Ci Distribution Takes Industry by Storm with THREE New Partnerships

Ci Distribution announces THREE New Partnerships

Basingstoke-based IT distributor, Ci Distribution is thrilled to announce not one, but THREE fantastic new partnerships with key players in the IT industry; namely, Brother UK, iKey, Mad Catz.

Located in Greater Manchester since 1968, Brother UK offers a range of print, scan and video conferencing solutions designed to boost efficiency for businesses across the UK. Ci Distribution will supply a range of Brother UK products, focusing on Brother’s rugged mobile printers, including its PJ-700 and RJ series, along with a wide variety of mobile label printers. 

Ged Cairns - Head of CIV and Mobile Business Unit, VAR, SI & Mobile at Brother UK said:

“We’ve invested heavily in our mobile print solutions in recent years, launching one of the smallest thermal A4 mobile printers on the market as part of our PJ-700 series and growing our team of mobile specialists. Our approach is to work alongside customers, understand their needs and tailor our solutions to meet these. We look for innovative partners who are committed to operating in the same way, and Ci Distribution fits the bill perfectly.”

Based in Texas, iKey is an industry-renowned rugged peripherals manufacturer, renowned as the first choice for rugged computer peripherals – specifically, for the attachable FZG1-C1-V5 iKey keyboard designed exclusively for the Panasonic FZG1 tablet. Ci D will distribute their full product offering of keyboards, displays, mice and pointing devices. 

iKey CEO, Steve Meyer, stated:

​"We are pleased to announce this important relationship and partnership with Ci Distribution, one of the leaders and most respected companies in the global market for rugged computer peripherals. With the partnership, we will be able to reach more customers with the right products, unbeatable technical expertise and fast delivery.”

Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. is a global provider of innovative interactive entertainment products marketed under its gaming and audio brands, Mad Catz and Tritton, respectively. Mad Catz products cater to gamers across multiple platforms, including in-home gaming consoles, handheld gaming consoles, Windows PC and Mac computers, smart phones, tablets and other smart devices. Ci D will be supplying the tier-one gaming brand’s keyboards, mice and headsets.

Wayne George – UK Country Manager for Mad Catz said:

“Mad Catz are pleased to be partnering with CI Distribution and look forward to working together to promote and distribute both the Mad Catz and Tritton brands. We have recently released a range of PC and Audio products that we’re very excited about and are working hard to increase our presence in both these markets over the coming months so with the added focus and knowledge Ci bring to the table, we are delighted and confident of a successful alliance.”



Read More

Ci Distribution Partners with Ruggedised Mobile Solutions Provider, Lind Electronics

Media Release 01/02/2017

Leading IT distributor, Ci Distribution, is proud to announce an exciting new partnership with mobile power specialists, Lind Electronics.

Established in 1984, Lind Electronics has become a leading provider of rugged mobile power solutions for different industries, such as military, public safety, and warehousing. Lind's broad portfolio of mobile power solutions includes rugged DC/DC adapters (standard, isolated and MIL-standard), AC/DC and DC/DC combo adapters, shut down timers, and battery chargers.

Today, Lind Electronics operates in a variety of countries and cultures, providing industry-leading mobile power solutions and support worldwide. It creates custom solutions for the leaders in the computing and technology industry.

Lind Electronics Manager, Marcus Eisele, stated:

"We are very excited about this new partnership with Ci. Working together with one of the largest IT providers in the UK and Ireland will greatly benefit us and our customer base. With this agreement, we expect to be able to fulfil the growing demand for our products more effectively, and also to continue to provide a high level of service to our existing customers."

Having witnessed remarkable growth in recent months, Ci Distribution is confident that its broadened product range, along with its widespread market reach in the UK and worldwide, will pave the way for the even further expansion of Lind Electronics' presence in the industry.

Ci Group Commercial Director, Jon Atherton, said:

"Lind Electronics is a fantastic addition to Ci Distribution's ever-expanding portfolio. I am always proud to witness our vendor base growing from strength to strength. We are very much looking forward to working with Marcus and his team, and are excited about what the future holds for both parties as a result of this great partnership."



Read More

Ci Distribution Partners with Leading Tech Manufacturer, ASRock

Media Release 25/01/2017

With the launch of yet a new partnership, Basingstoke-based distributor, Ci Distribution, will ship out a wide range of ASRock products, including the small-form Beebox PC, Mainboards, and – in the near future – the G10 gaming Router. Ci Distribution believes that this widened product range, along with its wide market reach in the UK, will allow ASRock to drastically expand its presence.

