Supporting ‘Tomorrow’s’ Customers Today

Dear Reader

Over and above its ability to provide the industry’s broadest range of electronic components, Arrow has built a strong reputation for the level of support that it offers its global customer base. And this support is not just reserved for the largest customers – indeed, we see support of new and emerging businesses and SMEs (Small to Medium sized Enterprises) as a fundamental aspect of our role in the electronics industry.

Two recent news stories – both of which feature in this issue of Innovation - provide different illustrations of how Arrow is investing in support for start-up and SME companies. The first covers a strategic partnership that Arrow has formed with Norwegian start-up Fjord Media, while the second relates to the opening of a new SME-focussed Regional Business Centre (RBC) in the UK.

What these stories have in common is that they demonstrate Arrow’s commitment to putting in place the resources, processes and infrastructure needed to translate all of the advantages of dealing with a global distribution partner into real customer benefits at a local level. And this commitment derives, in part, from our willingness to take a true long term view of the importance of the business relationships that we create and maintain – we recognise that many of today’s innovative start-ups and SMEs will grow to be significant players in the electronics industry in the coming years. Effectively, we are investing in ‘tomorrow’s’ large customers today.

There are many other initiatives that Arrow has created or become involved in to better serve start-up and SME companies. Take, for example, Arrow Norway’s annual Customer Day that, this year, takes place on 23rd May. This year there will be a dedicated session where several new companies will have the opportunities to tell their start-up stories. The day will also see the announcement of the winner of the ‘Vebjørn Tandberg Prize’. A joint initiative involving Arrow and other key organisations involved in the Norwegian electronics industry, this prize is designed to reward innovation, and will see 250,000NOK being awarded to the winning company.

As always, I hope that you enjoy this issue of Arrow Innovation. If you have any queries on any of the stories in this issue, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Helge Olsen
Managing Director, Arrow Norway