Who needs the Oscars anyway?
We’re happy to see the successes and triumphs in filmography be recognised, don’t get us wrong. But Gamma is a technology business, and a large part of that business is dedicated to the channel and our partners. We need an awards series that recognises those achievements and celebrates all the progress made in the technology sector.
This is precisely what the Technology Reseller Awards was made for. The future of UK business is being shaped by all the work being done in the channel space, leveraging solutions designed to drive further success. As organisations of all sizes grow more reliant on these services, it’s down to these resellers to provide them.
These awards celebrate the incredible contribution that vendors, distributors and managed service providers have made. Gamma is honoured to have been shortlisted in two award categories, underlining the part we’ve played in making a difference in the UK’s technology industry. As the headline platinum sponsor, we know just how vital it is for the channel’s achievements to be observed.
An industry like this deserves its own accolades; Gamma will keep working hard to be in the room when they happen.
UC & Collaboration Vendor of the Year
Gamma has been actively providing unified communication solutions for over 20 years. Across that period, we’ve gone from strength to strength adding services to that portfolio and giving our partners more to sell. Last year was certainly no different.
Acquiring the EnableX group in 2024 brought Candio, Techland, and Pragma into the Gamma fold. Since 2016, Pragma were a major supplier of Ericsson-LG’s iPECS solution, and that addition has proven to be a wise move. A shared focus on unified communications meant the acquisition felt like a natural fit.
iPECS is underpinning Gamma’s entry into the UC & Collaboration Vendor category for a good reason. The Pragma team have been cross-training Gamma’s BDMs to be more proficient explaining the iPECS portfolio. Knowledge has been continually built, cross-sell opportunities have been identified, and our channel community have been introduced to iPECS through regular partner webinars.
Both partners and the Gamma team see value in iPECS. Annual software releases and an API allowed Pragma to build on the native iPECS ONE application. From there, a suite of AI-driven products came forward.
As a quick summary, this suite includes:
- CONNECT: Merges communications platforms with CRM applications to help automate tasks and create cost-efficient contact centres.
- ENGAGE: A webchat widget that allows visitors to conduct one-click voice calls that can be escalated to a video call, with an automated, AI-powered webchat providing 24/7/365 customer service.
- Sidekick: An AI assistant that uses machine learning technology to offer smart insights into call quality, with call transcriptions providing a clear summary that includes action points to follow up on.
This iPECS offering gives partners a greater amount of choice when it comes to unified communications. As our account managers speak with more partners about such an offering, the pipeline keeps on growing. More seats are activated, and more end users experience a whole new way to collaborate and communicate.
Our partners have something new and exciting to present to their customers. The iPECS suite positioned as a huge upgrade to existing solutions and is a great way for Gamma to keep disrupting the UC market. When the judges get together on 22nd May, they’ll understand how big a contribution this portfolio has had on our partners.
Account Manager of the Year
Allow us to stroke our egos for a second. Gamma has a great portfolio of products, and we’d like to think our reputation alone keeps our channel relationships alive and well. But it’s our account managers who work tirelessly to build those strong relationships and keep driving success on both sides of that relationship.
Ed Killick is the perfect example of that. Joining Gamma in 2015, Ed quickly rose through the ranks as his ability to manage client relationships solidified his reputation. By 2016, he was an Account Manager, before securing the role of Business Development Executive.
While working as an Account Director at FourNet and Raspberry Beret Group, he honed his skills and talents in customer relations. Ed soon made a triumphant return to Gamma in 2021 as a Hosted Sales Specialist. Promotions to Business Development Manager and, by mid-2024, Senior Business Development Manager followed soon after.
He’s not bad, our Ed.
Ed now oversees Gamma’s relationship with Daisy Communications, who continuously generate high revenue numbers. As Daisy grows through vendor acquisitions, Ed works hard to manage the partnership, and make sure both parties benefit. Constant vigilance is very much required.
So, why has Dave McGinn, CEO of Daisy Communications, commented on how Ed has “added real value” and “positively impacted [Daisy’s] ability to achieve [their] strategic goals”?
First of all, Ed had to revitalise that relationship. Previous personnel and the relationship’s general direction had made things difficult. Considering Daisy devotes a large portion of their revenue to procuring units from Gamma, this was high on our ever-expanding list of priorities.
For Ed, the partnership always comes first. He structures commercial deals that incentivise Daisy’s growth in numerous strategically important services. It perfectly demonstrates Gamma’s own standing as a strong, partner-focused company.
Time away from Gamma provided insight into what partners and end users want. Ed gained a deeper understanding of what makes a good Account Manager. Find gaps to improve upon and focus on doing the basics right.
Availability, presence, and understanding Daisy’s business. Weekly office visits were critical in building a closer relationship. His stint as a Hosted Sales Specialist, combined with end user conversations, allows Ed to drive real value for those users.
Life experiences gave Ed an appreciation of how people want to be talked to. Directly or cautiously, Ed reads the situation and becomes inquisitive. That curiosity even led him to complete a CFO course via Coursera Plus.
While CFO isn’t his calling, Ed is determined to understand the role and its challenges.
Ed has stayed humble in the wake of his nomination and shortlisting. Andrew Smethurst, Gamma’s Channel Sales Director, calls him “a valuable asset [and] wonderful guy to be around.” That’s certainly what Ed, and all our incredible account managers, do day in and day out.
We’d like to thank the (Tech Reseller) Academy
Look, the subtitle isn’t a subtle way to think we’ve got these awards wrapped up already. All of us at Gamma are overjoyed at having our success recognised, and we’re here to support all our colleagues in the channel space. Not only are we the headline sponsor, but we’re proud to sponsor both the Award for Sustainability and the Judges’ Special Award.
Whether we emerge victorious or come away empty handed, being nominated is a massive privilege. It’s a sign that all the hard work the team devote to improving Gamma’s partner offerings is continuing to make a difference. The future is bright, that’s for sure.
But, if we win, we promise to do it with style and grace.