Lanway adds services chief for growth push

Industry veteran Neil Farnworth joins to lead services division after strategy shake-up

VAR Lanway is supporting its strategic shift away from product sales with the appointment of a services chief.

Neil Farnworth has joined the Burnley-based outfit as director of managed and professional services and has been given the task of expanding the firm's burgeoning services division. He spent almost 18 years with Blackburn reseller CMS Group where, according to his LinkedIn profile, he rose to the role of technical director. He has spent the past year with Preston-based start-up Vortek TM.

"There are major opportunities in the market for Lanway, as their capabilities include implementation of the full end-to-end infrastructure solution which very few businesses can offer," said Farnworth. Some providers offer hosted solutions, others offer infrastructure solutions, but very few offer both."

Lanway formerly focused on selling systems and AV kit to the education market but, over the past 18 months, has effected a change in strategy, moving towards services provision. Commercial director Andrew Henderson (pictured, on the right, with Farnworth) has driven the revamp.

"Neil's appointment is another key piece in the jigsaw," explained Henderson. "He has a proven track record on the services side of the industry and his expertise in this area will be crucial to Lanway."