The UK's top 40 IT distributors generated nearly £13bn revenues in their latest years, CRN research has found. Here we count down those ranked 40th to 26th...
"IT distribution has shown resilience"
29. Purdicom
Revenues: £32.6m (+0.2%)
Headcount: 52
Specialism: wireless, networking and security
Key vendors: Commscope, RUCKUS, Cambium, Siklu, Watchguard, Nomadix, CertaUPS
HQ: Wantage, Oxfordshire
Founded as ‘Selcoms' in 2005 by managing director Hugh Garrod, this Oxfordshire-based wireless networking specialist posted flat revenues of £32.6m in its year to 31 December 2020 (according to top-line numbers it shared with us).
Counting Ruckus among its vendor allies, Purdicom draws around 12 per cent of its top line is from continental Europe.
Quickfire Q&A with Purdicom MD Hugh Garrod
What specialism is your firm known for, and what sets you apart from your peers?
Purdicom leads the way with wireless, networking and security technologies, helping our customers with full end to end solutions, allowing them to lean on us every step of the way.
Which emerging vendors are you betting big on this year?
Auvik Networks - having tested it and now using it ourselves we see how valuable a product like this would be to give visibility and control to your network.
Have you made any significant vendor signings in the last 12 months?
Nomadix, a vendor that provides Internet access gateways, casting solutions and voice assistance for MDU and hospitality.
Largest warehouse?
7,500sq2
What's the biggest misconception about distribution?
That distribution does not add any value.
How would you summarise the health of the distribution sector in 2021?
Despite the recent challenges of Covid-19 and Brexit, IT distribution has shown its resilience through continued growth.
What's been your biggest disappointment of the last year?
Meeting and collaborating face-to-face with our customers, vendors and our colleagues.
Do you expect to grow in 2021?
Yes. By 25 per cent. And we are on target.
At first glance, the rise of cloud must be pretty devastating for distributors if there is no physical product to ship. How have you adapted?
Working closely with our largest vendor has enabled us provide input into how the products are positioned and the GTM strategies that fit our partners' wants and needs as well as their customers. Cloud is a great opportunity and not a threat to our business.
How do you see the role of distribution changing in the 2020s?
With the rise of (everything) as a Service, more value-add, more professional services and support for partners moving from a reseller/VAR model into the MSP space.
Tell us one thing most people won't know about your company?
Purdicom was originally called Selcoms, and although we kept the same registration number, we changed our name in 2013 as we had a trademark dispute.
Which £32m-revenue outfit marks itself out with a laser focus on security? Find out on the next page...
