Channel Awards: Q&A with finalist Bechtle MD, James Napp

James joined Bechtle in 1997 as a founding member of the group's UK operation before being appointed as Managing Director in 2010

Why do you think awards like the Channel Awards matter?

It's a celebration of the industry and a unique chance to bring everyone together, competitors, partners and friends.

What would winning this award mean to your company?

It would be wonderful recognition of the progress we have made on ESG from a virtual standing start. We are extremely proud of how this is now led bottom up by employees who own the initiative. It's not just a bolt-on, it's a part of our ‘everyday'.

What would you say is your company's proudest achievement over the past year?

Winning Reseller of the Year 2022 £101m+ and completing 2 acquisitions shortly thereafter.

What have been the biggest challenges of 2023 so far and how have you overcome them? How have your people helped with that?

Navigating the challenging macro environment and the shift from away from client post Covid. We have pivoted well to continue to grow through an enhanced mix of solutions and services.

How do you think the channel has changed over the past year and what changes do you think it still needs to make?

There has been considerable consolidation, especially in the MSP space and this is likely to continue as resellers look to own closer strategic relationships with customers.

What do you see as the main opportunities for the channel in the coming year? How do you plan to capitalise on those opportunities?

Becoming niche is areas like security and becoming big via organic growth and further market consolidation. We are ready.