January 2020, Mayflex, the distributor of Converged IP Solutions, has appointed Tom Filce in the role of Interim Head of Security. Tom has previously led the ‘Security Strategic Accounts’ team and has worked closely with the larger Mayflex security customers, providing a bespoke account management service for each of them.

Tom has worked for Mayflex in a variety of sales related roles since 2000. He has an excellent understanding of the security, infrastructure and networking marketplace having dealt with all areas of the business in his 19 years on board with the company.

Ross McLetchie, Sales Director at Mayflex commented, “Many congratulations to Tom on his successful application for this role. He demonstrates excellent business acumen daily, looking after our strategic accounts, is a well-respected member of the business and is extremely popular amongst his colleagues in the security sales team.”    

Ross continues, “This role is an interim role, due to Mayflex wanting to recruit from within the existing sales team. We recognise that some of the key management skills needed for this role may not yet be fully developed. At Mayflex we believe in creating a culture of learning and engagement, where employees are encouraged and given the tools to learn, develop and challenge themselves. The role will be Interim for 6 months and upon a successful completion, the position will become permanent from the 1st of June 2020.”

Finally, Ross comments, “Both myself and Tom share the same ambition to grow the Mayflex Security Division and I’m confident that Tom can manage and motivate his team to deliver these growth expectations. I’m looking forward to working closely with him, in his new role.”

For further details on the full range of security products distributed by visit the Mayflex website.

February 2020, Mayflex, the cabling infrastructure, networking and electronic security solutions distributor, is now actively distributing the Hikvision product portfolio, following the initial announcement of the new partnership, back in December 2019. The team of security specialists at Mayflex will place a particular focus on the IP solutions available.

Hikvision is a world leading provider of security products and solutions. Featuring an extensive and highly skilled R&D workforce, Hikvision manufactures a full suite of comprehensive products and solutions for a broad range of vertical markets. Their UK and Ireland operations are based out of Stockley Park near Heathrow with regional sales offices and training academies also based in Glasgow, Manchester and Doncaster.

Ross McLetchie, Mayflex Sales Director comments, “The business has been extensively preparing for this launch. Staff have received the necessary training, to enable the teams to continue to provide the sales and technical support on product choice and system design, that our customers have become accustomed to.”

Gary Harmer, Hikvision Sales Director UK & Ireland commented, “As part of the Sonepar group of companies, with an established customer base installing and working with Converged IP Solutions, Mayflex provides Hikvision with access to many markets and new customers. We can support installers venturing into the security market, with our training academy which offers free courses that provide the necessary skills to successfully install and commission Hikvision security solutions.”

Tom Filce, Head of Security Sales at Mayflex comments, “The sales team are fired up and ready to go to market with this new addition to our already strong security product portfolio. I am looking forward to supporting our existing customers and onboarding a whole host of new clients from our security and infrastructure customer base. I am excited to see the new opportunities that the Hikvision range will provide us with.”

For further details about the range of Hikvision products available from Mayflex, visit www.mayflex.com or speak to your Mayflex account manager.

April 2020, Mayflex, the distributor of Converged IP Solutions, has appointed a new account manager to manage and develop accounts in the Midlands and surrounding areas, with a specific focus on the security product portfolio as part of the converged solution.

Matthew Farthing joined the business at the end of March and comes to Mayflex from a security installer background, so is familiar with the type of customer Mayflex works with. Having worked in a general sales and national account management role, Matthew is currently undergoing a full induction, albeit it remotely, to prepare himself for when he can get on the road to visit his customer base.

Regions covered by Matthew include Derby, Nottingham, Leicester, Northampton, Birmingham Wolverhampton, Coventry, Telford, Peterborough and Cambridge.

Tom Filce, Head of Security Sales at Mayflex comments, “Matthew has joined the Mayflex team at an exceptional time for the industry and the country. We are forging ahead with a full remote induction plan by using the tools and infrastructure set in place by our IT team. “

Tom continues, “We will take this additional time to get Matthew trained on all of our business systems and on the wide range of industry leading vendors that Mayflex distributes such as Avigilon, Axis, Hikvision, MOBOTIX, Paxton and Suprema via webinars and online tutorials.”

