Acer expands UK horizons with Bridgehead alliance

Bridgehead International is collaborating with Acer, which marks Acer’s commitment to supplying a diverse range of eco-friendly and cutting-edge products across the United Kingdom.
The product portfolio Acer is introducing in the UK includes a variety of new items such as eScooters, eBikes, power batteries, air purification systems, and 5G connectivity products. This move aligns with Acer’s dedication to providing consumers with sustainable and innovative solutions which enhance their daily lives.
Bridgehead will assume the pivotal role of specialist distributors for the upcoming product line and deliver the comprehensive go-to-market plan for each of the new Acer product categories.
Acer’s spokesperson, Darren Calow, new business development for Acer UK, shared insights on the collaboration, stating, “We sought a partner who shares our values and offers a proven track record in taking new innovations to market, and Bridgehead stood out for their transparent approach, rapid results ethos and their extensive network of channel partners.”
Paul McIntosh, founder and CEO of Bridgehead International Agency, expressed his enthusiasm about partnering with Acer and introducing their new products to the UK market. He emphasised the growing trend of ethical consumerism and highlighted the competitive advantage companies gain by prioritising sustainability. McIntosh said, “Consumers in the UK, and globally, are increasingly committed to ethical purchasing. Acer’s offering of high-quality and eco-conscious tech will definitely strike a chord with consumers in the UK. It’s wonderful pleasure for us to be working with such a great brand and helping to incubate the new tech categories across the Acer portfolio and bringing them to market here in the UK.”

 

Sol Distribution joins forces with Weblib to deliver digital solutions

Sol Distribution has eneterd into a distribution partnership with Weblib, a digital transformation specialist focusing on delivering solutions to a range of business-to-business and business-to-consumer clientele.
This partnership will see the addition of Weblib’s flagship products to Sol’s expanding digital portfolio. This includes ‘smilein’, a product that allows customers within the hospitality sector to choose and order food from their devices, ‘Smart WiFi’, ‘Ucopia’ and ‘Ucopia Cloud’ – all Weblib solutions for managing WiFi access and captive portals.
Charlie Dickinson, operations and logistics manager at Sol Distribution, said: “When we first came across Weblib, it seemed like an ideal fit. As we strive to expand our portfolio, especially in software solutions, partnering with Weblib was a natural progression. This partnership is a significant step towards realising our vision of delivering a comprehensive suite of IT solutions, tailored to meet the diverse needs of our clients. We’re looking forward to what comes next.”
Jason Goody, channel director UKI at Weblib, added: “Collaborating with Sol Distribution is a key moment for us. With Sol’s expertise and knowledge of the IT channel network across the UK and Europe, we’re excited to see what further growth opportunities may arise.”

 

Lexmark launches A3 printers and MFPs

Lexmark has launched the Lexmark 9-Series, a family of Lexmark-designed A3 colour printers and multifunction products (MFPs) that boldly resets the industry standard.
Built by evolving Lexmark’s renowned A4 technology, the 9-Series is squarely focused on delivering versatility, simplicity and sustainability. The company started with its award-winning A4 technology and scaled it up through years of development, testing and innovation. The result is a line of fully featured, highly sophisticated A3 devices that are easy to use, manage, service and feel good about.
“With the introduction of our new internally developed A3 platform, the Lexmark 9-Series offers all the benefits of a simpler A4 device in a fully featured A3 package,” said Melanie Hudson, Lexmark senior vice president and chief commercial officer. “And of course, the line retains our commitment to products, services and solutions that are reliable, durable, cost-saving and Secure by Design.”
The Lexmark 9-Series is composed of eight models: the Lexmark CX963, CX962, CX961, CS963, CX833, CX951, CX950 and MX953.
The series offers a broad range of media size support (A6 to SRA3), high-volume duty cycles, a common set of modular paper-handling options, finishing capabilities and professional colour features including Pantone calibration.
Its interface streamlines workflows by providing simple instructions and prompts. For routine maintenance, toner cartridges can be replaced with one hand, easily understood visual cues are displayed, and serviceable areas are easy to access and identify.
The series’ post-consumer recycled (PCR) content is 56% by weight for all base-model MFPs and 73% by weight for the line’s base-model printer, based on IEEE calculation procedures — figures that lead the industry. * The space-saving, energy-efficient design helps reduce the carbon footprint. The 9-Series is designed and built to last seven years or more. Having few components helps reduce the likelihood of technical failure while also minimising the service time required for repairs and maintenance. Experienced technicians can perform the 10 most common service actions, even highly complex tasks, in less than 15 minutes, according to Lexmark testing.
The entire line of devices has received Energy Star certification; EPEAT certification is pending. And all this comes from a company that technology analyst firm Quocirca named a leader in sustainability, noting that Lexmark “sets a remarkable standard in the industry.”
Models available starting in June
The Lexmark CX963, CX962, CX961, CS963 and CX833 models are scheduled to be available in June. The Lexmark CX951, CX950 and MX953 models are scheduled to be available in the first quarter of 2025.
Models offered for business solutions dealers
Six new MFPs specifically designed for business solutions dealers will also be available through authorised solution providers. The Lexmark XC9655, XC9645, XC9635 and XC8355 will be available in June. The Lexmark XC9535 and XC9525 are scheduled for release in the first quarter of 2025.

