SchoolTech welcomed education-focused partners to TechMAX 2026, showcasing a range of practical technology solutions designed to support today’s connected classrooms and blended learning environments.
Visitors explored some of SchoolTech’s most popular products, including USB-C charging trolleys, USB-C charging stations, heavy-duty iPad cases and extra sturdy education headphones. The demonstrations sparked plenty of conversations around helping schools securely charge, protect and manage their growing fleets of devices while creating better learning experiences for both students and teachers.
The team also discussed how SchoolTech’s education-focused portfolio is designed specifically for UK schools, MATs and IT teams, delivering dependable, easy-to-deploy solutions that offer the perfect balance of durability, affordability and day-to-day practicality.
With schools continuing to invest in digital learning, SchoolTech provides resellers with an excellent opportunity to support education customers through reliable charging, protection and classroom technology solutions.
If you missed us at TechMAX or would like to learn more about the SchoolTech portfolio, speak to your Ci Distribution account manager today.
BenQ welcomed a steady stream of visitors to the Ci Distribution stand at TechMAX 2026, with live demonstrations highlighting the latest display solutions for business, education, creative professionals and gaming.
Resellers explored BenQ’s diverse monitor portfolio, including the PD Series for creative professionals, MA Series for Mac users, BL Series business monitors and the MOBIUZ gaming range. Discussions focused on helping partners identify new sales opportunities across corporate, education and specialist display markets.
The event provided an excellent opportunity for resellers to experience BenQ’s renowned image quality, productivity features and innovative display technologies first-hand, while discovering how Ci Distribution can support projects with expert advice, competitive pricing and dedicated account management.
If you missed us at TechMAX or would like to arrange a demonstration, contact your Ci Distribution account manager to learn more about the BenQ portfolio and reseller opportunities.
Ci Distribution welcomed visitors to the Unitech stand at TechMAX 2026 last Friday 3rd July, where resellers had the opportunity to experience the latest rugged handheld computers, tablets and enterprise mobility solutions designed to improve productivity across a wide range of industries.
Throughout the day, the team held some fantastic conversations with partners looking to expand their rugged mobility portfolio, discussing how Unitech’s solutions help organisations streamline data capture, improve operational efficiency and support mobile workforces in demanding environments.
Visitors explored a range of Unitech solutions, with the EA530, EA660, PA768, HT730P and RT112 Android Tablet generating the most interest. Designed for demanding environments, these devices offer the ideal combination of rugged durability, powerful performance and enterprise-grade data capture.
Key features include:
+ Rugged construction built for demanding working environments
+ Powerful Android operating system and enterprise performance
+ Integrated 1D/2D barcode scanning
+ Sunlight-readable displays for indoor and outdoor use
+ Reliable Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 4G LTE and GPS connectivity
+ Long-lasting batteries for all-day productivity
Ideal applications include:
+ Logistics & Warehousing
+ Retail & Hospitality
+ Field Service & Maintenance
+ Manufacturing & Industrial
+ Healthcare & Asset Tracking
Thank you to everyone who visited the stand and took the time to speak with the team. If you missed us at TechMAX or would like to arrange a demonstration, contact your Ci Distribution account manager to discover how Unitech can help your customers with rugged mobility and data capture solutions.
There was huge interest in the GUNNAR Optiks range of professional performance eyewear at TechMAX 2026, with visitors recognising the growing opportunity to introduce premium eyewear to both gaming and business customers.
Discussions throughout the event focused on how GUNNAR offers retailers an attractive, high-margin product category that naturally complements gaming PCs, monitors, peripherals and workstation upgrades. Combining premium styling with proven patented amber lens technology, GUNNAR eyewear appeals to gamers, content creators and professionals alike.
While GUNNAR has built a strong reputation within the gaming community, visitors were equally excited by the growing corporate opportunity. As organisations place greater emphasis on workplace wellbeing, employee comfort and productivity, more businesses are investing in solutions that help reduce the effects of prolonged screen time.
Designed to help minimise digital eye strain, enhance visual comfort and support focus during long hours in front of a screen, GUNNAR eyewear is becoming an increasingly relevant solution for HR teams, employers and organisations looking to support employee wellbeing in modern hybrid and office environments.
GUNNAR represents an excellent opportunity to diversify product portfolios with a stylish, premium brand that delivers strong retail appeal and healthy margins.
