http://www.soundandvisionmagazine.co.uk/index1.php/site/index/ en sam.corrigan@aceville.co.uk Copyright 2012 2012-01-09T16:46:41+00:00 Domestic & General is pleased to welcome Kam Kandola to its senior sales teamDomestic & General is pleased to welcome Kam Kandola to its senior sales team as Business Development Director. Kam joins the UK’s leading specialist warranty services provider from The Warranty Group, where he had been Business Development Director. The newly created role at Domestic & General will see Kam working on a number of new B2B projects across all business segments. Domestic & General Sales Director Derek Hollingdale commented on the appointment: “We are very pleased to add Kam’s skills and experience to our senior sales structure. The move continues to strengthen our senior sales team as we further build on our working relationships with manufactures and service providers across the industry.” http://www.domesticandgeneral.com 2012-01-09T16:46:41+00:00 All the latest news from Crestron including a chance to be part of the Prodigy family...Crestron is looking for potential distributor partners for its market-leading Prodigy group of products. Launched just two years ago, Prodigy is installed in thousands of homes worldwide and is one of the company’s most successful products in the residential sector. "Since its launch Prodigy has evolved into a great product range,” says Robin van Meeuwen, VP of International Sales and Marketing at Crestron International. “As such we want the Prodigy brand to continue to grow and succeed and we think we can do this best through the distribution channel. Distributors are hugely effective at reaching large volumes of consumers, and using this channel will allow us to put the product in more homes than ever before. This is a great opportunity for established companies who want to be part of this future success story." On top of this news Crestron has also announced the appointment of Matthew Buck to the position of commercial account manager. Matthew will be responsible for bringing new members into the Crestron family as well as maintaining good links with existing clients. “Crestron has long since been the leader in control and automation systems which makes my new role a real privilege and hugely exciting,” says Matthew. “Having gained some valuable experience working within the professional AV market at Polar, I’m relishing the prospect of working with an already strong and successful team to further the success of the Crestron brand.” “At Crestron we value experience and are keen to support and nurture new talent within the industry,” says Robin van Meeuwen “We are very happy about bringing Matthew into the team as he is a vibrant young candidate who has demonstrated his expert knowledge and grasp of the challenges of the industry. We are hugely confident in his abilities to grow business in Crestron’s commercial arm and we look forward to working with him for a great many years to come.” http://www.crestron.eu 2012-01-09T16:29:59+00:00 Computers Unlimited is helping ease the process of transition for an American firm here in the UKIn a move that will facilitate its move from the US to the UK market Soundcast has announced the appointment of Computers Unlimited as its exclusive distributor for the UK and Ireland. Starting with immediate effect, CU will be responsible for all mainstream retail and custom installation sales and support activities - with the exception of the garden centre and pool/spa channel. Commenting on the appointment, Glenn McClelland, CU’s Group Commercial Director said: “This is a fantastic appointment for CU and again affirms the company’s credentials in this sector. The Soundcast product range fits perfectly with CU’s aim to be the UK’s No. 1 supplier of the very latest technology and innovative products.” Alain Van den Nest, Director of European Operations at Soundcast, mirrored McClelland’s comments: “Having built an enviable position within the market, Soundcast’s aim is to work with the most dynamic and professional distributors available. CU’s proven track record makes them the perfect partners and we look forward to developing the brand in the UK and Ireland.” Soundcast has been developing its range of wireless audio products since 2004. Products such as the weather-resistant OutCast and OutCast Jr have enabled users to enjoy a rich, multi-directional stereo performance throughout the house and garden. With a broadcast range of up to 60 metres, these powerful wireless speakers receive transmissions through walls, floors and ceilings without the hassle of running wires. The recently released iCast transmitter allows Apple users to integrate their iPods and iPhones with the Soundcast speaker range. http://www.unlimited.com 2012-01-09T15:59:38+00:00 http://www.svimag.com/index.php/content/news/surround_sound/http://www.svimag.com/index.php/content/news/surround_sound/#When:15:51:43Z InvisionUK has announced the UK distribution of an audio solution that should impress customers seeking high end audioInvisionUK has announced the UK distribution of an audio