EquIP founder Grahame Smee has launched a new distributor that will focus on seeding the UK market for emerging vendors.
Having left security distributor equIP in November in the wake of its acquisition by Horizon Technology Group (CRN, 6 February 2006), Smee is now managing director of the new firm – Cohort Technology, which launched on 1 March.
Cohort, which has already signed contracts with VegaStream, ShoreTel and Mi5 Networks, will work exclusively in the IP voice, high-end security and high-end storage sectors. Both VegaStream and ShoreTel also work with equIP.
Smee exclusively told CRN: “EquIP had gone through some changes as a result of the acquisition and I felt the time was right to move on. I had some fresh business ideas and am now putting them into practice.
“We’re looking for VARs that are willing to invest in new technology. We will work with them to generate interest at the end-user level.”
Scott Dobson, managing director of comms distributor Vcomm, said: “Grahame was the engine room of equIP and it hasn’t replaced him since he left. All manufacturers see this gap, so I wouldn’t be surprised if equIP loses a couple of franchises and Cohort gains them.”
Mark Hatton, managing director of security distributor Sphinx, said: “There is room for another security distributor and Grahame will do well. Starting a new business focused on emerging vendors is a sound idea.”
Graham Fox, managing director of distributor Fresh Egg, said: “With Grahame’s track record it will be a success, but it will depend on the vendors he brings in.”
Former equIP services director Ian Gilbey is heading up Cohort’s services unit. Horizon EquIP was unavailable for comment.
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