Misco account management rejig causes unrest

Morale in the Wellingborough office said to be at "rock bottom" following opening of new Weybridge HQ

A sales account management shake-up that has reportedly seen long-standing customers passed onto sales colleagues in different offices has caused unrest among Misco staff.

Customers are now divvied up between sales staff according to vertical markets and geography, instead of the old way which was based on vendors, CRN understands.

Earlier this year, a new 25,000 square-foot headquarters was opened in Weybridge. Insiders claim a number of long-standing customers managed by sales staff based in Wellingborough – the old HQ – were passed over to those in the new office, a move that angered some staff.

One ex-Misco worker told CRN the account management realignment was done "badly and too quickly".

"There was lots of change and no thought was given to customers," the source said. "Wellingborough staff were upset at losing key accounts for no reason and their customers were never consulted... lots of senior sales people left as a result."

Sources have placed the number of staff thought to have left the firm in recent months at as many as 30 or more, but Misco refused to comment on the claims when contacted by CRN.

Morale in the Wellingborough office is described by insiders as being "at rock bottom" because of the changes, and there is speculation that a botched commission rejig also fuelled unrest.

The move to centralise some back-office functions to Budapest – a process parent Systemax announced this week that it would expand upon – has also caused "major disruption" in the UK, a source added.