Ricoh refreshes partner programme with SMB focus

New tools and support added to back new emphasis on retail

Printer maker Ricoh has refreshed its partner programme for 2013 with additional tools and features that it hopes will spur sales.

Steven Hastings, IT channel distribution manager at Ricoh UK, said in a statement that the aim was to provide more flexible packages to partners.

"We understand that businesses are different," he said. "Even in a tough economic climate, we have been able to achieve double-digit growth."

Hastings (pictured) indicated that the vendor's partner portal now incorporates improved benefits, including up-to date product details and other marketing material. And in future, partners will be able to communicate with the vendor via the portal, using social media and email.

Partners are split into Approved, Preferred or Solutions categories following an assessment of their fleet and service requirements. Managed print offerings remain available under the Click and Click-Lite brands.

According to the vendor, next year will increasingly target the so-called "business retail" category, building on 2012 partnerships with the likes of Amazon and Ebuyer. New low-end printers are being offered to target this small and home business segment, the vendor indicated.