With 3C design concepts, "Creativity, Consideration, Cost-effectiveness", ASRock explores the limits of motherboard manufacturing whilst simultaneously paying attention to environmental issues, developing products with the consideration of being eco-friendly.

Ci Distribution Business Development Manager, Darren Perks, stated:

"ASRock is a quality addition to our portfolio. The Mainboard products are well-recognised and received in the reseller community and give us a strong offering in the component and system build market place. We are also excited about the range of powerful mini PC's in the Beebox brand name, which will appeal to a number of markets. Moreover, it's an ideal time to launch our partnership with ASRock as they introduce their new-look KabyLake Motherboards."

Ci Distribution will work closely with ASRock to increase the channel exposure of a rapidly growing range of products. Ci D has already taken on the full range of Intel 200 series and will look to soon stock the entire portfolio.

ASRock Account Manager, Jack Yang, said:

"We are extremely delighted with the appointment of Ci Distribution as a Distribution Partner for our Mainboard and Mini PC range of products. I am looking forward to working with them and growing this segment alongside their ever-increasing vendor offering. Ci Distribution has an experienced team, headed up by Iain Gillogaley and Darren Perks, working on expanding their non-rugged portfolio. They offer an appealing route to market with the professional integration facilities they have at their disposal, as well as the services they are looking to blend into their offering to the channel, which will enhance their strong position in the market."

Ci Group Commercial Director, Jon Atherton, said:

"I am proud to be able to witness Ci D growing from strength to strength. In addition to our already promising portfolio, we have a number of great vendors which we aim to bring on board this New Year; I am more than optimistic about what the future holds for this fantastic team."

Read More

PCR Awards Shortlist!

Media Release 13/01/2017

Fantastic news! We have not one, not two, but three nominations for this year's PCR Awards! Centerprise has been shortlisted for the Corporate VAR Category, Ci Distribution for Hardware Distributor, and YoYoTech for System Builder. 

The Corporate VAR Award is open to any UK-based Value Added Reseller, selling into medium to enterprise-sized businesses; the Hardware Distributor Award is open to any distributor that has a large hardware offering – this includes components (graphics cards, processors, motherboards), full PCs (desktops, laptops), or peripherals (mice, keyboards and headsets); and the System Builder Award is for any national system builder that makes custom PCs/laptops, whether channel-focused or shipping direct to consumer. 

In addition to our nominations, two of our very own are sitting on this year's judges panel; namely, Centerprise's Group Commercial Director, Jon Atherton, and YoYoTech's Managing Director, CK Kohli. 

The 2017 PCR Awards ceremony will take place on Wednesday 8th of March at the Brewery in London, and it promises to be an exciting event, with Ci Distribution selected as the official Entertainment Sponsor for the evening. 

Centerprise Group Commercial Director, Jon Atherton, stated: 

"It is fantastic to see Centerprise, Ci Distribution and YoYoTech all being shortlisted for the prestigious PCR Awards this year. I am proud to sit on the 2017 judges panel alongside CK, and although we cannot review our own submissions, it certainly won't stop us rooting for Ci. Here's to all three nominees – make us proud!"

Read More

Ci Distribution Announces Official Partnership with Getac

 Media Release 09/12/2016

Leading rugged IT distributor, Ci Distribution, has signed a partnership contract with global designer and rugged mobile manufacturer, Getac. 

Having already witnessed phenomenal growth this year, Ci Distribution continues along its rapid path of development with an announcement of its latest partnership with Getac.

Getac offers the most extensive rugged computing product lines, ranging from laptops to tablets and handheld computers. The manufacturer caters to a wide range of vertical markets, including: military & defence, law enforcement, public safety, emergency services, utility, field services, oil and gas, telecommunications, transportation, and industrial manufacturing.

Since 1989, Getac has made a number of technological breakthroughs designed to improve the performance and safety aspects of utilising computers in dangerous environments. Such innovations include QuadraClear® sunlight readable display screens, night vision without goggles, advanced power saving technology, and the industry’s first resistive multi-touch display for use with gloves.

Ci Distribution will be working closely with Getac to actively promote their rugged mobile product lines, therefore offering Ci Distribution resellers an impressive product portfolio spanning across different vertical markets.

Emma, Business Unit Operations Supervisor, stated:

“Ci Distribution are delighted to announce this new and exciting partnership with Getac.  As a long standing manufacturer of Rugged Mobile Solutions the products fit perfectly into our strategy to be the No 1 Distributor of Rugged Products in the UK. We look forward to working closely with Getac and our customers on the products over the coming months.”

