A collapse in training budgets at smaller security resellers has prompted e92plus to step in and offer free sales training.

The security distributor held its inaugural Sales Academy in central London on 3 November.

It plans to hold one academy each quarter, each focusing on a different skillset, such as cross-selling or presentations.

Mukesh Gupta, managing director of e92plus, said the economic climate means smaller VARs are no longer keen to send employees on paid courses.

“Resellers are loath to put their hand in their pockets for technical training and sales training is even further down their list of priorities,” he said.

“So it is a good idea for us to promote this kind of service to our partners.”

The first academy featured presentations from vendors such as Websense, Barracuda Networks, Xirrus and WinMagic and was attended by 35 VARs.

Gupta said the Sales Academy builds on other free services e92plus has recently introduced, including an offer of installation with every order.