Avnet Technology Solutions says that its UK operation has gained Quality in Credit Management (QICM) accreditation. Avnet is the latest company to achieve QICM status and the first IT distributor in the UK to receive the award from Europe’s largest association for the credit management profession, the Institute of Credit Management (ICM). QICM recognises the achievements of organisations that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to quality, continuous improvement and best practice in all things credit.
With business partners ranging from Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), System Integrators (SIs), Value-Added Resellers (VARs) and consultancy service organisations, sound credit management procedures and processes are essential to supporting Avnet’s corporate strategy – accelerating partner success through business stability and growth. Avnet was first prompted to apply for QICM accreditation to reward the hard work of the credit team over the last two years. It also set out to assure business partners that they work with a professional organisation with credit management processes that have been vetted by the strictest independent body in the industry.
Darren Maynard, Head of Credit at Avnet Technology Solutions UK said, “We are constantly striving for operational excellence. The QICM accreditation recognises the high quality of our credit department and is validation that Avnet’s credit processes are the best in the industry. Credit is a key sales enabler in the IT channel and it is important to Avnet that its business partners have complete confidence in the credit support they receive. By joining the QICM club, we consider ourselves to be part of an elite team within credit management.”
To gain QICM accreditation, Avnet had to undergo a two-day assessment of its credit and collections processes and documentation, similar to an external audit. The assessment was carried out by the ICM’s highly qualified and experienced QICM Assessors.