33. Getech
Distribution revenues: £31.7m (+40%)
Total headcount: 88
Specialism: Thin clients and Chromebooks
Key vendors: Igel, Lenovo, HP, Dell, Google, Acer, Asus, Teradici, LEGO Education, Merlyn Mind
HQ: Ipswich
This hybrid reseller-distributor enjoyed a bumper calendar 2021 as total revenues swelled by over £25m to hit £74m (according to unpublished numbers it shared with us). Distribution generated £31.7m of the total.
Known traditionally for its thin client prowess, the Suffolk-based education and public sector also now distributes Chromebooks and recently inked a contract with LEGO Education.
Q&A with managing director Guy Watts
What's been your biggest business highlight of 2022 so far?
Signing two new vendors in two new technology/pedagogical areas that are ideal for resellers in the education sector featuring AI and STEM.
Do you expect to grow in 2022?
Yes, absolutely - our budget plans included modest growth for 2022 as we were unsure of the backlash from the pandemic, but once again we have far exceeded our budgets.
Have you made any significant vendor signings in the last 12 months?
Yes, two major signings: LEGO Education (for STEM) and Merlyn Mind which is the world's first AI-based classroom assistant that has been proven to give back up to ten hours of teaching time a week to teachers
Which emerging vendor/technology are you tipping for take-off in 2022?
STEM and AI, obviously.
Distributor share prices have cooled over the last 12 months. Is that a concern?
Not relevant to Getech as we transitioned to an EOT [employee-owned enterprise] in 2021 which benefits all our staff.
How is the chip shortage impacting you, and when will it end?
Resellers and end users alike are now very aware of the ongoing chip shortages and seem to be more understanding. As long as we keep partners updated we see very little impact.
What, if any, role does distribution have to play when it comes to sustainability?
Distribution has to take a leading role. Our partners look to us to provide them with the advice guidance and information to help them succeed. Sustainability is one of the main focusses across public sector, so Getech needs to be ahead of the game on sustainability. We have set our carbon neutral and net zero targets and we have documented a number of sustainability projects that we ourselves have undertaken .
What's been your biggest business mistake?
Trusting suppliers and partners implicitly. Normally that trait works very well but occasionally someone is economical with the truth. Although that is rare it really can disappoint.
See following page to discover which VAD boss claims his team achieved 184 per cent of its annual plan?
