A report has shown how Microsoft’s channel can play a key role in helping the UK economy recover from the pandemic and make a bob or two on the side.
Goldsmith’s, University of London has come up with a study which is based on an earlier creating a blueprint for UK competitiveness. That report was released in October and found a £48 billion opportunity for UK firms to improve their competitiveness by introducing some small changes.
It means that Volish business partners have £9 billion on offer this year and can score £6.74 billion just by delivering their normal levels of business.
Partners who focus on strategic areas such as cloud, data analytics and remote work solutions, there is a further £2.34 billion on offer, which takes the potential total to £9 billion.
James Chadwick, interim general manager of One Commercial Partner at Microsoft UK. “Our partners are hiring new staff with cutting-edge digital skills, they are using cloud-based technology in innovative ways to solve problems for customers and they actively plan for the future to meet changing trends in the marketplace.
“It’s not just the companies and the economy that benefit; our partners’ success with their customers also drives social growth for the UK, tackling important issues such as diversity, regional equality and digital inclusion.”
Microsoft’s channel has also come through COVID-19 in a position where it can react to customer demand. Research found that more than half of the firm’s channel expected to see an increase in revenues in 2021, and nearly three-quarters also indicated that they plan to hire staff.
Vole says that to get access to all this cash its channel must act now to take advantage of those opportunities including:
- Collaborate with other members of the Microsoft Partner Network.
- Invest in agility and change management.
- Focus on diversity and inclusion.
- Build automation services.
- Develop data analytics capabilities.
- Shore up security offering.
