Synaxon TrustATec club close to sign-up goal

Managing director Derek Jones claims scheme has been a huge success

Just six months after it was officially launched, Synaxon's TrustATec scheme is close to its 50 partner sign-up target.

Speaking at the Synaxon annual conference in Nottingham today, Derek Jones, UK managing director (pictured), said: "We need to keep the channel as strong as possible for as long as possible. With TrustATec we have put our money where our mouths are. Last year [at launch] we were in planning and set-up mode, and now we are at 41 partners with our first one signed up in Northern Ireland. Once we hit 50 we will start opening it up to sponsors and looking to attract non-Synaxon members."

The scheme works by allocating members a geographical area which they exclusively own, ensuring that they appear top in Google rankings and Adwords, and are fully SEO optimised. No other partner can encroach on their patch, Jones stressed.

Customers can search for key phrases such as ‘computer repairs' and go through to the TrustATec website where they can select from a range of services and are directed to the appropriate local member.

The scheme, which costs £50 a month, has been running in Germany for over five years, where the organisation claims 75 per cent of end-user enquiries result in additional service business for members.

However, once the 50 sign-up target has been hit, registration will increase from £150 to £250, Jones warned.

He also said partners have to continue to invest once they have signed up to ensure their website is optimised and marketed so it appears in as many searches as possible. He advised setting aside a further £300-500 a month to invest and reap the full benefits.

And partners have backed the scheme.

Simon Bailey, director at VAR Ask4Support Ltd, said: "From day one I could see the potential and how it could add value to my business. Not only has it raised the profile of my business dramatically it has allowed me to streamline my services into easy to manage price points under a trusted banner. Without doubt this has been the best move yet since joining Synaxon."

Anthony Lay owner of AML Ltd, added: "TrustATec has already started bringing leads into the business. It has helped structure our hourly rate so members of staff know what to quote and customers know what they are going to get."