Simms to enter New Zealand market

Simms International has started looking for channel partners, vendors and staff as it sets up operations in New Zealand.

The office, to be fronted by Paul Johnston, is firmly in start-up mode with Johnston establishing the office, entering discussions with vendors seeking NZ representation and starting to build the partner network.

"Our initial focus will be to attract vendors that are looking for a partner who can provide a new focus for their products and help them grow their businesses, especially into the SMB and corporate sector," he said.

"Our reseller network will have the backing of Simms' sales, marketing and technical support, as well as logistics expertise, so they can take full advantage of every opportunity to sell our product range."

Simms' Australian managing director Danny Moore believed some vendors with Australian representation through Simms may be keen to extend their relationship with the distie.

"We anticipate that some of our vendors here in Australia will be interested in having Simms looking after them in New Zealand, and vice versa," Moore said.

It was expected the New Zealand office would be operational by mid-February. It will be based in Auckland.

Simms NZ is the third business within the Simms Group. Like the others it will operate independently of the UK and Australian branches and be "responsible for developing its own vendor relationships," the Group said in a statement.

Johnston comes to Simms NZ with over 25 years'experience in the IT industry.

"Simms operates as an extension of its vendors and is constantly seeking innovative ways to create opportunities for channel partners," he said.

Johnston said he would also be recruiting staff for business development, sales, customer service and sales support roles.