The Technology Channels Association (TCA) is set to form a self-governing body of top members to identify key issues and further the cause of the channel.

The Premium Reseller Group is part of recently appointed chief executive Adam Harris’ plans for the trade body. It will be officially launched at a TCA get-together next month, and will feature top-level management figures from about a quarter of the TCA’s most ardent members.

“There may be issues to come out of the discussions that we can take further in terms of lobbying government,” said Harris.

He claimed one of his priorities was to ensure he was working with committed, scrupulous members.

“It is clear there is a lack of transparency and responsibility in the sector,” he said.
“The public’s perception is that there are a lot of rogue traders and we need a clear differentiation between those and the good firms.”

Other goals earmarked by Harris include ensuring TCA initiatives and events focus on return on investment and business benefits. He also hailed the TCA’s formation, which saw the Professional Computing Association (PCA) merge with the Mac Technology Association.

“The PCA brand was outdated,” he said. “The merger has been incredibly positive.”
Harris claimed “negotiations are ongoing” with various accreditation bodies to work with TCA members to promote vendor-neutral industry certifications.

“The industry as a whole has a responsibility to start benchmarking,” he added.
VAR Probrand is a TCA member and marketing director Stephen Bushell hailed the focus on accreditation.

“It is always good to see people changing with the times,” he said.