solution that should impress customers seeking high end audio without much impacting on the space or aesthetics of a room. Announced earlier this year, at ISE 2011, the SurroundBar CHT500 and CHT400 from Polk Audio represent the next generation of one-cabinet speaker systems designed for bespoke homes either short on space or after as clean and cable-free installation as possible. The SurroundBar CHT500 and SurroundBar CHT400 are well suited to a home cinema as to a bedroom or study thanks to Polk Audio’s ‘no compromises’ attitude to sound quality. Offering a stunning seven channels of surround sound, the both SurroundBars represent the new benchmark for such systems and will impress even the most ardent of multichannel audiophiles. Commenting on the SurroundBars availability in the UK, Chris Dawson, Invision UK Product Manager, said: “We’re really excited to be able to offer UK custom installers Polk’s SurroundBars. Single-cabinet speakers used to be all about compromise, but that all ends here – we think we’ve found the perfect way to bring high-end 7.1 multichannel sound out of the dedicated home cinema room and into common living areas and secondary rooms where clients tend to be wary of unsightly cables and big speakers.” http://www.invisionUK.com News 2012-01-09T15:51:43+00:00 http://www.svimag.com/index.php/content/news/keep_them_keene/http://www.svimag.com/index.php/content/news/keep_them_keene/#When:15:49:07Z New man at Keene ElectronicsMoving strategically to strengthen the representation of its KEENE, AAVARA, CYP and TvOne brands throughout the United Kingdom, Keene Electronics are proud to announce the appointment of Dave Ball as their new National Sales Manager. The announcement was made by Alan Quinby, Managing Director of Keene Electronics, who said: “We had been considering our position in the AV market for some time, and so when the opportunity arose to secure Dave Ball as our National Sales Manager, it seemed the ideal time to do so. He brings with him a wealth of experience in not only the CI Industry but also the Pro Audio Industry. We are looking forward to continuing our growth in the custom residential installation and independent retail channels.” The company hope that the appointment will further strengthen Keene’s strong position in the Home Cinema, Home Automation and AV Solutions market. http://www.keene.co.uk News 2012-01-09T15:49:07+00:00 http://www.svimag.com/index.php/content/comment/competing_with_the_big_boys/http://www.svimag.com/index.php/content/comment/competing_with_the_big_boys/#When:12:37:04Z As the UK economy faces warnings of the dreaded double-dip PHIL HANSEN looks at how independents can compete with bigger retailers in such a competitive market…Selling flat panels at price matching levels is one of the most commonly requested transactions for the specialist independent. It’s a move which is great for the turnover of the business as these are still comparatively high-ticket price items, but as we all know not so good for the margin. A conundrum really, as one of the first rules of marketing (and retailing) is to make sure you’re giving the customer what they want. But, we’d rather be selling amps, CD players and loudspeakers to enable a reasonable margin to be maintained. Of course, the best scenario is to convince the customer that their new shiny 42-inch plasma needs a decent surround sound package to go with it to bring out the best in their viewing experience. It’s not always that easy though, as for some reason the general public are prepared to drop a grand on vision products, but more reluctant to do the same for audio. So on many occasions the transaction is just the screen (and if you’re lucky maybe a decent HDMI lead) and invariably the customer wants the price matched to their local shed or department store. Then there’s the frequently heard comment “can you give me a free five year warranty like the department store?” Perhaps we should take some comfort in the support for the independent retailer being shown by members of the public who choose to shop there, but they don’t always make it easy. BADA is keen to make available to retailers the tools needed to compete in tough markets. We’ve spoken before about using the extremely competitive credit card rates to save money in the business or the low cost consumer finance packages negotiated on behalf of the membership. If customers want to pay by card for their new flat panel then the already tight margin is going to be even further squeezed – a good reason to switch to the BADA preferred supplier scheme with its very low rates. But how does an independent compete with the free five year warranty? Let’s look at the most common five year warranty being offered by the major department stores. This is just like the warranty you’re offered every time you buy something from the sheds, in that it is controlled by a third party insurance company. The only difference is that in this case the retailer has absorbed the cost rather than charged it to the customer. The trouble with third party policies is that they are transparently not a manufacturer