Channel Chat Podcast

In today's season finale Marc gets back in touch with the Group CEO of Computacenter Mike Norris. They catch up at the end of the lockdown (having originally spoken in April) to look at the state of the IT channel and the wider UK economy. Marc and Mike also look at the impact of the governments furlough scheme and what the 'bounce-back' might look like. Marc also discusses the famous Computacenter sales kick offs and the impact of the CC FMES jacket on helping to build a successful culture.

Today Marc has been joined in the virtual studio by the CEO of Fuze; Brian Day. They discuss the changing landscape for his business at Fuze and the future of the workplace with employees in many areas still unable to return to their office locations. They also talk about the future investments the business will be making in other markets and what the outlook is for the short and medium term.

Today Marc is joined in the studio by the founder and CEO of RMTH. Ross is an entrepreneur with a track record of growing business and RMTH is the result of a vision that he has had for many years. RMTH officially started during lockdown, Marc and Ross discuss the business and what challenges he has found starting a business during this uncertain period and what the future plans are for the business going forward.

Today Marc had the pleasure of meeting Richard Betts the Chief Revenue Officer of Charterhouse Voice and Data. They discussed the way Charterhouse responded to lock-down and the way in which they have embraced flexible / home-working practices as a result and how this will become the 'new normal' after lock-down eases. They also discuss the increased opportunities and threats the have arisen during this time and what companies can do to counteract these risks.

Today Marc has been joined in the virtual studio by one of the Directors from Convergent Technology Ltd. Convergent have been busy planning and executing their expansion both physical (into new offices) and by growing their sales force during this lockdown period. Marc and Michel discuss these plans in more detail as well as what it takes to get ahead in the technology arena.

Today Marc was joined in the studio by Lee Hughes the COO and Darren Finney the Vice President, EMEA Partner Sales from Citrix. They discuss Citrix's approach to lockdown, how they were well prepared having predicted the crisis in January and the steps they have taken as a business to not only keep their own staff safe but the initiatives that have been put in place to help the partner community in these challenging times.

Today Marc has been joined in the studio by the MD of Bamboo Technology Group; Lorrin White. After recently agreeing to an office move (prior to the Covid-19 pandemic) Lorrin and Marc discuss the impact on the new design as well as the changes needed to continue to run their successful business.

Today Marc has been speaking to Iain Clack from Thomsons Online Benefits. Iain is one of the relatively few people who has secured and started a new position within the lockdown period. Marc and Iain discuss the challenges of recruiting during lockdown and also the nature of employee benefits schemes and how this current crisis is likely to have a fundamental impact on how both employers and employees view their benefits packages.

Today Marc has been joined by the CEO of Telarus. Telarus are a privately owned master distributor (master agent) who are growing quickly here in the UK. Marc and Adam discuss the impact on the UK channel and the likely changes ahead for resellers / partners as this business model becomes more prevalent.

Today Marc has been joined in the virtual studio by the Channel Sales Director from Fujitsu; Paul Mclean. With the lockdown easing they discuss the way companies will have to change in order to cope with the new guidelines. Also how traditional competitors are now working together more and more in order to deliver the best solution to their customers.