Andy Cross

Integrated security manufacturer TDSi has awarded ADI Global Distribution its UK Distributor of the Year Award 2017/2018. The Award was presented to ADI Global’s Product Manager Access Control, Joe Davies, and EMEA Product Manager Access Control, Glenn Davies, at IFSEC International 2018 in London. ADI Global Distribution While presenting the award, Andy Cross, Distribution Channel Manager at TDSi commented, “ADI Global has proven time and again it is an excellent security distributor, with the highly impressive 30% growth speaking for itself. TDSi only sells it products via our channel partners and therefore this commitment is of paramount importance to our business. I am delighted to present this richly deserved award to our friends at ADI Global.” ADI Global’s Joe Davies also commented, “We are honored to have been recognized by TDSI in this year’s Partner Awards. It is important that we sell and supply the best systems to our customers and their end users. TDSi’s solutions provide not only market leading systems, but also highly impressive ROI. The company has a well-deserved reputation for innovation and quality, along with keen pricing, which are three key attractions for any security buyer.” Having the largest distribution branch network in the UK security industry, ADI Global Distribution delivers unsurpassed service and 24-hour online access. The company prides itself on building trusted and personal business partnerships with its installation customers, providing the necessary tools and security systems to enhance their capabilities and expand their business.

Integrated security manufacturer TDSi is proud to announce its new distribution partnership with Enterprise Security Distribution. The partnership deal will see TDSi’s products and services being offered across the UK through Enterprise Security Distribution’s network of regional branches. Andy Cross, TDSi’s Distribution Channel Manager commented, “We have ambitious plans to grow and further develop our distribution partnerships and Enterprise Security Distribution is a perfect partner. With a network of 10 branches across the UK, ranging from Kent right up to Manchester, Enterprise Security Distribution has highly impressive market penetration and professional expertise across numerous sectors.” Reliable Security Systems Tony Streams, Managing Director at Enterprise Security Distribution commented, “TDSi offers an unbeatable range of innovative and reliable security systems which provide high levels of ROI. With class-leading technology and support services, we believe this partnership with TDSi will offer our customers improved choice and access to some of the best security solutions available today.” TDSi offers an unbeatable range of innovative and reliable security systems which provide high levels of ROI" TDSi only sells its products through its channel partners, so expert distribution partnerships are the key to its success, as Andy explained, “We rely upon the knowledge and market relationship of our partners to supply our customers with TDSi products and support. It would be impossible for us to reach and support all these customers without this expert help. Therefore, it is vital that we forge the right partnerships to ensure market growth and mutual success in growing our business.” Integrated Solutions TDSi’s distribution partners have their specific expertise and focus, be that by geographical location or specific vertical sector. Andy concluded, “Enterprise Security Distribution has enviable expertise in not only access control systems, but also CCTV, intruder and fire systems. We believe our products are a great fit as part of these fully-integrated solutions. We are very excited to be opening this new chapter of co-operation.” 

Integrated security manufacturer TDSi’s Distribution Channel Manager, Andy Cross, is celebrating 30 years in the security industry. Andy’s career has seen the physical security industry evolve from largely insular and siloed systems to modern integrated IP solutions. Understanding Elements Of Security Services Reflecting upon his varied experiences in the security industry, Andy commented, “It is almost unbelievable how much things have changed in three decades. The evolution of technology is obvious, but the way people choose and buy their security systems has changed too. No longer are some customers simply looking to make a ‘grudge’ purchase of a single costly solution, these systems are now at the heart of the Internet of Things and a wider connected world.” Although Andy’s focus has shifted towards sales, he was also an installer for many years, “I have seen both sides and it gives you a better understanding of the market and the professionals that service it. Whilst solutions must offer excellent value for money and fit the security strategy, it’s also vital that they are practical to install and commission, so it helps to understand both elements properly!” Reflecting On Industry Changes Andy’s career, which saw him move into sales in 2005 and head up distribution at TDSi late last year, started from very humble beginnings as an apprentice with Chubb. “I had built a burglar alarm as a school project and when I left school a Youth Training Scheme put me forward for an apprenticeship at Chubb. The interviewer was so impressed with my handiwork that they offered me the apprenticeship!” Having trained as a security installer, Andy describes how things have changed in 30 years, “It was very labor intensive back then, but lots of skills are still needed to be successful now. As well as physical installation, modern installers need to understand IP technology and must overcome IT challenges too. Overall however, installation time is faster now with wireless technology and advanced integration.” Future Challenges Andy is also clear on the challenges the industry faces for the future, “We need to attract new talent to the industry and retain it – so apprenticeships are still a vital part of this. The pace of change seems to be even more rapid and further integration with IT and Health & Safety systems will bring fresh challenges and opportunities.” Andy concluded, “I have had a fantastic first 30 years in security and like many of my peers I have many interesting and amusing stories to tell. But most importantly, the security industry is vital to all parts of our society and economy, so I look forward to being part of what is to come in the future too.”