or retailer’s warranty - after the warranty period is up, the offer to extend it comes from the insurance company and not the retailer. The customer has been lost to the retailer. BADA, through its association with retra (all BADA members get complimentary retra membership) is able to provide access to retra insurance services – a wholly owned subsidiary of retra – which provides extended warranties for a variety of products. Because they are priced extremely competitively the retailer can either charge the extension period to the customer at a lower than high-street rate or, as they are sufficiently cost effective, they could be used as a powerful closing tool to secure the added value sale. For example: if a customer is looking at the whole package (plasma, amp, DVD, speakers) the extended warranty could be thrown in without seriously impacting on margin to keep the sale in-store. And what’s really attractive is the fact that the warranty is kept in-house, not lost to a third party. It is the retailer who will approach the customer to offer renewal after the warranty is up, so customer service and contact is maintained, and that of course gives the opportunity to present the latest technology and hopefully get a new sale. Retaining custom Rather than losing sales to high street department stores, BADA members have a way to compete. It’s not on a totally level playing field, as the independent will never have the buying power of a multi million pound business, but it is certainly a big step in the right direction. Combined with the specialist knowledge and customer service ethic of the BADA retailer, the sale of the flat panel can be retained and the retailer can then use their skills to concentrate on the added value up sell. This is just one of the many bottom line benefits that BADA membership has available for its members. Another good one is the business insurance service – our preferred supplier offers insurance schemes specially written for the Hi-Fi retail industry with all its unusual facets, such as very high worth products being loaned to customers, shipped around and held as demo stock. The premiums are extremely competitive, with every member who has moved to the scheme saving considerable sums over any existing policy they have had and the savings paying their BADA subscription many times over. In these very trying times, your business needs to have the best possible competitive advantages available to it and BADA’s member benefits can really help here. For further information about membership contact the office on 020 8150 6741 or email info@bada.co.uk Comments 2011-12-12T12:37:04+00:00 http://www.svimag.com/index.php/content/news/amx_it_out/http://www.svimag.com/index.php/content/news/amx_it_out/#When:12:11:31Z AMX has announced the opening of a brand new teaching facility at their HQ in York...Advocating the importance of education in our specialist industry AMX has announced the opening of a brand new teaching facility at their HQ in York. Incorporating the very latest in AMX technology, the new space allows the company to deliver state-of-the-art training whilst demonstrating the impressive capabilities of its own system. Graeme Scott, European Training Manager, AMX told us: “We are delighted to be opening this new facility, which will allow us to meet the ever-growing demand for AMX training courses and Certification. It is also great that we can use the space as a working demonstration of the capabilities of our own technology and its particular application within the training and presentation environment.” AMX University is dedicated to ensuring that integrators have the opportunity to gather the information and experience they need to deliver strong AMX solutions. Full details about all available AMX courses and Certification can be found by visiting http://www.amx.com/eu News 2011-12-12T12:11:31+00:00 http://www.svimag.com/index.php/content/news/midwichs_new_man/http://www.svimag.com/index.php/content/news/midwichs_new_man/#When:11:59:38Z MidwichHome has announced the appointment of a new member of its new retail-focused division...MidwichHome has announced that Matt Taylor has joined its independent retail sales team, as Home Technology Accessories Specialist. Matt has worked at Midwich for 6 years, in a variety of AV sales and account management roles. His present position is Epson Business Development Executive. In his new role Matt will be helping to launch a new range of accessory brands intended for the home technology market. On his new role Matt said: “My experience in a variety of positions at Midwich will be essential moving forward, and I very much look forward to getting stuck in.” He will also be working closely with Neil Drain in his new role and Matt also exclaimed his joy about working with Neil in MidwichHome’s new retail-focused division. http://www.midwichhome.co.uk News 2011-12-12T11:59:38+00:00 http://www.svimag.com/index.php/content/news/expanding_cave/http://www.svimag.com/index.php/content/news/expanding_cave/#When:11:57:14Z Distributor of cables and specialist products for the custom install