Michael Lawrence departs from COP UK and becomes Fortus MD

“Things did not work out as planned,” wrote Lawrence

Michael Lawrence has joined security solutions distributor Fortus, four months after onboarding with COP UK as MD.

“Things did not work out as planned at COP, but I am very excited to have joined the team at Fortus and to continue working within security distribution,” Lawrence wrote in a LinkedIn post.

His departure follows the recent termination of the partnership between COP and Chinese vendor Hikvision, which the latter announced on its website.

“After careful consideration and a thorough review of our business operations, we have made the decision to conclude our partnership with COP UK Ltd, effective Friday 27th June 2025,” the company stated.

“This decision comes as part of our broader strategy to ensure the highest standards of service, reliability, and alignment with our long-term goals.”

The move, which was reportedly made without previously consulting COP UK, shocked the Manchester-based organisation.

“The news came as much of a surprise to us as it likely did to you,” wrote the distie in an official statement.

“To make such a disruptive move, particularly without any notice, reflects a lack of respect for the relationship we have built, and more importantly, for the people behind it.”

It has not yet been confirmed whether Lawrence’s departure is linked to the end of the collaboration.

This marks the second time this year that the MD onboards with another firm, as he joined COP UK in February, following three years at Castleford-based distributor Target Components.

Under his leadership, Target became an employee-owned trust, meaning that majority ownership was transferred to the employees, who would also need to be consulted “on important matters, such as acquisitions and partnerships.”

Lawrence has a diverse work history, spanning security, AV and low-voltage products distributor ADI, professional services company Capita, multi-channel distributor EVO Group, as well as electronic components, solutions, and products distie Farnell.