[Econocom Stories #14] The group’s newsletter is available!

Econocom improves its Ecovadis rating and wins another gold medal! Econocom once again wins the Ecovadis gold medal with 72 points! This 2-point increase on last year confirms our ongoing commitment to social and environmental responsibility. Our aim is to achieve platinum status by 2028. Congratulations to all the teams on this collective success! Click here to find out more
		BDS Observatory and the software market Israel Garcia, Managing Director of BDS, recently sat down for an interview to discuss the growing strategic importance of software to Econocom and the market trends to watch out for. According to Israel Garcia, software represents a major opportunity for our growth, with budget resilience and a trend towards recurring subscription models. The European software market is expected to reach $157.30 billion in 2024, surpassing the hardware sector in terms of growth. Find out all about this exclusive interview and the exciting prospects for Econocom on OneLink !
When the Dutch and BIS Belux teams play as one ! Econocom Netherlands is thrilled to share the success of our recent One Econocom Summer Event, a delightful evening spent aboard the magnificent Ocean Diva. This event was a unique opportunity for colleagues from all Dutch entities and Belux team members to come together, enjoy each other’s good company, have fun, and create lasting memories. Thank you to everyone who took part and made this “Play as one” evening unforgettable. To discover (or relive!) this moment, take a look at the photo album available on Onelink !
		JUMP : Portraits of (very) special agents For the first episode of this special series of podcasts, the editorial team has gone to meet a very special agent, who teaches us that the word “impossible” just doesn’t exist at Econocom … The first agent in our dedicated series: Jéhan de France, sales agent since 1987 and with Econocom since 1989. Click here to discover his story

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[Econocom Stories] Special edition Play as one !

Econocom Stories had to dedicate one of its editions to this subject, a veritable narrative guide for the five years of our strategic plan.
Want to make a suggestion or propose a subject? Just one address: communication.groupe@econcom.com

A strategic story…whazzat? We need to start with an introduction…by way of definition, a strategic narrative is a focused narrative which illustrates an organisation’s vision, objectives and values. It uses narrative elements to connect emotionally with stakeholders, clarify action plans and inspire buy-in for strategic initiatives. This type of narrative is designed to engage and motivate by highlighting concrete stories and exemplary successes. It helps to clearly communicate the company’s future direction and priorities by combining factual information with captivating anecdotes.
		PLAY AS ONE : diving to the depths of strategic storytelling In January 2024, Econocom initiated an in-depth reflection to create its new strategic narrative. This ambitious process is aimed at supporting “One Econocom,” the Group’s strategic plan for the period 2024-2028. The aim of this narrative is to make all employees aware of the challenges of the plan, harmonise the efforts of the various entities, and align them towards a common objective: collective success. This principle is perfectly reflected in the Group’s new mantra, “PLAY AS ONE.” Anne Bruchon (Group Communications Director) and Israel Garcia (Managing Director of BDS) share the inside secrets behind this strategic story with you. To peek behind the scenes of “PLAY AS ONE”, click on this Onelink link…
Strategic narrative: play it like Jordan! As part of the roll-out of the strategic narrative to all managers and employees, it was vital to use a reference universe to enable all stakeholders to project themselves into the story which the company wanted to share. And that world is basketball: a team sport in which every player plays an essential role. Econocom’s five business lines – financing, recycling, distribution, consulting and services – are working together to achieve the objectives of the strategic plan: just like the five players in a basketball team who pass to each other to score.
		Focus on the Play as One stories competition We’re calling on all Econocom teams to share their best stories illustrating the “Play as One” spirit. How does it work? Simply complete the story proposal page and submit it to your local communications team or BU Manager. Deadline for receipt of success stories: 13 September! What happens next? The 3 best stories will be selected by the GMC next September and presented at the IMM in Istanbul in October 2024. The 3 contributors of the winning stories will have the chance to take part in the next trip as part of the Marco Polo 2024 Challenge. Find all the information you need to enter the competition on Onelink.

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[Mission Impossible] The podcast #1 with Jehan de France !

Portraits of agents

As part of our new series of “Mission Impossible“ podcasts, we’ve gone to meet some very special agents! And we’re going to learn that the word “impossible” doesn’t exist at Econocom…

The first agent in our dedicated series : Jehan de France, Econocom sales agent since 1989.

