Editorial programme

Press releases can be submitted at any time and we always respect embargoes as these help us plan ahead. Submissions should ideally be shared as plain text in the body of an email, with a relevant landscape image. Please note we do not accept PDF press releases.

Upcoming Features

Responses to our forward features should be submitted to the editor by the deadline shown. Submissions must be attributed to a spokesperson and we advise that the below synopses and questions are just a starting point – the final direction of every feature will be guided by the input we receive.

As such, it’s always worth sharing any additional thoughts that are relevant to the topic, but might not fit into any of the specific questions provided. Similarly, do not feel you must answer every question – pick and choose those that are relevant to you and your company.

All features will include thoughts from various stakeholders and are written by the Comms Business editorial team. As such, please do not send opinion pieces in response to our forward features as they are unlikely to be used.

Editorial input is considered based on the merit of the submission alone and is independent of all advertising or event spend with Comms Business or any of its related publications. This is not negotiable.

Further information on how to get your stories featured in Comms Business can be found here.

Please do get in touch with any questions.

 

January 2024

Submit to: charlotte.hathway@markallengroup.com
Deadline: 16:00 GMT Friday 1st December 2023

The future of the Channel

This article will explore the future of the channel. We will discuss how the ecosystem is changing, emerging technologies, shifting services and market consolidation.

We will ask:

  • How is the channel ecosystem changing?
  • What challenges are there for resellers/MSPs/distributors/vendors?
  • How can resellers/MSPs/distributors/vendors respond to these challenges? For example, with changes to partner programmes, or different support offerings for partners?
  • What does an evolving channel mean for end customers?

 

Fit To Switch

This feature will explore how to get businesses prepared for the upcoming switch-off, with insight into how the Fit To Switch campaign can help by driving businesses to have conversations with their suppliers.

We will ask:

  • Has enough been done to raise awareness of the upcoming PSTN withdrawal?
  • How can businesses prepare for the switch-off?
  • What support can channel companies provide to their customers?
  • How do you expect the next two years to play out as we approach the switch-off?
  • For Fit To Switch supporters: why did you sign up to the Fit To Switch campaign?

Selling in 2024

Salespeople across the Channel are navigating drastically different sales journeys compared to just a few years ago. This feature will look to provide resellers and MSPs with guidance on how things have changed, what sales skills are needed, and the sales strategies that could help them succeed.

We will ask:

  • How is the sales journey changing?
  • What does this mean for the skills and strategies salespeople need?
  • Where are the biggest opportunities in Channel sales?
  • What skills do channel companies need to prioritise for their sales teams?
  • How can vendors support their reseller and MSP partners?

 

2024 features, supplements and focus months

Month Feature #1 Feature #2 Feature #3 Supplement
January The future of the Channel Fit To Switch: Getting the nation behind the switch-off Selling in 2024  
February The as-a-service era Hardware and distribution Vertical: Transport and logistics  
March Channel Live Preview The circular economy Uninterruptible power Channel Profiles
April UC and CC: blurring boundaries Channel consultancy services: bringing in the experts Vertical: Financial services and banking  
May AI and its impact on the Channel Billing and monetisation solutions Tackling the skills challenge  
June Building an ESG strategy Mobile opportunities Vertical: Local government Business Comms guide
July Adding value with Microsoft Local and trusted providers: how the channel makes technology accessible to businesses across the UK Data services  
August Telecoms and IT convergence The modern workplace IoT  
September Wholesale voice in the all-IP era Building resilience with services Vertical: Education Connecting Gigabit Britain
October Cloud services: building an offering White label success Mental health in the Channel  
November Wholesalers: what should resellers and MSPs look for? Call and contact centres Vertical: Retail  
December Preview of 2025 Cybersecurity PSTN countdown: one year to go  

All 2024 synopses can be viewed here.

Articles in bold are focus months where the topic is expanded on in additional content and advertising on digital weekly newsletters (x 4 to 16,000+ recipients) and news stories on Comms Business website over the whole month. This additional content allows for brand visibility and elevation as a thought leader; involvement in these and extra digital activities to enable lead generation are at a cost. For more information please contact mat.swift@markallengroup.com or call 07919 177099, or moh.lalani@markallengroup.com or call 07766 081822.