Exertis global boss: Our UK expansion isn't because of Brexit

Tim Griffin said the distributor would have bolstered its capacity regardless of Brexit border concerns

Exertis' expansion in the UK is not linked to concerns around Brexit and hardware imports, managing director Tim Griffin has said.

CRN reported last month that security vendor SonicWall was stashing kit in a new Exertis warehouse in Basingstoke, in preparation for potential border disruption.

Griffin did not go into specifics regarding Exertis' plans, but said that it has always been the distributor's intentions to grow its UK business.

"I wouldn't necessarily relate the two things," he said.

"Clearly our ambition is to expand and grow in the UK, as well as the rest of the world, and that requires capacity.

"I wouldn't put two and two together and come up with Brexit."

Former Dell EMC UK boss Griffin joined Exertis as group MD last July, just as the business took its first steps into the US.

On Brexit, the MD said that the distributor is taking on extra stock, if requested by vendors.

He also said that demand is being brought forward ahead of the leave date.

"It is about planning - and that transcends everything from stock position to what we're doing around borders, import and export," he said.

"Obviously we have taken advice and certifications with the various import-export authorities to allow us to move seamlessly.

"We are encouraging our resellers to really think about how they are working with their customers and anticipating their requirements, which is pulling demand forward.

"We are working with vendors to talk about what their ambitions are and, where appropriate and in collaboration, we are taking stock positions - with really the intent of not leaving customer demand unfulfilled."