If you’d like to learn more about the GUNNAR range or discuss reseller opportunities, contact your Ci Distribution account manager today.
Ci Distribution has announced a new partnership with GUNNAR Optiks, a global leader in performance eyewear, bringing a unique and growing category to its reseller network across gaming, workplace and defence markets. VIEW GUNNAR
The partnership reflects Ci Distribution’s continued focus on identifying emerging, solution-led opportunities that enable resellers to diversify, add value and increase revenue across multiple verticals. With established routes to market across commercial, gaming and defence sectors, GUNNAR represents a natural extension of the environments Ci Distribution already supports.
Performance Eyewear Built for Modern Environments
As screen usage continues to rise across workplaces, control rooms, field operations and gaming setups, digital eye strain has become an increasingly important challenge. GUNNAR has established itself as a leader in this space, developing patented lens technology designed to enhance visual performance, reduce fatigue and improve comfort during prolonged screen use.
Rather than simply blocking blue light, GUNNAR lenses are engineered to rebalance the light spectrum, improving contrast and clarity, while anti-reflective coatings and ergonomic design support users operating in demanding, screen-intensive environments.
Gaming: Authentic Partnerships with Global IP
Within gaming, GUNNAR has built strong relationships with leading studios, developing officially licensed eyewear collections aligned to major titles including Fallout, Call of Duty, Cyberpunk, The Witcher and Valorant.
These collections are created in direct partnership with the studios, ensuring each product reflects the identity and aesthetic of the game itself. This is not “inspired by” design — it is officially licensed IP, designed to resonate with esports professionals, streamers and gaming communities where both performance and style are critical.
Defence and Public Sector: Performance Where It Matters Most
Alongside its presence in gaming and commercial environments, GUNNAR also supports defence, government and public sector applications, where users often operate in high-pressure, screen-reliant roles.
From control rooms and command centres to field-based operations, maintaining visual clarity and reducing fatigue is critical to performance. GUNNAR’s technology supports this by improving contrast, reducing glare and enabling sustained focus over extended periods.
With Ci Distribution’s established presence in defence and rugged mobility channels, this creates a strong opportunity for partners to introduce a proven, performance-led solution into environments where reliability and user effectiveness are essential.
Driving Value Across the Channel
GUNNAR provides a highly complementary addition to existing reseller solutions, aligning naturally with displays, workstations, gaming setups and rugged deployments.
This enables partners to extend existing deals, increase average order value and introduce new conversations around wellbeing, performance and user experience across both commercial and specialist sectors.
A Strategic Fit for the Channel
Jon Atherton, Group Sales Director at Ci Distribution, commented:
“GUNNAR is a fantastic addition to our portfolio because it brings something genuinely different to the channel. It’s not just an accessory — it’s a performance and wellbeing solution that fits naturally alongside the devices and environments our resellers are already delivering.
What makes this partnership particularly exciting is the breadth of opportunity. From gaming and creative industries through to corporate workplaces and even defence, GUNNAR allows our partners to open new conversations, add value to existing deals and ultimately drive additional revenue across their customer base.”
Joe Croft, CEO at GUNNAR added:
“It’s fantastic to have Ci Distribution onboard as a GUNNAR Optiks distributor. With their reach into gaming, retail, B2B and military markets, they are a perfect fit to drive the brand forward within the UK.”
Enabling Resellers to Do More
This partnership reinforces Ci Distribution’s commitment to enabling resellers with solution-led opportunities. With GUNNAR, partners can now position performance eyewear across gaming, workplace and defence environments, supported by Ci Distribution’s marketing and sales enablement.
We’re delighted to announce our new UK distribution partnership with Podloc, a specialist in all-in-one device management solutions.
Podloc helps fast-moving industries take control of their shared mobile devices, keeping them locked, charged and tracked at all times. Its modular charging lockers and management software provide organisations with full visibility, accountability and control over device fleets in demanding operational environments.
Designed for sectors such as logistics, warehousing, aviation, retail, manufacturing and healthcare, Podloc addresses common challenges around device loss, downtime and inefficiency. By combining physical security with virtual locker software, Vlocr, Podloc provides a scalable system to reduce lost equipment and end queues at the start and end of shifts with easy take-and-go access.
Our UK resellers will gain access to Podloc alongside local commercial support, technical guidance and channel-ready marketing resources. The partnership strengthens Ci Distribution’s rugged mobility and enterprise offering, providing partners with a practical, high-demand solution for shared-device environments.