Finally, Tom commented “Matthews knowledge and expertise will provide a further dedicated resource for our customer base working with them to get the best out of Mayflex and our product portfolio. Along with our range of ‘Specialist Support Services’ such as pre-staging of IP devices and bespoke cameras spraying to name but a few.”

Matthew commented, “I am looking forward to meeting with my colleagues and customers, helping them with their individual project requirements and supporting them with expertise and advice helping to make Mayflex the go to distributor when opportunities arise for security projects and installations.”

For further details on the full range of security products distributed by us, visit the Mayflex website.

May 2020, Mayflex, the distributor of Converged IP Solutions, has installed Thermal Elevated Temperature Screening Solutions from Hikvision to improve the health and safety of their employees and visitors during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The system works by automatically checking the forehead skin temperature in real time as employees pass by, maintaining a 2m gap in accordance with UK Government social distancing advice.

If a person is over a normal temperature threshold, an audible and visual alarm is given and they will be asked to verify their body temperature using a medical thermometer.

If in the future face masks become mandatory, the system can also verify if a visitor or employee is wearing a mask.

James Vian, Technical and Training Manager said ‘The temperature screening solution has been installed in our main reception as well as the warehouse entrances at both the Head Office and our Environ House warehouse.  The system includes the Hikvision Thermographic Bullet and Turret Cameras with the addition of the Hikvision Blackbody Calibrator that increases the accuracy of the readings from ±0.5oC to ±0.3oC.’

Andy Cooper, Supply Chain Director at Mayflex said “It’s a non-contact means of quickly and consistently measuring the skin temperature of a person’s forehead, whilst maintaining social distancing in line with current Government guidelines.  In doing so, we can reduce the likelihood of someone with an elevated temperature coming into contact with other building occupants.  This also reduces the possibility of losing an entire shift for 14 days, ensuring that we can deliver on our customers’ needs even in these challenging times”

Andy concluded “It gives me confidence that we are doing everything we can to ensure the wellbeing of staff and protecting the business during the Coronavirus Pandemic”

Hikvision are the world’s number one manufacturer of security products, which are distributed by Mayflex in the UK. 

For further details on this thermal solution and much more please contact Mayflex’s Dedicated Security Sales Team on 0121 326 2228 or email securitysales@mayflex.com

July 2020, Mayflex, the distributor of Converged IP Solutions, has been awarded the ‘Distinguished Partner Award for 2019’ from Edgecore Networks.

Mayflex were one of a few worldwide partners that were recognised by Edgecore Networks for their excellent performance, innovation and quality throughout 2019.

Neil Staley, Mayflex’s Market Manager said "I was delighted to accept this award on behalf of Mayflex, Edgecore provides an excellent range of wired and wireless networking products and it’s a brand that is growing in popularity with our customers due to the build quality of the products and the reliable performance."

Neil continued "We’ve particularly seen an increase of Edgecore switches being used for IP security installations, customers like the fact that Edgecore Networks is a wholly owned subsidiary of Accton Technology Corporation who manufacture products for some of the world’s largest networking brands, so they have the added confidence of a great product at a more competitive price."

Mayflex hold large stocks of the most popular Edgecore switches which are available for next day free delivery throughout the UK mainland.  Customers can also order online until 8.00 p.m. for next free delivery at www.mayflex.com.

To find out more about Edgecore Networks visit https://mayflex.com/brands/edgecore-networks

Excel Networking Solutions – the copper and optical fibre cabling infrastructure provider – has launched their new redesigned and revamped website, which helps its customers navigate and access product information. The new website, which has the same URL as the one it replaces (www.excel-networking.com) has been designed to offer a comprehensive experience, including compatibility with multiple browsers and mobile devices.

Excel-Networking.com has been updated with a brand-new look, user-friendly navigation and all-new content relating to Excel’s products and services to help customers find the information they’re looking for faster. 

