Acorn Launches Refocussed Channel Strategy
Acorn Computers, the leading provider of computers to UK schools and number one supplier of low cost 32 bit RISC based personal computers, has announced that it has reorganised its channel sales strategy to bring it closer to its dealer and customer base. The reorganisation will be supported by a comprehensive programme of promotional and marketing activity, to be announced later in the autumn.
Mike O'Riordan, Sales and Marketing Director at Acorn Computers, comments:
"Acorn has shown through the launch this year of the Risc PC range that we are producing products which directly address our customers' needs. The launch of Online Media and our recently announced organisational changes demonstrate that we are committed to a tight focus on our different customer groups.To ensure that this process continues we have evolved a more customer-oriented operation. We are confident that this approach will add an extra dimension of vitality and growth to our channel."
This autumn will see a concerted marketing programme to enable Authorised Acorn Education Dealers, supported by Acorn in Education Centres (AECs), to add value to the products they sell. Acorn products were previously distributed through Hugh Symons Distribution as well as direct from Acorn. The new channel strategy will see all products sold direct from Acorn through a team of ten regional sales managers supported by an extensive telesales team.
With effect from October 1st, Acorn will supply consumer dealers that were previously supplied by Hugh Symons. This change takes advantage of the facilities Acorn has built up over the last 12 months and will allow Acorn to promote, market and distribute its product to the home market.
This strategy has been planned with Hugh Symons Group for some time. Acorn will continue to work closely with Hugh Symons Group on other activities especially with Lansdowne, a large Acorn approved education dealer.
Mike O'Riordan, Sales and Marketing Director at Acorn Computers, comments:
"This change in our sales strategy will bring our product development and marketing operations that much closer to the people who actually buy our computers. We now have a unique network of dealers who have the expertise to tailor each product to the user's particular need, as well as providing quality training and support."Founded in 1978, with 1993 revenues of £54.3m, Acorn Computers is the premier supplier of IT solutions to UK education and has been the leading provider of 32-bit RISC based personal computers since 1987. Acorn works closely with a strong community of industry partners, users and software developers to provide innovative technology solutions for the education, consumer, publishing and international markets.
The Acorn Computer Group is a holding company for Acorn Computers Limited, Acorn Australia, Acorn New Zealand, Acorn GmbH and Online Media. Acorn Computer Group owns 43% of ARM Ltd. Online Media, a division of the Acorn Computer Group, was launched in 1994 with the mission to design world class, interactive multimedia products.