Chris Bye, Getac, stated:

“We are seeing a growing demand for rugged mobile devices across a range of sectors as mobility increases and businesses realise the potential ROI and productivity gains. Expanding our ecosystem of distribution and reseller partnerships through Ci Distribution is an important step for us in realising greater market opportunities.”

Read More

Ci Distribution to Offer a Full Range of Gigabyte and AORUS Gaming Notebooks

Media Release 05/12/2016

Basingstoke-based IT distributor, Ci Distribution, has added major brands, Gigabyte (GBT) and AORUS, to a rapidly growing portfolio.

Ci Distribution has entered into a promising partnership both with international computer hardware manufacturer, GBT, and gamer-focused brand, AORUS.

The AORUS brand, focused clearly on the Gaming and Performance segment, has developed a strong following and reputation since launching in 2014. AORUS hardware is specifically designed to suit the brand’s relatively thin and light gaming notebooks, which possess unique features such as high-end GPUs in a stunning, slim chassis design.

Ci Distribution’s role with both new partners will mainly focus on holding stock and actively promoting all GBT and AORUS gaming notebooks.

The addition of GBT and AORUS to Ci Distribution’s product portfolio has greatly bolstered the distributor’s current offering to its reseller database, enabling Ci Distribution to continue to uphold its commitment to the market by offering the best to its customers.

Having witnessed continuous growth in recent months, Ci Distribution believes that this broadened product range – along with its wide market reach in the UK and worldwide – will allow GBT and AORUS to considerably expand their presence within the industry.

The partnership will see Ci Distribution working together with both parties to provide them with the highest level of sales, logistics, and customer support.


Iain Gillogaley, Business Development Manager, stated:

“The addition of Gigabyte and Aorus notebooks will allow Ci Distribution to branch into the exciting and growing gaming notebook market. Gigabyte have a growing reputation within this market, and are renowned for being first to market with class leading technical specifications. A varied range of products cover all price points and customer needs, and allow users to experience an immersive gaming experience. With existing links into gaming resellers, the company look forward to bolstering their offering with the addition of the Gigabyte range.”

Steve Clark, UK Country Manager, commented:

“We believe both of our Gaming Notebook brands, Gigabyte and AORUS, will appeal to resellers of all shapes and sizes within Ci Distribution’s customer base. We are delighted to be able to have the opportunity to offer these products to Ci Distribution and its partners. We strongly believe that Ci Distribution is a valuable addition to our network and will enable us take our business to the next level within the UK; we very much look forward to working with them.”

Read More

Centerprise Launches Distribution Assault with New Brand

ARTICLE published by CRN Online Magazine

Centerprise is pushing deeper into the distribution space with a new dedicated brand and sales office in Telford. The advent of 'Ci Distribution' will see Centerprise move beyond distributing just rugged devices and into the components and peripherals space.A new office in Telford dedicated to the brand has been established.

Jon Atherton, who joined Centerprise Group as commercial director in March, said the investment marks a big departure for the firm.

"Centerprise as a business has been trading for 33 years, predominantly, as everyone knows, focused on MoD and defence – obviously that has expanded over the years to different verticals, it has had a distribution team for in excess of 14 years but purely focused on rugged devices and peripherals, and they've been very successful selling those to the channel. But it was never separate as a business in terms of the branding. Since I've come on board I felt it was important to split that off, hence why Ci Distribution was born."

"It now has its own logo and focus within marketing and within the business." 

New hires in Telford include (pictured from left to right) Steven Parker, Iain Gillogaley, Ben Davies and Darren Perks, the latter of whom worked with Atherton at Entatech. 

Adding in the rugged device and peripherals team that works at Centerprise's Basingstoke HQ, Ci Distribution has a headcount of 12, up from five when Atherton joined. 

"We've got four people [in the Telford office] who have over 100 years' experience in IT distribution, who obviously know a lot of people at customers and suppliers," said Atherton.

"Our prime focus will be around components and peripherals and some unique products into the market. We are optimistic it will be a success."  Atherton added.

Read More

Ci Distribution Takes on Branded Refurb Products as Part of Growing Portfolio

Media Release 07/11/2016

Industry-recognised IT distributor, Ci Distribution, is now equipped to sell branded refurb tablets, desktops and notebooks by all its tier one manufacturers. Moreover, all Grade 'A' refurbed products are backed with a direct end-user warranty to offer users invaluable peace of mind. 

Ci Distribution will be combining the hardware offering with Centerprise's ADISA-accredited (Distinction) Asset Retirement services. In this way, when it comes to both refurbishing and shredding, Ci Distribution guarantees the highest level of security, offering peace of mind to both its resellers and end customers. 

