Avnet cuts ribbon on GovPath practice
Distribution giant rolls out its dedicated public sector unit in the UK and gears up for event next month
Avnet has taken the wraps off its new initiative to help its reseller base grab opportunities in public sector procurement and G-Cloud.
The distribution behemoth opened its new GovPath practice in the UK today, which it claims simplifies the procurement process using its SolutionsPath methodology, and helps resellers differentiate themselves in an increasingly crowded market.
Frank Bennet, SolutionsPath lead at Avnet Technology Solutions UK, said: “G-Cloud represents a great opportunity for business partners, as appearing on the G-Cloud CloudStore adds credibility with public sector procurement managers and can lead to multiple contracts. It is fair to say for those companies new to selling into the public sector there is a lot to learn about competing for government contracts. That is why Avnet has launched GovPath University.”
Avnet is holding a dedicated GovPath University event at the Houses of Parliament on 7 November to help delegates gain an insight into topics on the government’s business agenda.
It is offering all partners attending the chance to take advantage of its sales accelerator lead gen campaign and also make use of its "campaign in a box" for marketing purposes.
Bennett added: “There is good, secure business to be transacted by those business partners with the determination to engage with the public sector, and GovPath will equip partners to compete for contracts. Avnet can facilitate connections between specialised partners and those wishing to enter this space. Being part of a wider ecosystem and collaborating on deals is a perfect way of getting involved. In these circumstances Avnet takes on the vital role of intermediary or aggregator as well as providing technical and logistical support.”
Chris Hugo, chief executive of government business specialist GovData, said: “Avnet’s GovPath is an important initiative bringing together business partners and industry specialists to create effective suppliers to the public sector. Procurement and the existing supply chain are changing.
"There is a move towards public sector as a single customer and a stated aim that 25 per cent of spend should be with SMEs for all public bodies. That represents a figure of around £4.5bn and a fantastic opportunity for the UK IT channel. Key programmes such G-Cloud and Public Services Network (PSN) offer a level playing field so organisations have everything to go for.”