Jehan has been working with customers to develop his agency and Econocom for over 30 years. What is it that drives him? “Pride in Econocom’s services and offering. I’m proud to represent Econocom, “ explains Jehan. The agent then takes a step back to bear witness to the ability of an agent to adapt to products and offerings which are constantly evolving… “This company changes every day, and this renewal is a constant source of motivation…”.

Meet Jehan and discover his story with Econocom in this first episode dedicated specifically to the Mission Impossible program. Other episodes are coming soon!

Click on the image to start listening to the podcast.

Anne Bruchon

Group Communication Director

Interview with Israel Garcia: “Software is a major strategic opportunity for Econocom

We recently spoke to Israel Garcia, Managing Director of BDS, who shared his views on the growing importance of software in our strategy and the market trends we need to keep a close eye on…

Econocom Stories: Why should Econocom pay more attention to software?

Israel Garcia: Recent analyses show that hardware-focused value-added resellers (VARs) are likely to have a difficult year in 2024. Those focused on software are better placed to navigate this period. Software budgets have historically been more resilient and are increasingly moving towards subscription models, creating more predictable and recurring revenues. For example, the average annual growth rate for large software companies has been 18% over the last five years, with hardware coming in at just 4%. This clearly indicates that software offers a more dynamic growth opportunity.

E-S: What are the key figures for the software market in Europe?

Israel Garcia: According to Statista, the European software market is expected to reach revenues of 157.30 billion dollars in 2024, with an average annual growth rate of 5.84% until 2028. The enterprise software sector will dominate this market, accounting for 65.38 billion dollars in 2024. This underlines the growing demand for robust, integrated software solutions in European companies.

E-S: How do these trends compare with the devices market?

Israel Garcia: According to Statista, the devices market is expected to generate 129.60 billion dollars in 2024, growing at an AAGR of 2.78% to 2028. In comparison, the faster growth in the software sector underlines the strategic importance for Econocom of focusing on software.

E-S: Which macroeconomic factors are driving growth in the software market?

Israel Garcia: The main drivers include the increasing digitisation of businesses, the rise of e-commerce, and the growing importance of data analysis. In general, every company wants to innovate, and these days innovation is driven by software in any field.

E-S: What trends are you seeing in the European software market?

Israel Garcia: We’re seeing strong demand for user-friendly, efficient and customisable software, often cloud-based for greater flexibility and scalability. AI and machine learning technologies are also gaining in popularity. These technologies enable tasks to be automated, improve efficiency and enhance the customer experience. Open-source software is also becoming more common in Europe. It offers flexibility and cost-effectiveness.

Israel Garcia: Our new strategic plan is based on the idea of creating end-to-end solutions in key areas such as the workplace, infrastructure and audiovisual. On the one hand, software is at the heart of these end-to-end solutions, bringing together hardware, services, users and information. On the other hand, businesses need a complete package of design, consultancy, deployment, operation and financing services to unleash the innovation and transformation potential of software. Econocom can provide this complete set of services, simplifying and accelerating innovation for our customers.

Econocom Group has been selected as one of the 110+ companies that make up Euronext Tech Leaders

Brussels, 11 June 2024 – A responsible digital entrepreneur and pioneer of the circular economy in Europe, Econocom is thrilled to announce its inclusion in the Euronext Tech Leaders segment, as part of the initiative dedicated to fostering high-growth and leading tech companies.

To join the circle of more than 110 technology companies among more than 750 companies listed on Euronext in the Tech sector (CleanTech, HealthTech and General Tech), criteria for size and revenue growth, but also quality of the issuer’s technological offerings are retained.

Launched in June 2022, the Euronext Tech Leaders initiative is supported by a strong network of partners and aims to recognize and support top-tier tech companies listed on Euronext markets. It features a segment of over 110 European companies, an index, and a comprehensive suite of services designed to support participants throughout their listing journey. The Euronext Tech Leaders index will be updated after markets close on Friday 21 June 2024 with effect from Monday 24 June 2024.

By joining the Euronext Tech Leaders, Econocom gains access to an extensive ecosystem tailored to the tech sector. This includes engagement with a broad, international investor base financing tech companies of varying growth stages.

For more information on the specific criteria for companies to qualify for the Euronext Tech Leaders segment, please visit Euronext Tech Leaders criteria.

Econocom is excited about the opportunities this inclusion brings and looks forward to leveraging the resources and network provided by the Euronext Tech Leaders initiative to drive further growth and innovation in the tech sector.