 

Arrow Electronics accelerates Copilot for Microsoft 365 through ArrowSphere Cloud

Arrow Electronics is providing Copilot for Microsoft 365 via ArrowSphere Cloud, making it readily available to channel partners in EMEA. It is also delivering a dedicated programme of enablement designed to help resellers accelerate the opportunity with Copilot.
Launched in Microsoft Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) program in January, Copilot for Microsoft 365 uses the power of generative AI and natural language processing to boost user productivity and creativity.
As a Microsoft distributor in more than 20 European countries, Arrow has over 300 Copilot-certified specialists working locally to support channel partners with their Copilot implementations. Each one is fully licenced for Copilot for Microsoft 365 to ensure they have first-hand experience of the impact it can make and to help resellers position Copilot to customers so they can grow their business.
Understanding the importance of data security and compliance, these specialists are working with customers to identify the prerequisites for a smooth and secure Copilot introduction, giving them the opportunity to benefit from its capabilities without compromising data integrity.
Brendan Murphy, global director of public cloud at Arrow, said, “As Copilot for Microsoft 365 users ourselves, we know the impact it can make. We use our hands-on experience to help our resellers build their skills and unlock the potential of the platform. We invested significant time pre-launch, working with Microsoft to make sure we were ready to go on day one.  Our resellers didn’t waste any time, transacting within the first hour.
“To support the channel, Arrow hosted a global livestream on launch day across several social media platforms. The enablement is continuing with a wide range of global and local training initiatives, including webinars such as, “Unlocking the partner opportunity of Copilot for Microsoft 365.”
Copilot for Microsoft 365 can be sourced and activated through ArrowSphere Cloud, Arrow’s cloud delivery and management platform. Channel partners can also use the new security dashboard to access an aggregated view of their customers’ security posture, quickly identifying any threats.
In 2023 Arrow was awarded Microsoft Partner of the Year in the Indirect Provider category for both Western Europe and France.

 

