Print IT Reseller - issue 52

01732 759725 WOMEN IN TECHNOLOGY 36 of working at RISO. With close co-operation with the senior management team, I am able to direct the marketing and public relations accordingly. I think it is vital for any company, whatever the size to understand the key role marketing plays in helping position the company and in helping drive product sales. And that is why I joined RISO. It understands the place that marketing has when it comes to overall business success and that’s why marketing has such a strategic importance at the company. I see the sales and customer reports so I know what is working and what might need tweaking. This is not the case at all companies, where marketing is sometimes seen as a nice “add on”. It actually plays a critical role in day to day operations at RISO and, for me that is how it should be. We have a great team at RISO, where people are employed or promoted because of merit, not because of any quota or gender. A good person shines through, whether male or female. Again, this may not be the case everywhere, perhaps even in the print industry. What would make your life easier at work? I’m not sure anything in particular would make my work easier at RISO – I already have great colleagues, supportive senior management and products that are a marketer’s dream. Although saying that I wouldn’t say no to a holiday in the Maldives right now! Amanda Harrington, Head of Commercial Technology, Commercial’s office technology and hardware business www.commercial.co.uk Having spent my entire career in IT, selling consumables before progressing to hardware sales, I would say networking and relationship building are the key to success. I was recruited to head up Commercial’s newly established technology division 12 months ago, and my goal is to hit a £1m divisional turnover by the end of 2018. In my previous role I catapulted my department’s turnover from £0 to £4.9m in two-and-a-half years, so there’s a good chance I’ll achieve it. I have seen the pace of change accelerate in the sector as the digital age gets into full swing. In such a variable environment, I believe it’s important to have a strong network of trusted contacts that can offer guidance and advice in niche areas. No one can be an expert in everything, but business customers prefer to gravitate to one source of expertise. To satisfy this demand efficiently and effectively, you need to know where to turn for the latest insights and kit recommendations, as well as attending industry events and conferences. One of the most important lessons I have learnt in my career is to work with suppliers and customers that share the same ethos. I believe it’s the best route to mutually beneficial, productive relationships. And I would highlight Brother UK as a supplier that ticks all the right boxes. Commercial won a Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development this year, and it was no surprise at all when I learnt that Brother UK had received one as well. When you consider that only eight were awarded in the whole of the UK, across all business sectors, that’s pretty amazing. But I already knew that Commercial and Brother had great synergy – especially when they jumped at the chance to take part in our CSR Day in June. I acknowledge that the IT industry is still largely dominated by men, and am often outnumbered ten-to-one at events. But I would urge women entering the industry not to feel disheartened by this. My advice is to know your skills, and not be afraid to put yourself forward. When I go to conferences, it would be so easy to sit in the shadows, but I always make a point of sitting up front and engaging with the people around me. Women have just as much to offer as men – you just have to believe in yourself. What’s the best thing about your job? The variety – there’s no chance of getting bored in this game! Just look at how the industry has transformed, I began my career selling fax rolls and now it’s all about facilitating agile working. What would make your life easier at work? More hours in the day – and a self- cleaning house! Adrienne Topping, Group Marketing Manager, Midshire www.midshire.co.uk I started my career as a Junior Graphic Designer at a small advertising agency based in Warrington. Here I learnt basic advertising principles, that despite the changing landscape of marketing communications remain just as important, if not more so today than they did 13 years ago! After being promoted and working as Studio Manager at the ad agency, I was taken on by one I acknowledge that the IT industry is still largely dominated by men, and am often outnumbered ten-to-one at events... ...My advice is to know your skills, and not be afraid to put yourself forward ...continued continued... Amanda Harrington