Telefonica O2 UK announces that its Approved Partner Programme has been overhauled for 2011 with partners getting new and improved benefits following a hugely successful 2010. 75 O2 Approved Partners have agreed to continue to commit 80% of their business to Telefonica O2 UK via their chosen Centre of Excellence distributor.

The new O2 Approved programme was unveiled recently to partners at events across the UK following a fantastic performance last year which saw a tenfold increase in Joined Up Communication connections and a doubling of sales for Blackberry and iPhone in 2010.

Some the new benefits which partners will receive this year, which will complement our joint ambitions and goals, include a quarterly stockist incentive to help drive increased Telefonica O2 UK business and specific support and funding for Blackberry.

As experts in delivering the latest Telefonica O2 UK business solutions, Approved partners work with customers of all sizes across the UK and have significant experience in providing customised local solutions based on business requirements and increasing company productivity.

Maggie Kennedy, Telefonica O2 UK Head of Partners, said: ‘These partners have demonstrated their commitment to building customer trust and loyalty while providing superb base management. But more than that they are delivering single digit annualised churn and driving valuable growth and in return get a number of benefits to help them further grow both our businesses. All our partners support our revenue share model as the best method to enable a sustainable business based on typical voice and data. The Approved programme is open to all stockists but sets demanding qualifying criteria including excellent customer service and a true focus on delivering Joined Up Communication solutions within the business market.’

Commenting on the recent re-launch Bob Sweetlove, Managing Director of HSC, said: “Telefonica O2 UK are currently working closer with the channel than any operator does or ever has, which is refreshing to be part of. I’m confident that the way we have constructed the Approved scheme ensures that all parties from network to the stockist front line are tuned in to the strategic objectives of Telefonica O2 UK and how they can influence them. We have created a vehicle to properly reward those stockists that do the business, in all senses of the word.”

Andy Tow, Managing Director at Avenir Telecom, added: ‘This initiative will see us working even closer this year with Telefonica O2 UK and with our top-performing business-to-business dealers. Our outstanding performance in 2010 was a fantastic achievement and we’re looking to beating it in 2011. The O2 Approved Partner Programme offers our dealers a huge advantage and gives them the platform they need to focus on succeeding in both customer retention and sales in mobile, fixed line and converged solutions.’

Dave McGinn, Managing Director of Daisy Distribution, added: ‘Our ambition is clear, to have the most successful and contributory O2 Approved Programme within channel and to see our partners grow and evolve as we grow and evolve Daisy Distribution. We fully support O2 in the re-launch of this initiative and feel that we have something unique to offer our partners to ensure they benefit from their participation.’

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