O2 cuts ribbon at Partner Academy

Mobile operator unveils Northampton-based training facility for key channel partners

The O2 Partner Academy will focus on Centre of Excellence channel partners

Network operator O2 has unveiled its Partner Academy that will host training and a new extended sales development programme for its key channel partners.

Based in Northampton, all partners are eligible for the academy but the facility will focus on O2 Centre of Excellence partners. It will offer skills training to its partners’ sales teams as well as providing training on delivering products - plus sales and management training - in the same venue.

Working with sales development consultancy Space2, O2 will deliver a range of training courses addressing all aspects of the sales process, including opportunity generation and qualification to account development.

David Plumb, head of SME sales at O2, said: “We want to give our key partners the edge in winning and retaining business in this difficult economic climate. Building on the hugely successful internal O2 Sales Academy, the O2 Partner Academy extends our expertise to our partners. We hope that being involved in the academy will help our partners win profitable new business and ensure they are strong leaders in the market.”

Martin Flick, sales director at Birmingham based integrator Azzurri Communications, said: “Azzurri assessed a number of leading training firms last year in search of a development partner for our sales teams. O2 introduced us to its sales development programme and we could immediately see why it was right for us.

“O2’s Channel Business Partners have worked closely alongside our sales team to develop the best possible solutions to meet our requirements, and the response from participants has been excellent.”

According to O2, in 2008 channel partners delivered 25 per cent year-on-year growth in connections.

Simon Gardner, head of partner training at O2, said: “The Partner Academy makes a strong statement about our ongoing commitment, not only to our partners but to building a community and delivering excellence across the board.”

Centre of Excellence partners will benefit from a range of services offered through the Partner Academy. O2 is encouraging other partners to contact their O2 channel business manager’s for more information.