Van Tieghem steps up as director of technical sales support at PPDS

PPDS has promoted of experienced AV engineer, Jan Van Tieghem, as its new director of technical sales support.
Based in Ghent, with an EMEA remit, Jan is one of the most qualified and skilled professionals in his field, with an AV career spanning more than 20 years, 15 of which have been devoted exclusively to supporting the evolution, development, and success of Philips Professional Displays on a global scale.
A loyal, long serving and valued team member, Jan’s association with Philips first began in 2006 when he joined the company as a System Validation Engineer. Since then, Jan’s knowledge and skillset have continued to expand and evolve through a number of important team leadership positions, supporting PPDS’ strategy to deliver total solutions across the market verticals and through the full spectrum of display solutions.
Jan will now lead support teams across all PPDS product ranges – digital signage including ePaper, interactive displays, videowalls, dvLED, and professional TVs – located in the company’s innovation centre in Ghent, Belgium, and throughout all regions in EMEA, including Benelux, CEE, DACH, France, Iberia, Italy, the Nordics, SEE, and UK and Ireland.
Service and support
As director of technical sales support, Jan’s key responsibilities will include supporting B2B sales activities (pre- and post-sales), working with new and existing partners for final validation of new software releases on all product platforms, ensuring EMEA market compliance, and assisting customers in delivering hands-on, live, and video training for seamless and successful installation and project outcomes.
Reinforcing PPDS’ unparalleled commitment to partners and customers, Jan and his team will also provide dedicated support for customers in mastering the application of PPDS’ products, services, and solutions; assisting with integration for projects; defining best configurations for tailored needs, simulating and testing customers setups, and solving any interface or compatibility issues.
Discussing his new role at PPDS, Jan said: “I am hugely excited to have been given the opportunity and responsibility to lead the EMEA technical sales support team. The transformation and growth of the business over the past 15 years have been extraordinary, evolving from a traditional manufacturer of displays to one that now offers one of the industry’s most complete choice of total solutions, with software – developed in-house and with third-party providers – now a key strategic focus.
“We will continue to build upon the achievements of the team and work hard to ensure we lead from the front to bring the world’s best support and solutions to our partners and customers. It’s a great new challenge and I’m very much looking forward to the journey ahead.”

 

Westcoast welcomes Samsung Hospitality TVs for a full B2B Samsung Display offering

Samsung Hospitality TVs (HTVs) are now available as part of Westcoast’s Samsung Display portfolio. Samsung’s HTV solutions join LFD, LED, Monitors and Interactive Screens to enable Westcoast to offer the full B2B Samsung Display portfolio.
“We’ve always felt that our partners should be able to access the full B2B Samsung Display range in one place,” said Richard Carr, AV director at Westcoast. “We’re proud to say that Westcoast is now that place. With Samsung HTVs, the UK’s largest distributor is also the perfect partner for all things Samsung Display for the hospitality sector.”
Samsung HTV devices are ideally suited to the hospitality sector, allowing venues like hotels and restaurants to build engaging, entertaining environments for their customers. Crystal UHD and Dynamic Crystal Colour ensure messages are communicated clearly. Sizes range from 32” to 75”, suitable for settings of any size – while an ultra-slim design means the device itself doesn’t get in the way. And the in-built LYNK Cloud platform gives managers complete control with remote management for content and devices – and even insights into how both are used.
The HTV range builds on the Westcoast B2B Samsung Display offering, complemented by Samsung LFD, LED, Monitors and Interactive Screens – plus a broad range of value-added services and benefits. Not least of these is the high stock availability and efficient order turnaround, made possible through Westcoast’s state-of-the-art distribution centres. Other services include finance options, marketing collateral, logistics facilities and pre and post-sales support.
“The addition is testament to the continued dedication of Westcoast to its partnerships,” said Richard Carr. “With this piece of the Samsung Display portfolio now in place, we’re excited to find new ways to build on our relationship with Samsung – and continue to pass on the benefits to our partners.”

 

Sol Distribution partners with HPE Aruba Networking

Sol Distribution has formed a new strategic commercial partnership between Sol Distribution and HPE Aruba, a subsidiary of Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), specialising in networking solutions.
HPE Aruba Networking specialises in delivering enterprise-grade networking technology and services, including wireless LAN, edge computing, security, and management solutions. Aruba’s contributions are instrumental in shaping the future landscape of networking technology.
This partnership allows Sol Distribution to sell the branded HPE product set, such as Aruba, Silver Peak and Axis Security.
Graeme Sutton, the managing director of Sol Distribution said: “We’re proud of our relationship with Axis Security, and I view this opportunity as a chance to further serve its client base. We are pleased to add esteemed brands such as Hewlett-Packard Enterprise’s Aruba product set to our offerings. In addition to continued Axis Security sales, we can now also sell the HPE Aruba Silver Peak product sets. This will enable our customers to utilise Sol Distribution as a one-stop-shop for all their networking requirements.”
Merging Aruba’s innovative solutions with Sol Distribution’s deep understanding of the IT channel network across the UK and Europe, the partnership is poised to deliver unparalleled value to customers. This partnership will allow Sol Distribution to better address the evolving needs of businesses across various sectors, from healthcare to finance, education, and beyond.

