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...
"Distribution is ready for growth"
26. M2M
Revenue: £34.6m (-32%) (of which £22.3m UK)
Headcount: 26
Specialism: Memory
Key vendors: Samsung, Intel, Micron (Crucial), SK hynix, G.Skill
HQ: London
Launched in 1998 by Ged Mitchell, this SSD and memory distributor saw revenue dip by nearly a third in its year to 31 December 2019 as "significant" price erosion during the period dented its top line.
The London-based Samsung distributor expects to grow in 2021, however.
Some £12.3m of its £34.6m 2019 sales were drawn from outside the UK.
Quickfire Q&A with MD Ged Mitchell
Which emerging vendors are you betting big on this year?
SK hynix and Intel - in light of the recent acquisition, we are working closely with both vendors and are excited about the new opportunities this will bring for our customers. Stay tuned!
Have you made any significant vendor signings in the last 12 months?
Gigabyte, Mellanox, Hitachi
What specialism is your firm known for, and what sets you apart from your peers?
We adopt a consultative sales approach and work as a trusted advisor, placing the correct product into the right environment. We also hold stock on all lines to support JIT.
What's the biggest misconception about distribution?
That's there's no value add
How would you summarise the health of the distribution sector in 2021?
Refined and ready for growth
What's been your biggest disappointment of the last year?
The unwarranted rise in logistical costs coupled with the subsequent drop in service levels.
Do you expect to grow in 2021?
Yes
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?
This is M2M's expansion. The rise of the cloud presents so many opportunities for growth but we can't reveal our trade secret
How do you see the role of distribution changing in the 2020s?
We see the role of distribution becoming more of a strategic partner and a lead in end-customer relationship through all verticals.
Tell us one thing most people won't know about your company?
Shorts and flip flops must be worn from April to September
Stay tuned to CRN next week as the countdown continues...