Netgear joins GrowthAccelerator scheme
Vendor is latest in a growing line of IT firms backing government SMB growth scheme to benefit its channel
Netgear has thrown its weight behind a government scheme aiming to help SMBs double their business in three years.
The vendor is one of a growing number of IT firms to back GrowthAccelerator, which was launched in 2010 by business secretary Vince Cable. It is aiming to help its channel partners grow their own business.
Microsoft is another vendor that has joined the scheme as it looks to encourage channel growth.
The first step for Netgear will be to increase its partners' awareness of funding and initiatives available to them through GrowthAccelerator at a masterclass on 18 July at its UK headquarters in Bracknell.
Attendees will be given taster sessions of the types of support and training available to them through GrowthAccelerator, including business development support, leadership and management training, and access to finance.
Jonathan Hallatt, regional director at Netgear, said: "We are continually looking for ways to help our partners grow their business, particularly in the wake of recent measures communicated by David Cameron to see SMEs become more prominent in supplying government contracts. This could mean big business for our partners – historically many of these contracts were awarded to the vast system integrators, but this is set to change and the channel needs to be ready for it.”
He added: “In recognition that the majority of our channel partner base occupies the SME space, with many also serving the public sector, GrowthAccelerator poses a very significant opportunity for them. We want to ensure our partners are fully aware of the growth potential available to them, and be clear on how they can capitalise on it.”
Jane Galsworthy, head of innovation solutions at GrowthAccelerator, said: “It is great to have the support of a business such as Netgear as cost-effective IT solutions are such an important piece of the puzzle for SMEs today. We hope the event will provide attendees with a solid overview of the support on offer for them.
"GrowthAccelerator is all about change that delivers tangible impact and practical solutions for businesses and hopefully, with our guidance, attendees will feel confident about taking the steps they need to go on to bigger, better things.”