Match Distribution is a new company offering a mix of experience and some fresh takes on the smart home sector. EI profiles this new introduction.
Mark Taylor, Director and Co-Founder of Match Distribution, has over 20 years’ experience in AV distribution, including over 16 years spent at Invision where he was involved in the growth and development of the business. Mark was a key player in introducing new technology categories to the market, giving opportunities for residential installers to add revenue and increase the profitability of their projects.
Mark has worked with some of the leading manufacturers in the industry and was responsible for successful industry events, marketing and training initiatives, whilst setting out territory strategies for the represented manufacturers.
Ian Haste, the new company’s other Director and Co-Founder, has spent more than 15 years in distribution working for a global leader in software solutions, running the UK territory. An early adopter in the YouTube community, Ian used his passion and skills as a chef to develop his own channel, working alongside the likes of Jamie Oliver. At the forefront of the YouTube boom, Ian and his contemporaries took content, production qualities and brand building to new levels as this platform changed the way people watched and were influenced.
Ian then developed an Instagram following as well as publishing a best-selling cookery book. The book created opportunities for Ian to travel worldwide as a presenter for multiple global advertisements, from baking with The Hairy Bikers for Red Nose Day, hosting the cookery stage for Chris Evans radio show and his running festivals, he become a creative writer for Men’s Health Magazine and a presenter for Times Radio, and worked for BBC Good Food, The Telegraph, TalkSport and Virgin, to name but a few.
Using all of these skills, Ian has become a serial entrepreneur and combining his passion for technology makes Match Distribution a perfect fit for his next project.
THE STORY
Mark explains, “Our tag line is ‘Partnering Technology’. We find exciting manufacturers who fit our passion, vision and approach and then ‘Match’ them with like-minded installation professionals who fit that ideal. Match adds the service in between sales, marketing, stocking/ logistics and support.”
Ian adds, “We believe distribution should feel simple: great products, availability and support. We want the installation professional to understand our offering and know we have their backs. We want our manufacturers to feel we are an extension to their business.”
What brands are the company going to be working with?
Mark reveals, “We are launching in five technology categories: Audio/Cable/Control/ Shading/Tablet Solutions and we believe that puts us at the heart of a smart home project. Our brands include Russound for audio, one of the founders of high-performance multi-room audio. Their dedication to the professional installer market is second to none.
“In cables we are working with Bridgee, an exciting new brand to the UK, bringing manufacturing heritage and high quality to professional cables. For control there is Domex, a revolutionary lighting, shading, climate and multi-media system designed to make technology simple and elegant, bringing both new and retrofit project opportunities.”
Mark continues, “For shading we are offering Unify Shading, a brand that is simplifying the automated blind market, working with all the key lighting partners. This brings high quality, innovation and flexibility to a segment in the market that has huge potential for growth for residential installers. Finally, for tablet solutions we are bringing Displine, creators of high-quality, modern, elegant tablet solutions with precision German design and premium Polish production, making the ideal home for the always present tablet.”
Where does the company see itself fitting into the market?
Ian says, “We believe technology should be a ever-present in the home; cars are now loaded with tech and you would not dream about buying a new one without. We feel the home should be viewed in the same way! By making the professional installer’s life as simple as possible we believe we can drastically increase the uptake of high-quality technology, enhancing the experience for consumers and growing the business of our partners.”
Having products and a vision is important of course, but what about support?
Mark underlines, “We are working with our manufacturing partners to bring training programmes designed to give installers the tools to deliver outstanding projects. Most importantly though, our selection of partners is based upon knowing they are there to support when it is most needed. That is why we choose to work with manufacturers who build and support for the professional channel. It is their lifeblood, so when there is a problem, it is their problem!”
Installers can find out more by getting in direct contact with the company using the details below.
