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of where can HP help supercharge the Poly business and where can Poly help us to supercharge the HP business. There are definitely some creative synergies between the two businesses. “I think effectively November the first last year was day one, if you like, where we really started to integrate as two teams and work closely together,” says Neil, “And there’s been some really great milestones achieved across the business. Frankly, the atmosphere around the acquisition and how the Poly team and the HP team feel has been super, both the atmosphere and the capability. We’re growing nicely and delivering stronger outcomes for our customers based on what Poly represents in terms of the hybrid environment.” Innovation is our DNA HP have launched over 100 products in this last 18 months. As a business, they’re really focused on what’s the future portfolio, and that is anchored into hybrid work, the complexities of hybrid work, ensuring that the end customer, the end user, if you like, can drive the best possible productivity out of the devices that they’re using. “We’ve just launched the HP LaserJet Managed E800/E700 Series range of print,” Neil tells us, “and we’ve got more print devices coming in the future. So it’s an exciting time. There’s a buzz around the building in terms of all these exciting innovations that we’re bringing to market.” The DNA of HP is about innovation, innovation with technology, and that, if anything, is the heartbeat of the organisation and is stronger than ever. “So yes, we developed 100 new products and that will not slow down,” proudly Neil tells us, “I’ve been fortunate enough to see inside the design labs and see some of the products coming later this year and they’re really super exciting and really sort of leaning in on the hybrid work style and security as well. And it’s going to be a really exciting twelve months. I expect as many innovations and new products to come through in this next twelve months.” Resilience of the Channel Neil is really impressed by the resilience of the Channel. This last two and a half years have been the toughest two and a half years of a generation. With the challenges of three prime ministers in six weeks, a war in Europe, a cost- of-living challenge, an interest rate challenge, it’s been unprecedented. But the Channel is
resilient to that. And how it reinvents itself, how it makes sure that it’s relevant to businesses and drives its relationships with the business partners that they work with, is fantastic. “I think that the consensus that we have with our Partners is that the opportunity for growth is as strong as ever. Frankly, with the changes in how businesses operate, and the hybrid working environment, is creating more opportunity for companies like ours. One area where our Channel Partners will focus on will be SMB’s and we’re really excited about the solutions, business structure and business programmes that we have for the SMB sector and how we can drive those initiatives and programmes with our Channel Partners to be really relevant and unlock the growth that is in SMB sector. Secrets to your Leadership Neil says, “I think my management style, first and foremost, is to be approachable and ensuring that I can collaborate with the team and support them where they need support. I have a really professional, committed, motivated team that I’m really fortunate to lead.” My role is really to be there to support them, give them the coaching that they need, give them the encouragement that they need. I’d say that my style is being sort of people first, making sure that I empower people to be their best in their work. And I think where I get the biggest buzz is when I get this kind of can-do atmosphere and attitude around the organisation and I see people that are being successful and that momentum from success drives further success. “I think you’re always in a zone where you can learn from others and that is senior leaders within our organisation, as well as other people that I work with. I’m a firm believer that surrounding yourself with brilliance is the best way to perform brilliantly,” says Neil “and probably one of the greatest attributes of being a manager, is seeing other people be successful and you’re helping them on their career journey.” The Future Although the last few years have been tough on the Channel, it is clear that HP, like many of its Channel Partners, has weathered the storm and is well positioned to take advantage of the new opportunities that are available under the stewardship of Neil MacDonald as Channel Director.
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We’re really
excited about the solutions, business structure and business programmes that we have for the SMB sector and how we can drive those initiatives and programmes with our Channel Partners
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