CANON

Released 18/11/2008

Helps LFP resellers with Partner Programme

Digital imaging and technology brand, Canon UK, has selected 18 resellers and distributors in the large format printer (LFP) market across the UK this year to become part of its Partner Programme.

Following Canon's annual review process, two of its distributors - Art Systems and Velmex - and 16 of its reseller partners have become accredited partners and will work closely with Canon to develop their sales, service and media strategy. The company feels its Canon Partner Programme demonstrates its ongoing support for the reseller channel and the successful growth of Canon LFPs in the production, CAD, general use, photography and fine art markets.

Canon has recently focused heavily on the LFP market launching 16 new products in the last 12 months.

Infosource figures for the first half of 2008 show that Canon has a 13% market share of the 17" to 60" water-based LFP market in the UK, which is forecast to hit 16% by the year end.

In order to gain accreditation, the selected resellers need to meet a number of stringent criteria, which are designed to ensure the best possible end user experience in service as well as technology solutions. Once approved on the scheme, the partners are entitled to a number of benefits and support from Canon, including:

ongoing training, such as education events and ‘blitz days' to drive specific sales;
access to integrated marketing materials in the form of sales tools, point of sale items and online promotions through the Canon website (www.canon.co.uk/largeformat);
preferential product discounts and consumables offers, such as multipack ink buying offers;
and dedicated Canon account support and service training.

Matthew Searle, director, Canon partner channel, said: "Canon has worked hard to produce market leading large format printers across a number of segments in the last few years. Whilst we invest heavily in our products, we also have to invest heavily in our partners so that we ensure they are delivering the best performance to our customers. The Partner Programme allows Canon to ensure our resellers share the philosophy of offering market-leading products and service to our customers, so we provide them with the infrastructure to successfully sell the Canon imagePROGRAF LFP ranges into our target markets.

"Our partners have to go through a stringent selection criteria to make it onto the Partner Programme, but once selected they can rely on ongoing support and service from Canon. Our relationship is a true partnership and Canon can deliver real tangible benefits to its channel partners."

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