market Cave Products has announced the opening of a new premises in Harlow, EssexDistributor of cables and specialist products for the custom install market Cave Products has announced the opening of a new premises in Harlow, Essex which will see them expanding into a larger warehouse. To help minimise removal costs, the company is offering a 5% discount on its stocked product range until December 20th and is vastly reducing prices on its UK produced Cat5e cables. The need for bigger premises is a necessity after Cave’s growth in recent months including several new distributorships including Bandridge, Profigold and most recently Behnke Door Entry systems in recent months. Commenting on the move, Director Michael Roberts said: “Despite the economic downturn, I am pleased to say that our business has gone from strength to strength. Cave has never just been in the business of order taking , our strengths have lain in helping our customers to manage their projects, by delivering product to site when needed, reducing the risk of loss and theft which impact overall project costs. Our new premises will enable us to hold more of our customer’s stock ready for a fast turnaround to site. We also work with our customers to develop products they need, often producing bespoke solutions. Over recent months we have seen a marked growth in demand for Satellite over Fibre and our new warehouse will be equipped with a training suite where we can offer new and existing customers training on this and other new technologies. We plan to hold regular training sessions free of charge.” http://www.caveproducts.com News 2011-12-12T11:57:14+00:00 http://www.svimag.com/index.php/content/news/on_a_quest/http://www.svimag.com/index.php/content/news/on_a_quest/#When:11:56:47Z AudioQuest, a manufacturer and supplier of specialty A/V interconnects and cables, today announced the adoption of a new direct to dealer model for the UK market. AudioQuest, a manufacturer and supplier of specialty A/V interconnects and cables, today announced the adoption of a new direct to dealer model for the UK market. Here is the body of a letter sent to all UK AudioQuest retailers. For the last 4 years the AudioQuest brand has been under the watchful stewardship of the Multi-Room Company, who have been a great and supportive partner for us. However, we have taken the difficult decision to move to a direct-to-dealer approach in the UK. This new strategy will become effective on 1st January 2012. In the interim we will continue to work with the team at Multi-Room who will have all of our support while we transition. Why have we taken this step? You may already know that in 2007 we invested heavily in the European market, choosing The Netherlands as the base for our warehouse, custom cable manufacturing and our management team, who are tasked with supporting our customers on this side of the Atlantic. We then started a direct to dealer model in the Netherlands, which has been very successful, and in 2009 we found ourselves in the position where we needed to replicate that approach in Germany. This again has proven to be a mutually beneficial move for all concerned, and we now have a great German team on the road and we support the German dealer base directly from our base in Roosendaal. We are now at point where we are looking to develop our position in the UK, from an international perspective the UK is a very important market, its influence extends far beyond its physical boundaries. Simply put the UK warrants inclusion in our core or global marketing plan, and it is unfair to expect a local distributor to be able to find and focus the kind of resources that are needed to maximize the potential of the UK media and PR space. So we’ve decided that it is in the best long-term interests of AudioQuest to manage the UK directly. Our Roosendaal facility is a very serious “hub” currently looking after thirty-two export countries and the two direct markets. As a result we have extensive stocks of finished and demo goods, have great logistics, and importantly, have a dedicated marketing and sales team that are perfectly placed to support when and wherever they are needed. We’re also delighted to announce that Nick Allen, who has been such an important part of our development at Multi-Room Company, will be joining us. Initially Nick will oversee the transition from Multi-Room, and will then be looking after the Central territory in the UK, as our own Sales Representative. Toby Allen (no relation!) is joining Nick, to look after the south of the UK, and we are hopeful we can announce our man in the north soon. The Roosendaal facility is ready, we have a UK line to call for orders and queries, 01249 848873, a UK logistics partner, and an English speaking team at the office to offer support to all our customers. To sum up, we’re very excited about the opportunity to place AudioQuest seriously in the UK marketplace; we’re delighted to be in a position to work with and to support the UK’s enviable independent retailer base. Yours sincerely, Richard Brans MD, AudioQuest Europe News 2011-12-12T11:56:47+00:00