Channel Awards 2024: Q&A with Joel Chimoindes, Nuvias UC

Ahead of the 2024 Channel Awards, CRN is running a series of articles featuring nominees and partners.

In this edition, Joel Chimoindes, CEO of Distributor of the Year (£100m - £300m turnover) nominee Nuvias UC, talks about what the awards mean to Nuvias and the industry.

Why do you think awards like the Channel Awards matter?

There are two important factors of the Channel Awards. First, they offer external recognition within the wider industry, acknowledging the achievements of companies and the innovative work they're doing to grow and differentiate their businesses. This kind of recognition can enhance a company's reputation while establishing credibility.

Secondly, these awards offer internal value as well. In an industry that's faced significant challenges over the past 18 months, it's important to boost team morale and motivation. Winning an award enables employees to feel proud of their contributions, while reinforcing the direction the company is heading and fostering a sense of purpose. Plus, it's a great opportunity to celebrate success and have some fun, which is also key to maintaining a positive work culture.

What would winning this award mean to your company?

While we have the utmost respect for all finalists in this category, for us, it would serve as recognition of the transformative journey we've been on over the past 15 months. It would validate the hard work and progress we've made during this period and highlight the success we've achieved so far. This award would be a powerful way to acknowledge that growth and celebrate our accomplishments.

What would you say is your proudest achievement over the last year?

Our proudest achievement over the last year has been cultivating a strong and positive company culture. We've built an environment based on trust, where everyone feels empowered to be the best version of themselves. Reflecting on our journey, I believe this cultural transformation is our most significant accomplishment. It's not only enhanced our workplace atmosphere but also driven our overall success.

What have been the biggest challenges of 2024 so far and how have you overcome them? How have your people helped with that?

One of the biggest challenges in 2024 has been navigating a difficult and evolving market. We've seen significant slowdowns in both the hardware collaboration and telephony markets, largely due to decreased demand from end-users. These changes have impacted the entire channel, from distribution to vendors.

To address these challenges, we've been actively transforming our business focus toward areas like UCaaS, CCaaS and services. Our team has been instrumental in this shift, adapting quickly and leveraging their expertise to drive success in these new markets. Their commitment and flexibility have been crucial in overcoming these obstacles and positioning us for future growth.

How do you think the channel has changed over the last year and what changes do you think it still needs to make?

The channel has always been dynamic, continuously evolving to meet the changing needs of end users. Over the past year, we've seen a significant shift towards converged communications.

As end users seek combined communication solutions that enhance productivity, we're witnessing an integration of telephony, video, UCaaS, and CCaaS. This means resellers need to broaden their skill sets to address demands across these areas. They should either develop expertise in these technologies or partner with specialists who can provide the necessary skills. This approach will help ensure that end-user needs are fully met and that resellers remain competitive in a rapidly changing market.

What do you see as the main opportunities for the channel in the coming year? How do you plan to capitalise on those opportunities?

Building on the previous point, the primary opportunities in the coming year lie in the growing UCaaS and CCaaS markets. UCaaS is projected to grow between eight per cent and 12 per cent, while CCaaS is anticipated to expand at around 18 per cent over the next three years, particularly in the mid-market segment. These areas represent significant growth potential.

To capitalise on these opportunities, we plan to enhance our support for resellers by acting as an extension of their teams. We will leverage our technical expertise, service capabilities, and industry knowledge to help our partners secure and succeed in these emerging markets. By providing robust support and resources, we aim to empower our partners to seize these growth opportunities effectively.