Mac trade body gives small VARs a bite at Apple

Trade body claims recent induction of "big hitters" such as Cancom shows its acceptance by the Apple channel

After adding Apple Premium Reseller Cancom, trade body the Mac Technology Association has claimed it is gaining traction as an approachable forum for the vendor’s smaller channel players.

The Mac Technology Association was formed last year and was born out of the UK Mac-Dealer Association which was started in 2003.

Robert Peckham, executive director of the association, told CRN it was important to provide Apple’s smaller and non-accredited resellers with an accessible forum.

“We are a great source of information and communication,” he said. “We oversee resellers’ quality and standards and conforming to those standards gives them credibility.”

Cancom is an Apple Premium Reseller with stores in five UK cities. Max Wright, UK managing director of Cancom, said: “We support the association in its endeavours to make sure these standards are offered across the Apple reseller channel.”

Peckham added: “We now have a number of big-hitters and it shows acceptance by the Apple channel.”

Peckham also indicated that, while the association had no direct ties with Apple, it could facilitate contact.

“Apple does not have ownership of us, but I can communicate things to it. I know enough senior people to hopefully resolve issues,” he said.

The vendor’s channel strategy came under scrutiny earlier this year when rumours emerged it was set to open a giant Apple store in Covent Garden. The speculation sparked unrest among central London resellers, including New Oxford Street based Square Group.

Managing director Darren King told CRN that, although the association was geared towards helping smaller companies than his, he had joi ned as a show of solidarity.

“The association suits the small Apple resellers that need a common voice. We joined it as a sign of our support,” he said