Tracey Calcutt, Marketing Manager, commented, “The new Excel website has been designed specifically with our customers in mind. We have taken on board feedback from our partners to develop a more dynamic, visually enhanced website, which boasts a library of new content about our product portfolio, easier access to our resources and downloads as well as improved navigation and structure – on desktop, tablet and mobile devices.”

Excel Partners can still log into the Excel Partner Area from the new website, where they can apply for the 25-year warranty, apply their company branding to various documents and access a comprehensive library of images and artwork files for their own marketing purposes.

Tracey continued, “We’re immensely proud of our new website and we’re excited for our customers to finally be able to enjoy it after many months of development. The goal was to build a functional, seamless browsing and educational experience, whilst at the same time allowing our customers to immerse themselves in our brand and content.”

Excel have streamlined their new website, with it now being available in English, French and Spanish. The international websites are a mirror of the English content, to ensure that all customers can enjoy the same level of expertise when browsing the website.

Tracey concluded, “The website redesign demonstrates our commitment to our global customer base, transforming their digital experience when browsing the Excel website. We will continue to add new features, content and functionality to ensure our website stays on top of its game.”

To see the new Excel website for yourself, head over to www.excel-networking.com.

Suprema, a global leader in access control, biometrics and time & attendance solutions, announced on 4th August that it has integrated its devices with Paxton’s access control system, Net2. The integration will enable organizations to use Suprema’s devices in combination with Net2.

Clients using Paxton’s Net2 can now easily add Suprema fingerprint or face recognition devices to existing PIN or RFID card-based access control systems by installing Suprema Integration with Paxton Net2. The integration lets Suprema devices communicate with a Net2 controller via Wiegand by matching the users’ biometric data with corresponding card data that the Net2 system can recognize.

Suprema Integration with Paxton’s Net2 is truly flexible and scalable. It enables Net2 clients to utilize Suprema devices’ full functionality. Admins can perform tasks such as searching and adding devices as well as upgrading firmware all on the single application. The Integration’s Enrollment Helper feature allows users to enroll on Net2 without running the Suprema Integration itself. Users can also enjoy the convenience of registering directly from the Suprema device. User data is synchronized in real-time between the Suprema Integration and Net2, making user management easier than ever.

“The integration of Suprema’s devices with Paxton’s Net2 is a great advancement that combines top class solutions in access control and biometrics. The new Suprema Integration with Net2 will allow customers to experience Suprema biometrics and strengthen security without having to leave the Net2 system,” said Jamie McMillen, the managing director of Suprema Systems UK Ltd.

Mayflex distribute both Suprema and Paxton in UK. Talk to our team about your Suprema and Paxton requirements on 0121 326 2228 or email securitysales@mayflex.com.  To find out about free online training on both Suprema and Paxton please visit our training page.

August 2020 – Excel, the copper and optical fibre cabling infrastructure provider, has announced the availability of a new range of unscreened RJ45 field terminated plugs, boots and tools with immediate effect.  

The FAST solution is also easy to use. The plugs are compatible with both Category 5e and 6 cables and can be purchased with or without blade style high density transparent strain relief boots.

The fast and easy installation is achieved thanks to the push through design of the plug body, as well as the use of a single tool to terminate the plug, position the boot when used and trim excess wires. 

Ross McLetchie, Mayflex Sales Director comments, “Whilst not the most significant launch of recent times the introduction of the FAST range is a useful addition to the Excel offering.  We are acutely aware of the pressures our customers face on time, and that time is very clearly money when it comes to installation processes. This introduction follows on from multiple examples of products within our range that save on time but don’t compromise on quality or performance.”

Stock is available now with products supplied in plastic free packs of 100 plugs only, or 100 plugs with boots, and tools are available to purchase separately.  The FAST range will replace the current ‘standard’ unscreened RJ45 plugs offered by Excel.  A short video and data sheets have been produced to demonstrate the speed and ease of use. 

McLetchie continues, “The fast and easy elements of the design are due to the pass through plug, which allows prepared cores to be pushed through the face of the plug before being crimped and trimmed, compared to the conventional design where core lengths have to be cut to length before entering the plug body.  It’s great to see this new product being included in our plastic free packaging series from the start, and I am sure it will become a de facto tool bag and van stock item for anyone terminating cable on site for use in IoT and device connection.”