 

Fujifilm launches multifunction office printers into the UK

Fujifilm Europe has launched its high quality multifunction office printers, Apeos series in Europe for the first time. The printers are developed by Fujifilm Business Innovation Corp. of Japan, with the UK launch event being held on 25 April. The events will mark the arrival of the range in those countries, followed by a phased rollout initially in France and Spain, and then other countries in the coming months.
Fujifilm Business Innovation is the number one supplier of A3 multifunction printers in the Asia Pacific region, with Fujifilm technology powering millions of office printers across the globe. Prior to today, none of these devices had been available under the Fujifilm brand except in the Asia Pacific region.
Fujifilm will be offering the A3 multifunction printers, Apeos series, with a focus on productivity, reliability, and growing demands in the work environment. The printers provide uncompromising usability, enhanced security, with quick and simple operability to support user’s success in Europe.
Built on Fujifilm’s decades of print and imaging expertise, the Apeos range is designed for the modern workplace. From remote / mobile printing capabilities, to security features and sustainability credentials, Apeos is a high-value multifunction printer range, designed to support digital transformation, and to meet the rapidly changing and hugely diverse demands of the fast-paced, flexible, post-Covid office environment.

 

Synaxon appoints Anthony Hampson as account executive

Synaxon has made a further addition to its UK team as it looks to continue its growth, appointing Anthony Hampson as Account Executive. He brings a wealth of experience to the company, having previously spent seven years in sales and account management roles within the IT distribution sector. At Synaxon he will be responsible both for expanding and growing engagement and activity with existing partners and recruiting and bringing new partners on board.
Miguel Rodriguez, managing director, Synaxon Hub, said: ‘We’re delighted to welcome Anthony who will be a valuable addition to our enthusiastic UK team. His experience working closely with partners means he has a really excellent understanding of their needs, and how Synaxon’s services can help them to grow, develop and thrive.”
Hampson joins a team of UK-based personnel who are focused on supporting partners and helping them to get the best out of the company’s key services – the Synaxon Hub distribution business, the EGIS procurement platform, and Synaxon Managed Services. In addition, there are 30 personnel based in Germany that provide direct support for all these functions and also for Synaxon’s Managed Workplace desktop-as-a-service offering, and its Project Support services, which gives partners a convenient and easy way to deliver complex infrastructure solutions without having to make additional investments in highly-skilled technical personnel.
The extended Synaxon team in Germany numbers more than 300 and has wide-ranging capabilities. It includes accredited specialists in specific vendor technologies and expert business consultants and project managers, all of whom are available to UK partners.
Rodriguez added: “Everything we do at Synaxon is about supporting our partners in maximising their opportunities. We have a tremendously broad set of capabilities within Synaxon and can make all those skills and support available to UK partners. Collectively, our services provide smaller partners with all the resources and support they need to address all their opportunities, whether it’s for the sale of a single laptop, or a significant infrastructure project. If a partner needs technical assistance of additional capacity, Synaxon can help.”

 

TD Synnex stocks Sophos security appliances in UK first

TD Synnex has become the first UK distributor to hold Sophos hardware security products in stock and is ready to ship to partners across the UK. Sophos has a range of firewall appliances, and its solutions are now available for partners to order on TD Synnex’s InTouch e-commerce platform.
Alison Nixon, business unit director – security, UK said: “For Sophos partners, this is a huge change and a big opportunity. Our customers have been asking us to apply our best-in-class stocking and ordering capabilities to the Sophos hardware products and we’ve worked with Sophos to make that happen. This means that our partners will now be able to fulfil orders more or less immediately and that will give them more chances to win new business and deliver a higher level of service to their customers.”
Solutions available from TD Synnex include the Sophos XGS Firewall range of appliances. These devices come with built-in defences and integrate with Sophos MDR and Sophos XDR to provide automated response and synchronised protection, stopping threats before they can cause serious problems.