Lambert seals first big Bear IT deal

Managing director celebrates two-year support contract from Trekmates and prepares to launch warranty service

Grin and Bear IT: The VAR claims the Trekmates contract reflects its changing business model

Bear IT managing director Mark Lambert is celebrating sealing his first big deal since taking the reins as he prepares to launch the company's new warranty service.

The Mansfield-based VAR has recently sealed a two-year support contract with outdoor clothing specialist Trekmates, having pitched for the business in October.

Lambert said: "Trekmates has grown rapidly and it was important for them to have the right support. We will be proactively monitoring and the contract will provide full on-site support.

"Our business model has changed in the past 18 months. We have gone from being a break/fix organisation to a more proactive organisation."

Lambert co-founded Bear with Adam Harris seven years ago and served as the firm's technical director until September of last year. At that point, Harris left his role as managing director to become chief executive of the Technology Channels Association and Lambert stepped into the hot seat.

Lambert revealed the company is set to launch its Bear Care warranty service at the end of this month. For a one-off payment, the VAR will offer a year-long maintenance contract on all new PCs sold. The contract also makes provision for the loan of a replacement while repairs are undertaken.

"A lot of other providers are not doing this," he said. "We are rolling this out as a value-add."