For more details, browse the products online or speak to our sales team on 0121 326 7557 or email sales@excel-networking.com.

August 2020, Mayflex, the distributor of Converged IP Solutions, is pleased to announce that Avigilon has now achieved the ‘Secure by Default’ certification across their product range.   This means that all four security camera vendors available from Mayflex including; Axis, Avigilon, Hikvision and MOBOTIX as well as open platform VMS provider Milestone are now ‘Secure by Default’ certified.

Secure by Default is a standard set out by the Surveillance Camera Commissioner to ensure that the default configuration settings of a product have the most secure settings possible, thereby making it more likely that when the system is installed it will be left in a secure state.   

Secure by Default is part of ‘Secure by Design’ that ensures that a product has been designed from the foundation with security in mind and thereby providing confidence to the end user that introducing IP devices on to their network won’t add any undue or additional vulnerabilities.

Tom Filce, Director of Sales – Security said “At Mayflex we only distribute best-of-breed brands, we aren’t badge collectors but specialists in each of our vendor partners and hence our five largest security partners are all ‘Secure by Default’.  Our security portfolio is made up of the leading brands who we feel provide the best solution for our customers – every vendor that we sell, and support is carefully selected to make sure that they fit these criteria.”

Tom continued “Our sales and pre-sales teams undertake extensive and regular training on each vendor to ensure that they are able to assist our customers to choose the right solutions for each and every application. By focusing on fewer brands this allows us to concentrate our time and effort on supporting each of them to the highest standard.”

For more information on the Mayflex security solution please visit www.mayflex.com where you can order the majority of products online until 8.00 p.m. for free next day delivery or email securitysales@mayflex.com or call our team on 0121 326 2228.

Excel, the copper and optical fibre cabling infrastructure provider, has announced the launch of its Enbeam Blown Fibre Solution with immediate effect.   

The system includes a range of microducts from single to multiway in designs suitable for either internal or external applications, complemented with Enhanced Fibre Performance Units (EPFU) of 4 through to 12 fibre in both single and multimode.  Systems installed by authorized Excel partners will be able to include this new system within the standard Excel 25-year warranty programme.

Ross McLetchie, Mayflex Sales Director comments, “As bandwidth demand continues to grow, we are experiencing increased demand across our Enbeam fibre offering, so the introduction of the blown fibre solution could not come at a better time. The concept of installing ducting throughout buildings, campus, or data center environments is far from new, but we believe this is perhaps the time for this type of solution to become more mainstream and provide truly future proofed, upgradeable backbone and FTTX solutions to meet customer needs. We have already secured two major projects with the new range and will be building our stock profile as we roll out the benefits of the offering to our customers over the coming months. Training programmes covering both design and installation practices will be available to interested parties, together with a hire scheme for blowing machines.’’

The internal Enbeam microducts will be offered in the distinctive Excel ice blue jacket colour, whilst the external ducts have black high-density polyethylene outer sheath with aluminium foil inserted between the jacket and microducts to provide moisture protection.  Each of the designs have internal longitudinal ribbing and a permanent super-slick lining of Silicore™ to reduce friction during cable placement.

Enbeam Enhanced Performance Fibre Units (EPFU) are designed specifically for blown fibre applications and are optimised for installation within our range of blown fibre ducts. The fibres are contained within a soft acrylate layer, which cushions the fibres. This layer is coated with a hard layer for strength and finally a low-friction coating to ensure low drag and maximise blowing distances within the ducts. The acrylate coatings are easy to remove to expose the 250-micron primary-coated fibres for quick splicing. The fibres are colour-coded according to TIA-598-C. The fibre units are available in OM3, OM4 and OS2 compliant with G-652 & G.657.A1 bend insensitive specifications as standard.

McLetchie continues, “Our aim is to offer direct, and indirect users of Excel the broadest possible range of end to end solutions that meet not just current, but future requirements. This announcement comes 18 months or so after our PON solution launch and is clearly very complimentary to this, specifically in the MDU market.’’

For further details visit the Excel website or call our sales team on 0121 326 7557.