Jon Atherton, Group Sales Director at Ci Distribution, said:
“We’re delighted to welcome Podloc to the Ci Distribution portfolio. As shared device usage continues to grow across logistics, retail and enterprise sectors, organisations need smarter ways to manage, secure and charge their technology. Podloc’s all-in-one device management solution gives our reseller partners a strong opportunity to deliver real operational value while increasing additional product and infrastructure sales.
For resellers, Podloc creates opportunities beyond initial hardware deployment, enabling ongoing expansion, integration and lifecycle support within enterprise and industrial settings. The solution complements Ci Distribution’s existing mobility and rugged portfolio, offering a complete device ecosystem approach.
Tony Rainbow, Managing Director at Podloc states:
“We’re excited to be growing Podloc’s presence in the UK reseller community with Ci Distribution. It’s a great step in making the solution easier to access, and we’re eager to help more businesses manage their operations.”
This partnership reinforces Ci Distribution’s commitment to bringing innovative, commercially viable solutions to the UK channel, helping resellers win business in fast-moving, device-dependent industries.
Ci Distribution has strengthened its enterprise mobility portfolio through a new UK distribution partnership with 42Gears, a worldwide leader in Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) solutions.
Under the agreement, Ci Distribution will bring 42Gears’ advanced device management and security portfolio to its UK reseller network, strengthening its commitment to delivering secure, scalable and enterprise-ready technology solutions across multiple vertical markets.
The partnership brings together two organisations aligned in their focus on performance, reliability and channel enablement. 42Gears is trusted worldwide for its powerful yet flexible endpoint management platform, enabling businesses to secure, monitor and manage devices across Android, Windows, macOS, iOS and Linux environments. This aligns closely with Ci Distribution’s strategy of working with specialist vendors that empower resellers to deliver high-value, consultative solutions.
Through Ci Distribution, resellers will benefit from an initial FREE trial, local expertise, commercial support, technical enablement and channel-ready marketing assets, enabling them to confidently position 42Gears solutions across sectors including retail, healthcare, logistics, education and enterprise IT.
42Gears’ product suite – including SureMDM, SureLock, SureFox and SureVideo – enables organisations to manage and secure devices, lock down endpoints, deploy secure enterprise browsers and control digital signage environments at scale. This comprehensive approach to endpoint control mirrors Ci Distribution’s own commitment to supporting resellers with solutions that perform reliably in mission-critical environments.
In addition to device management, 42Gears supports a Zero Trust security approach by enabling policy-driven access, strong device posture checks and secure connectivity to enterprise resources. This allows resellers to address growing customer demand for Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) and identity-aware endpoint security as part of a broader UEM strategy.
Jon Atherton, Group Sales Director at Ci Distribution, said:
“We are delighted to welcome 42Gears to the Ci Distribution portfolio. As endpoint management becomes increasingly critical across enterprise and vertical markets, 42Gears provides the flexibility, scalability and security our reseller partners are looking for. This partnership strengthens our enterprise mobility offering and enables our network to deliver powerful device management solutions backed by local expertise and support.”
Barry O’Keefe, Associate Vice President for Europe and Africa at 42Gears, said:
“Partnering with Ci Distribution is an important step in strengthening our UK channel strategy. Ci’s deep understanding of the reseller ecosystem, combined with its focus on enablement and local support, makes them an ideal distribution partner for 42Gears.
As organisations adopt more devices across education, retail, healthcare and logistics, securing access to those devices and the data they connect to is critical. Through our Unified Endpoint Management platform, alongside Zero Trust Network Access and Zero Trust Identity and Access controls, we enable resellers to deliver secure, scalable and policy-driven solutions without complexity.
We look forward to working closely with Ci Distribution and its reseller network to help customers modernise endpoint security and management in a way that aligns with today’s Zero Trust principles.”
The partnership further enhances Ci Distribution’s growing enterprise and mobility portfolio, providing resellers with access to proven endpoint management technology designed to simplify deployment, strengthen security and improve operational efficiency.
Who does this partnership support?
The partnership is designed to support resellers serving a wide range of industries where secure, scalable device management is critical, including:
Enterprise IT & Managed Service Providers: Centralised management across multi-OS environments, for multiple customers, improving visibility, control and security at scale
Retail & Hospitality: Secure kiosk modes, digital signage management and device lockdown for customer-facing environments.