Integrated security manufacturer TDSi has expanded its distribution partnerships to reach new and growing vertical sector markets. The recent addition of Anixter grows the number of associated distribution partnerships to six, which also include Norbain, ADI, Pro-Vision, Advanced Access and Midwich. TDSi’s Distribution Channel Manager, Andy Cross, who joined the company late last year with a remit to enhance and grow these partnerships commented, “Although some customers may be surprised by how many different suppliers provide our products, we only sell indirectly, so TDSi completely relies upon its channel partnerships to grow our market share and drive our success. This is even more evident as physical security systems become further integrated with all other parts of the IT and business systems networks.” Specializing In Different Vertical Markets Each one of TDSi distribution partners specialises in specific business systems or technology and has its own geographical outreach, across many different vertical market sectors. Andy added, “It would be impossible for TDSi alone to reach this many different customers, let alone offer the infrastructure to supply the many types of end user that benefit from using our systems.” This demand for fully integrated IT and business systems has seen the traditionally narrow market for physical security systems broaden to a much wider audience in recent years. It is rare for businesses to now view security systems in isolation from other technology purchases, so it is important that suppliers address these market needs. Andy concluded, “Naturally integrated security systems such as access control, CCTV and intruder alarms combine well to offer powerful and complete protection solutions. At the same time, increasingly this technology is becoming closely associated with other IT and business systems purchases. Buyers are looking to improve their ROI by ensuring all their purchases can be sourced together, with the assurance they can be fully integrated easily.”

Andy Cross joins TDSi to drive further growth and development Integrated security manufacturer TDSi is pleased to announce the appointment of the company’s new Distribution Channel Manager, Andy Cross. John Davies, Managing Director of TDSi commented, “With 29 years’ worth of experience in the security industry, Andy is the perfect person to take the reins of our distribution channel business. As a well-known and highly successful professional figure in the sector, we are delighted to welcome him to the team as we start a new year of further growth and development.” Strengthening Partner Relationships Andy is equally excited to be joining the TDSi team and has clear objectives in mind for his new role: “As Distribution Channel Manager my goal is to further strengthen TDSi’s working relationship with our partners. This will include the provision of more product training and extensive sales support, both for sales teams and Integrators.” He continued, “I will also be assisting the continued growth of the TDSi products portfolio and ensuring it meets and exceeds our customers’ requirements and expectations. Part of this is ensuring our customers continue to be fully informed about forthcoming and new products and when they will be available to the market.” Previous Experiences Andy started his career as an apprentice engineer for Chubb Alarms and progressed through roles including installation engineer, service engineer and engineering supervisor before moving to Business Development at Norbain SD Ltd and then onto Area Sales Manager for UK and Ireland at HID Global. Andy concluded, “I have worked with various installation companies, distributors and manufacturing businesses during my time in the industry which gives me a broad range of experience – which I believe is essential to success. With nearly 35 years at the forefront of the security industry, and an enviable portfolio of products and services, TDSi is in the perfect position to provide our distribution partners and customers with exactly what they need and want. I am very excited to be a key part of the company’s ongoing success.”