Ci Distribution can also offer a full retirement service to its reseller partners. Any resellers who take up those services – i.e. add them to their service portfolio – will no doubt be creating a stronger proposition with significantly increased value. 

Ci Distribution Business Development Manager, Darren Perks, asserted: 

"We will be stocking leading brand refurbs, which have gone through a stringent refurb process, to our reseller database at competitive pricing. The refurb market is certainly growing rapidly, especially as environmental concerns are pushing their way to the top of agendas and budgets are becoming 

Perks also stated:

"Ci Distribution will also be looking to partner with resellers and offer them an asset retirement service, which will only strengthen resellers' positions on tenders and quotes. There are so many opportunities which are overlooked when it comes to simply asking our customer the question: 'What are your intentions with your old systems and the data they hold?'"

Read More

Ci Distribution Announces Partnership with Transcend

Media Release 17/10/2016

Ci Distribution Announces Partnership with Transcend

Industry-recognised IT distributor, Ci Distribution, announces an exciting new partnership with renowned brand, Transcend.

Ci Distribution is pleased to announce a distribution partnership with Transcend – the leading global brand of digital storage, multimedia and industrial products.

The relationship signifies the start of a host of new partnerships to expand the promising rugged portfolio that Ci Distribution currently supplies.

The newly-established direct connection between Ci Distribution and Transcend allows the companies to join forces in the promotion of their high-quality products.

Darren Perks, Ci Distribution Business Development Manager, stated:

“We are really pleased to be working with Transcend – a strong organisation with a broad portfolio that has the potential for wide market distribution. They have some really fantastic products in their range, which will appeal to both the business and consumer verticals.” 

Ci Distribution and Transcend aim to develop their mutual relationship, which is built on trust, excellent communication, and a willingness to expand market reach within the re-seller community.

James Grant, Transcend Sales Manager, said:

“We are extremely pleased with the appointment of Ci Distribution as a Distribution Partner.  We quickly realised there was a strong fit between both organisations’ goals and aspirations. Ci Distribution certainly offers a vast amount of industry experience and focus, which we are excited to be part of.”

Ci Distribution’s well-rounded experience in the IT Industry, coupled with Transcend’s strong presence in the market, render this partnership a promising one for both parties involved, as well as for their respective customers. 

Read More

Rise of the Rugged: Based on the True Ci Distribution Story

For over two decades now, Ci Distribution (Ci D) has been supplying its way to greatness. Established in 1990, Ci D was in the business of delivering a vast array of hardware devices, ranging from components and scanners, to pcs, laptops and mp3 players. In other words, it was in the business of providing the equipment which we have now come to accept as everyday-essentials.

Fast-forward to 2014, Ci D began to invest its efforts in what has now become its main vein of specialisation: distributing ruggedised devices through the reseller channel. These tenaciously resilient pieces of hardware have been afforded more than your average five minutes of fame, from helping formulate the game-changing decisions of the Wimbledon umpires, to providing life-changing solutions for emergency ambulance services.

Owing to its successes in the reseller channels, Ci D saw fit to undergo an expansion of its team, with this year welcoming six brilliant new members of staff. Moreover, in addition to being armed with what has now become a team of 11 sales people, Ci D have a dedicated marketing resource helping them increase brand awareness and further raise their status within the market. Specifically, they have been assigned a member of the marketing team who is capable of offering them a bespoke marketing service, aligned to suit their unique brand – a brand which has now been encompassed in a new logo.

Acquiring its own brand inevitably signifies a bespoke brand image and service, and consequently, a bespoke identity. For this reason, a delineation of Centerprise and Ci D as being two separate brand entities was voted a natural and progressive way forward. The positive aftermath of such a decision is embodied in Ci D’s being listed by the CRN awards as a Specialist Distributor of the Year finalist.

But don’t just take our and their word for it; here is what Ci D business unit manager, Emma Loveless, had to say about the promising future that awaits:

“I am delighted with the re-branding which we hope will now reassure the market that Ci Distribution operates with its own identity. We have a solid strategy in place for growth that will ensure our customers can have the right products for their verticals. It is going to be a challenging but exciting year ahead.”

ENDS

_________________________________________________________________________________

Editor’s Notes

Centerprise International

For over 30 years Centerprise has been acknowledged as one of the largest and most respected IT providers in the UK. A real British success story, Centerprise has developed a steadfast reputation for delivering large scale IT projects within the Business, Defence, Education, Government and Healthcare sectors.

For more information on Ci, visit: www.centerprise.co.uk/about.html

For more information, images or quotes please contact Nour Bahgat at the press office on:

E:             nour.bahgat@centerprise.co.uk

DD:         01256 378230

Read More