Healthcare & Field Services: Reliable mobile device management for tablets and handhelds used in mission-critical and frontline settings.
Logistics & Warehousing: Secure deployment and management of rugged devices across distributed, high-volume environments.
Panasonic has announced the launch of the next-generation TOUGHBOOK 56, a powerful rugged mobile computing device designed specifically for professionals operating in demanding field environments.
Built on over 30 years of rugged device expertise, the TOUGHBOOK 56 introduces a new level of mobility, modularity and performance, enabling organisations to equip mobile teams with reliable computing power wherever work takes them.
From utilities and field service engineers to defence personnel, automotive testing teams and emergency responders, the TOUGHBOOK 56 is engineered to support critical operations where durability, connectivity and performance are essential.
Power meets portability
Built for the realities of field work
The TOUGHBOOK 56 has been designed with real-world field usage in mind. A number of key design enhancements make it particularly effective for professionals working in harsh or unpredictable environments.
One of the most notable improvements is the ergonomic integrated handle, allowing users to carry and operate the device comfortably while moving between tasks or locations. The handle has been designed for secure grip even when wearing gloves, a common requirement for technicians working outdoors or in industrial settings.
The device also features a latch-free lid, allowing users to quickly open and access the laptop without the need for small mechanical releases. This glove-friendly design improves efficiency for workers who need to access systems quickly while wearing protective equipment.
Flexible modular expansion
The TOUGHBOOK 56 continues Panasonic’s commitment to modular design, offering extensive customisation and expansion capabilities.
Users can configure left, right and rear expansion areas, enabling the device to integrate with specialist tools, legacy systems and industry-specific hardware. This flexibility ensures the TOUGHBOOK 56 can be tailored to meet the unique requirements of different sectors.
Additional expansion ports provide improved connectivity, supporting modern workflows that rely on multiple peripherals and data capture devices.
Power for modern mobile workloads
Under the hood, the TOUGHBOOK 56 delivers next-generation performance capable of handling intensive workloads including data processing, diagnostics and AI-driven applications directly at the edge.
Advanced connectivity for modern field operations
Connectivity is another area where the TOUGHBOOK 56 pushes innovation forward. In what Panasonic describes as a world-first in rugged mobile computing, the device supports up to three simultaneous wired LAN connections, operating at 1Gb, 2.5Gb and 10Gb speeds.
When using the optional 10Gb module, users can transfer an 80GB file in around 95 seconds, enabling rapid data movement for industries handling large datasets. The device also features Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, with optional support for 4G and 5G private networks, ensuring reliable connectivity across a wide range of environments.
Next-generation processing with AI capability
The TOUGHBOOK 56 is powered by the Intel Core Ultra 5 processor 235H with Intel vPro, with the option to upgrade to the Core Ultra 7 265H for additional performance.
Both configurations include what Panasonic describes as the most powerful Intel AI Boost NPU ever integrated into a TOUGHBOOK, enabling advanced edge AI processing without relying on cloud connectivity.
For graphics-intensive workloads, an optional AMD Radeon W7500M 8GB GPU supports demanding applications such as 3D mapping, simulation and CAD modelling. The system also offers user-upgradeable RAM and SSD storage, and comes pre-installed with Windows 11 Pro, with Red Hat Enterprise Linux certification planned.
The system also features hot-swappable dual batteries, delivering up to 24 hours of runtime with extended configurations. This enables uninterrupted operation across long shifts without downtime.
Enhanced display for real-world environments
The TOUGHBOOK 56 retains the familiar 14-inch form factor of the previous generation but introduces a new 16:10 aspect ratio, offering improved workspace and visibility.
An optional 10-finger capacitive touchscreen includes an upgraded Auto Mode, which automatically detects whether the user is interacting with the device using fingers, gloves, a stylus, or a combination of inputs, switching seamlessly between modes without manual adjustment.
The display is designed for challenging working conditions, with brightness ranging from 1 cd/m² for low-light environments up to 1,000 cd/m² for outdoor visibility.
Rugged protection you can rely on
As expected from the TOUGHBOOK range, durability remains at the core of the device.
The TOUGHBOOK 56 features a reinforced magnesium chassis, delivering the strength required to withstand harsh working conditions. Combined with military-grade certifications and multi-layer security, the device protects both hardware and sensitive operational data.
Despite its robust construction, the device maintains a compact and lightweight form factor, ensuring it remains practical for daily mobile use.