Euronext Tech Leaders | euronext.com

[Econocom Stories #13] The group’s newsletter is available!

JUMP Campaign: the first results ! Econocom recently launched the JUMP advertising campaign, designed to recruit independent agents to support the Group’s organic growth as part of its strategic plan. The preliminary results of this campaign are promising and demonstrate its significant impact. Like to know more ? Click here.
		Chantal de Vrieze in the spotlight on the WOMEN FIRST LinkedIn page The announcement of Chantal de Vrieze’s appointment as a director of the Group was promoted on the LinkedIn Women First page (230,000 subscribers) and met with great success. We talk about it on Onelink !
Escape to Venise : A look back at the Marco Polo 2023 Challenge ! We’re delighted to share with you the highlights of our Marco Polo 2023 Challenge. More than 110 winners, including sales staff, managers, and support functions, embarked on an unforgettable adventure in Venice from 14 to 18 May. Curious to find out more or take a closer look at the event? Visit the dedicated OneLink space by clicking here.
		Econocom Impact on Economie Matin Véronique di Benedetto, Vice-President France in charge of CSR, is featured on the business news website Economie Matin to share her views on the application of the CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive) and the need for the IT sector to adapt to this major challenge. An translated article to be read on Onelink, click here.

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[Econocom Stories #12] The group’s newsletter is available!

One Econocom in action with KAO Thanks to close collaboration between the different areas of expertise involved (Services, P&S and TMF). We’re off to Spain to find out how Econocom turned a simple call for tenders into a digital transformation success story on behalf of Japanese multinational KAO Corporation. Thanks to close collaboration between the different areas of expertise involved and an innovative service model the Group not only met KAO’s complex needs but also validated its”One Econocom” approach. Visit Onelink to find out how this strategy was deployed by clicking here.
		Focus on our jumping agents News of the JUMP campaign also includes testimonials posted on our website and our social media spaces from agents who took the plunge several years ago. Nathalie, Théo, Christian and Luis share with us what led them to embrace these new challenges. Flexibility, autonomy and fun take centre stage. You can find portraits of our agents (as well as all the information you need about agent status) on the dedicated page.
Econocom provides logistical support for Télévie Discover how Econocom increased its supports for the fight against cancer at the 36th Télévie event. Econocom played a key role in the success of this charity event thanks to a significant technical contribution and close collaboration with Télévie. Go on Onelink to read the article about the event on 20th April. You can also go behind the scenes and see how Econocom Belux set up and dismantled the IT support by following this link.
		JUMP in the media The JUMP campaign continues to be rolled out. This is the Group’s first Europe-wide advertising campaign, and it has attracted considerable media coverage in the various countries covered by this ambitious scheme. Nearly 70 press articles have been published to date as a result of our global and local communication campaigns. This strong organic awareness will attract the attention of potential candidates. As a reminder, the Group has set itself the target of recruiting 100 agents in 1 000 days in order to support the growth of the One Econocom strategic plan
One Econocom’s strategic narrative comes to life Our narrative, designed to guide our future, is starting to be shared with our teams. We’ll be sharing more details of this inspiring vision soon! A strategic narrative is an engaging story that brings our strategic plan to life, guiding our actions and inspiring our future. Stay tuned…

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BDS Observatory: “One Econocom” in action: a success story with KAO Corporation

When the Japanese chemicals giant KAO Corporation (with over 33,000 employees worldwide) turned to Econocom in Spain last November, it wanted more than just a change of supplier. KAO is involved in the production of cosmetics and needed a full digital transformation. The Japanese chemicals flagship was putting out a call for tenders to help it adopt a digital transformation of its hardware as well as its uses.

Jorge Osorio, who joined the company in 2006 acting as account manager at Econocom since 2024, recalls this period with a smile. “It was an unprecedented opportunity,” he says. “We saw beyond the initial challenges and were able to convince KAO to appreciate our service offering.”

The final response was a remarkable success, incorporating not only the Services offering but also a full range of IT solutions (including Lenovo desktops and laptops) as well as an innovative financial model through the use of TRO (Technology Refresh Option) technology.

One of the highlights of this collaboration was the way in which the Econocom teams worked hand in hand. “We were totally aligned on communication and strategy with my colleagues Eduardo Segura (P&S) et Joël Valtierra (TMF),” explains Jorge. “We acted as a single point of contact, a one stop shop for KAO, ensuring that every step was shared and validated internally before being presented to the client.”

