEs choose to pay for technology, claims Currys Business. According to the tech retailer’s own data, SMEs’ appetite for tech leasing has more than tripled in the past year, with 13% now favouring leasing compared to just 4% previously. The Finance and Leasing Association has also noted growing demand for IT leasing amongst SMBs – up 19% in the year to November 2025. To meet this demand, Currys is introducing a new leasing solution in partnership with CF Corporate. Integrated into the Currys Business e-commerce platform, Business Finance enables SMEs to access funding for their technology needs, with leasing decisions in as little as 30 minutes. Applications can be made online, through a UK-based contact centre or in any one of 60 Currys in-store Business Hubs. … Kiteworks signs Grey Matter as reseller partner Kiteworks, which empowers organisations to manage risk in the sharing and use of private data, has appointed Grey Matter as a reseller partner. Scott Harrison, Cyber Security Solutions Specialist at Grey Matter, said: “Having Kiteworks as a partner enables us to deliver secure, enterprise-grade Managed File Transfer, File Share & Collaboration and Compliant AI solutions to our clients. This collaboration strengthens our portfolio with market-leading content protection capabilities, helping organisations meet strict compliance and data security requirements with confidence.” The Kiteworks platform unifies, tracks, controls and secures sensitive data moving within, into and out of an organisation, significantly improving risk management and ensuring regulatory compliance on all private data exchanges. The modular, AI-first, subscription service gives mid-market businesses with 5,000-15,000 employees access to rapidly deployable enterprisegrade automation and AI, starting with a structured discovery phase to identify each business’s specific requirements and the components most relevant to their workforce profile. DWPaaS implements AI-powered automation from day one, with chatbots configured against a generalised knowledge base covering 85% of common FAQ scenarios out of the box. Customerspecific knowledge can be integrated as part of a wider 90-day onboarding phase. DWPaaS aims to resolve 60% of tickets through automation by year three, with live chat, not voice channels, handling residual interactions. Fully optimised environments can reach 80-85% automation. A value-sharing model means that as automation matures and service demand reduces so does the cost-per-user which Atos says is already comparable to the cost of internal IT support. Lewis Herbert, Head of Digital Workplace, Smart Platforms and Technology Services at Atos UK&I, said: “Digital Workplace as a Service fills the gap that midsize companies face when having to choose between basic IT support and complex, costly solutions designed for large enterprises. It’s designed to be fast, organisations. hexaware.com … Onecom builds closer ties with APFN Onecom Group has signed a strategic agreement with APFN giving its direct sales operation and network of more than 1,000 resellers access to an expanded range of full-fibre connectivity services from the likes of Openreach, CityFibre, BT Wholesale and Sky Business Wholesale. While Onecom’s salesforce will have direct access to APFN’s aquila wholesale platform, the company’s channel partners will access the same products via channel-led aggregator Onecom Partners’ OneHub portal, which has now been integrated with aquila. In addition, Onestream, the consumer broadband provider owned by Onecom, has doubled its customer base to 150,000 connections and gained access to a broader full-fibre offering via APFN’s aquila wholesale platform after agreeing to acquire APFN’s Cuckoo broadband customer base. Under the agreement, Cuckoo’s customer contracts, brand and domain will transfer from APFN to Onestream, with all customer connections remaining on APFN’s aquila wholesale platform. Steve Evans, Managing Director of Onestream, said: “This acquisition opens up full access to a broader full-fibre portfolio and everything APFN has to offer, while doubling our base to 150,000 customers. For customers, it means wider access to full-fibre and high-speed broadband throughout the UK, as well as the opportunity to take advantage of our competitive pricing.” Founded in 2016, Onestream is one of the UK’s fastest-growing residential ISPs, signing up an average of 3,000 new customers every month. www.onecom.co.uk www.onecompartners.co.uk … Atos targets mid-sized businesses with DWPaaS Digital transformation company Atos UK&I is enhancing IT support for mid-sized businesses with the launch of Digital Workplace as a Service (DWPaaS). Cambridge Helpdesk acquisition a ‘pivotal milestone’ for Tela Birmingham-based telecoms and connectivity service provider Tela Technology has taken a big step forward in its growth strategy with the acquisition of Cambridge Helpdesk, a Chatteris-based IT support specialist focused on cybersecurity, telecoms and cloud-based services. The deal was advised by Annie Shiel, KBS Corporate Associate Director, representing Cambridge Helpdesk directors Danny Brown and Stuart Brown, who founded the Chatteris-based company in 2006. Shez Cheema, CEO of Tela Technology, said: “The acquisition of Cambridge Helpdesk represents a pivotal milestone in Tela Technology’s ‘buy and build’ strategy. Following the enhancement of our service portfolio, we recognised the need to further bolster our regional capabilities in IT managed services and cybersecurity. This deal not only strengthens our geographical footprint but also adds deep technical expertise that aligns perfectly with our mission to provide unified ‘high-growth technology solutions’ across the UK.” www.kbscorporate.com Kubus continues 2026 growth strategy with acquisition of TenTechnology Kubus Group, a global technology partner specialising in networking, IP infrastructure and managed services, has created a centre of AV technology excellence within its business, with the acquisition of TenTechnology Group. Jeremy Keefe, CEO of Kubus, said: “The acquisition of TenTechnology Group is yet another step forward in our mission to simplify and deliver effective solutions for our global client base. As 2026 continues, our goal remains clear: to grow rapidly without compromising the professional excellence our partners expect. The acquisition of TenTechnology brings a wealth of specialised talent and deep vertical market knowledge that complements and expands our existing solutions engine.” Headquartered in Cirencester, Kubus provides end-to-end solutions, from procurement and global logistics to 24/7 managed support. Jeremy Keefe
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