Designed for key industries
The TOUGHBOOK 56 is ideally suited for organisations operating in demanding sectors, including:
Field Service
Utilities
Automotive testing
Agriculture
Defence
Blue light and emergency services
These industries require technology that can operate reliably in extreme environments while supporting complex data-driven workflows – a challenge the TOUGHBOOK 56 is built to meet.
Basingstoke, England – 08.01.2026 – UK-based value-added distributor Ci Distribution has announced a new distribution partnership with BenQ, a global provider of display and visual technology. The agreement will see Ci Distribution bring BenQ’s professional display portfolio to its UK reseller network, supporting customers across home, gaming, education, corporate and specialist professional environments.
Through this partnership, Ci Distribution will make BenQ desktop monitor solutions available alongside its existing range of visual, collaboration and workplace technology. The focus is on practical deployment, channel enablement and supporting resellers in specifying solutions that meet real operational requirements.
BenQ’s portfolio spans professional displays, gaming monitors and specialist visual solutions, supporting learning environments, meeting rooms, creative workflows and immersive gaming experiences. Designed with a focus on image accuracy, reliability and consistent performance. Ci Distribution will support partners with pre-sales expertise, commercial guidance and access to its established UK distribution and logistics infrastructure.
Jon Atherton, Group Sales Director at Ci Distribution, said: “Partnering with BenQ provides both parties with the opportunity to unlock significant growth across the UK. BenQ is already a well-established brand in education and the corporate sectors. The team at Ci Distribution has a broad and growing customer base of resellers supplying into these sectors, and we are excited to grow the brand further. Combine that with our customer-centric approach and commitment to innovative, high-quality products, and we see a very productive partnership that aligns with our commitment to supporting all our customers”
Carly Cheshire, Head of Consumer, BenQ UK, said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with Ci Distribution, a distributor with a strong reputation in the UK market. This strategic partnership is an important step in strengthening BenQ’s presence across education, corporate and gaming, helping us expand our reach while continuing to deliver high-quality, performance-led solutions to our UK customers.”
Who does this partnership support?
This partnership supports organisations where display technology plays a central role in entertainment, learning, collaboration and professional communication.
Education providers
Schools, colleges and universities looking for dependable classroom and campus-wide display solutions that integrate easily into existing teaching environments.
Corporate and hybrid workplaces
Organisations investing in modern office solutions, meeting rooms and collaboration spaces where consistency, reliability and ease of management matter.
Specialist and professional environments
Customers with more specific visual requirements, including training facilities, design-led spaces and briefing environments, where performance and accuracy are non-negotiable.
Creative professionals
For creative professionals, graphic designers and studios who expect high-performance displays where colour accuracy, clarity and consistency are non-negotiable.
Gamers
High-performance entertainment monitors designed for immersive gaming, seamless home working and everyday enjoyment.
About Ci Distribution
Ci Distribution connects manufacturers with proven technology solutions through a UK-wide network of resellers. Based in Basingstoke with additional operations in Telford and Wales, Ci Distribution supports over 600 partners each year across rugged technology, workplace solutions and traditional IT.
About BenQ Corporation
Founded on the corporate vision of “Bringing Enjoyment ‘N’ Quality to Life”, BenQ Corporation is a world-leading human technology and solutions provider aiming to elevate and enrich every aspect of consumers’ lives. To realise this vision, the company focuses on the aspects that matter most to people today – lifestyle, business, healthcare and education – with the hope of providing people with the means to live better, increase efficiency, feel healthier and enhance learning. Such means include a delightful broad portfolio of people-driven products and embedded technologies spanning digital projectors, monitors, interactive large-format displays, audio products, and lifestyle lighting. Because it matters.
Ci Distribution is proud to announce that it has been named Specialist Distributor of the Year at the PCR Awards 2025.
Held at The Brewery, London, on 24 September, the awards celebrated excellence across the UK tech channel, bringing together vendors, distributors, retailers, resellers, and managed service providers (MSPs).
Jon Atherton 🌟, Director at Ci Distribution, said: “Winning Specialist Distributor of the Year is a fantastic recognition of the commitment and energy our team puts into everything we do. The PCR Awards are always a highlight of the channel calendar, and to come away with a win makes it even more special. This award belongs to the entire Ci Distribution team, our vendors, and our partners who continue to put their trust in us. We’re incredibly proud and motivated to keep building on this success.”