But the real challenge was in fact the change itself! In order to meet this major challenge seamlessly, the Econocom teams involved in the project put in place a robust change management program including webinars, videos, training and even an internal marketing campaign to inform KAO employees of the need to move to Windows 11 and the rest of full Microsoft Office package. Twenty-five pioneer KAO employees were selected to test the project, forming a community of ambassadors ready to drive and support the transition.

“It was a very rewarding experience,” says Jorge. “We successfully deployed the new platform and it strengthened our position to win a new tender for a helpdesk service.”

The collaboration paid off, with an initial success in January and a solid position to win a second tender. “We don’t think in terms of isolated individuals,” concludes Jorge. “We’re so much more powerful together.”

And so the success of this collaboration with KAO Corporation perfectly illustrates Econocom’s vision: the “One Econocom” model, where each element (whether people, services or technologies) is more than just the sum of its parts.

[Econocom Stories] Special edition JUMP !

LAUNCH OF OUR « JUMP » ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN !

As part of our One Econocom strategic plan and in order to support our organic growth objectives, we’re proud to announce the launch of our JUMP advertising campaign. It illustrates the great leap into entrepreneurship made by two salespeople who decide to become agents. This Europe-wide initiative marks a significant step forward in our recruitment strategy.

Hélène Lory-Delambre, Director in charge of strengthening the sales teams, tells us more about this campaign and the impact it aims to have.

You can find the interview by going on Onelink.

Becoming an independent sales agent : a dedicated page on our website … Potential future agents can find out more about the proposed business model on a specially designed landing page that has recently been put online. On this page, applicants can download a PDF document outlining the specific features of the model, the onboarding programme and testimonials. They can also apply by filling in the form on the site. If you know any potential candidates, please feel free to share our dedicated page with them right here.
		…and a page dedicated to co-optation ! Dream of being behind the wheel of a TESLA ? You’ll have a chance to fulfil this dream with the co-optation challenge…part of the JUMP recruitment campaign ! Co-opted and selected candidates will receive support in setting up their own business. Every successful co-option will be rewarded – with bonuses of up to a Tesla. Want to know more ? Find out more about our rules here.
Go behind the scenes of the JUMP campaign ! The JUMP campaign saw the light of day on 28 March at the “Jours Tranquilles” studio in the heart of Clichy, with around twenty people mobilized for this intense day of shooting. The shoot saw the actors jump more than 70 times in one day to capture THE perfect moment… the one which perfectly illustrates the campaign! Take a behind-the-scenes look at the filming by visiting our photo gallery on Onelink.
		JUMP : A campaign designed by the Josiane agency The independent advertising agency JOSIANE which has been chosen following a highly competitive process at the end of 2023. Laurent Allias, the agency’s founder and Chairman, explains what guided the agency’s creative intentions for this campaign, which was conceived and rolled out in less than 5 months. Read the full article by going on Onelink.

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Publication of Q1 2024 revenue

Revenue of €634 million, up¹ 2.6%, driven by the continued growth of the finance leasing business (TMF), a gradual recovery of the Products & Solutions business and solid performance by Services

During the first three months of 2024, the businesses reported the following performances:

Technology Management & Financing (TMF) continued to perform well, posting revenue of €207 million, an increase¹ of 10.6%, 10.2% organically, amid a continually tight credit market. Thanks to its flexible, innovative offering that addresses clients’ need for financing of digital or strategic assets, TMF maintains its positive trend after posting strong growth in 2023.
Revenue for Products & Solutions (P&S) totalled €305 million, down¹5% (2.6% organic). Performance in the first quarter varied from country to country but overall posted a notable improvement on H2 2023. Furthermore, the organic decline in P&S during Q1 2024 is in line with trends in the European IT distribution market, which reported decreases of 2% for Workspace solutions and 7% for Infrastructures³.
Services continued its recovery, reporting its fourth consecutive quarter of growth. Revenue for the first quarter was up (total¹ and organic²) 3.2%, standing at €122 million, driven mainly by Spain and France.

2024 revenue growth guidance confirmed

After an altogether positive first-quarter performance, the group confirms its annual revenue growth guidance of between 3 and 5%, profiting from an IT asset distribution market expected to grow³ in the second half of 2024.

Find our more in the press release attached to this article.

¹At constant standards

²At constant scope and standards

³ Context study for beginning of 2024.