O2 launches distribution Centre of Excellence

Mobile operator follows launch of four VAR specialisations with rejig of UK distribution programme

Mobile operator O2 has unveiled its Business Distributor Centre of Excellence, which will include five UK distributors.

The programme replaces the Advance Business Distributor Programme and will include Avenir, Fone Logistics, Hugh Symons, Moco and Redstone. The launch follows the development of Data, Enterprise, M2M and Applications Centres of Excellence for O2's reseller partners over the last couple of years.

O2 claimed the new programme will offer its distribution partners increased marketing support and training as well as longer term contracts. The five members are also set to benefit from enhanced partner management support and more face to face contact with a Channel Business Manager.

Ben Dowd, Telefónica O2's UK business sales director, said: “In a fast changing environment we hope that by creating the O2 Business Distributors Centre of Excellence we will be able to support our Partners and help them and their stockists drive high value, long term business.

Although the O2 Advance Distribution Programme brand will disappear the concept and focus will remain and we will continue to support the industry’s leading business distributors. However it is imperative in a maturing and increasingly complex market that this programme evolves.”

Bob Sweetlove, general manager of Hugh Symons Communications (HSC), added: “HSC remain delighted to be part of O2’s business distribution programme and welcome the re-brand to Centre of Excellence. We really feel that our voice is heard by O2 and that they appreciate the challenges faced by us to inform, service and support hundreds of independent resellers throughout the UK. We are committed to continuing to introduce and retain as many high quality voice and data customers to O2 under their innovative new commercial framework."