The company says that each channel organisation will be matched with the right level of support, across three tiers. All will be given access to an online portal, featuring marketing campaign materials and information as well as an easy-to-use pricing tool. Partners in the top two tiers can also apply for marketing funds to support their activities.
"As voice margins decline, resellers are looking to exploit new opportunities in the growing data market. To do that they need a partner that can offer them national reach via a super-fast fibre optic network. Alongside this, a more tailored sales, service and support structure at a local level also makes a real difference,” said Brendan Lynch, director of wholesale markets at Virgin Media Business.
“We’ve asked the channel what it wants and the resounding response was a partner that listens and acts upon that feedback. Our Business Partner Program gives resellers the support and extensive product portfolio they're looking for. As the owner of the UK's only nation-wide fibre optic network, we're perfectly positioned to help resellers deliver the great customer service and innovation to their clients, that the Virgin brand is famed for,” he said.
Tom O’Hagan, managing director, Virtual1, one of the latest businesses to benefit from the new program, said: “There is nothing more frustrating than a disjointed, vendor/SI relationship. It is essential that vendors and SI’s have robust communication channels so that both can ensure excellent customer service and a compelling product portfolio. The Virgin Media Business channel program has all the right tools and support to pave the way for successful SI relationships, and the online marketing and pricing information puts the data we need at our fingertips.
“We are proud to be associated with the Virgin Media Business brand and this new partner program will help us deliver innovative solutions to a broad range of customers,” said Tom O’Hagan.
The channel program is a major part of plans to grow Virgin Media Business. Giving partners the resources they need means that they’re more than able to deliver innovative solutions to their customer base.