Canon aims for UK channel expansion
Firm is looking to recruit 12 UK partners this year
Bullish printer and copier vendor Canon is focusing on growth in 2005 and aims to expand its UK channel.
At its National Dealer Conference in London's Docklands last week, Canon said it is looking to recruit 12 new UK partners this year and to become the preferred supplier for its partners.
"We want to grow the business in excess of 10 per cent in the next 12 months," said Geoff Slaughter, Canon's director of indirect channels.
"We operate in a very aggressive market, with a lot of competition, so we have to make sure people want to work with us. Canon has never been a brand to hide in the gutter on cost so we have to add value, developing the proposition our partners can offer their customers."
Slaughter said the firm is looking to recruit mainly in the South West, where it lacks coverage, although it is also keen to hear from new partners across the UK.
Asked what kind of partners Canon is looking for, Slaughter said: "We'll look across the spectrum because they all have a place. There are standard printer/copier dealers that still have a place in the market. We also recognise that IT talent has a very important place, so we will work with system integrators too."
New resellers will be offered additional support in their first year, including help with training and schemes to assist with demonstrations.
Multifunctional device reseller Anadata, which has been a Canon partner for 16 years, welcomed Canon's growth strategy.
Nick Whitty, marketing manager at Anadata, said: "We want to increase our turnover by 50 per cent over the next few years. With Canon focusing on growth this year, we are perfectly aligned to grow our businesses together."