New Techlink management team to focus on indies
Consumer electronics accessories supplier Techlink will be headed up by a new management team following the departure of owner Ralph Allen, who is to step down from playing an active role in the running of the business.
The move will see the company actively targeting independent electrical retailers.
The new management team is Neil Drain, head of sales, Paul Russell, head of product, and David D’Rozario, head of operations.
Mr Drain is well known in the CE industry – he was the former managing director of Vivanco and Lawton and has had a long association with Techlink.
Mr Russell joined Techlink 12 years ago as head of product and Mr D’Rozario has been with the business for more than 20 years, starting as warehouse and logistics manager before becoming head of operations.
Mr Allen started the UK-owned company, which is based in Sevenoaks, Kent, 40 years ago. It began as a supplier of styli for record players, selling them from the back of a van to retailers in London, Kent and Sussex.
Specialising in cables, TV/AV supports and accessories for home cinema, hi-fi and personal computing, Techlink currently trades in 29 countries worldwide. Many of the products are designed by its dedicated UK team.
Although Techlink has dealt with independent dealers, its main focus in the past few years has been larger retailers, but now it’s looking to change that.
Speaking exclusively to ERT, Mr Drain said: “We’re realigning Techlink’s strategy so we’re closer to the core independent market and we’ll be working on designing products that fit into that arena. I understand the business and the products.
“Techlink is a design and a manufacturing business – we have total control over what we produce and sell.”
Mr Drain added that following the demise of Maplin earlier this year, there is now a great opportunity for independent retailers to make the most of selling CE accessories.
He said: “We currently deal with 50 key independent dealers, but we’re looking for more. We haven’t engaged enough with independents – now’s the time.”
Techlink has recently entered a new market – office and home office furniture. Its Evo Office range includes ‘sit stand’ desks and accessories to help alleviate back and neck problems.
Commenting on his decision to step down from Techlink, Mr Allen told ERT: “I’ve decided to take a back seat, do some gardening and photography and learn to play the guitar. The guys who are now running the business are not strangers to me – there won’t be a lot of difference, other than I now won’t be interfering!”
• Our picture at top of story shows, left to right: Neil Drain, David D’Rozario and Paul Russell
