Distech has undertaken a number of changes in the UK, as Smart Buildings Magazine found out.

There have been some changes at Distech. Could you explain what’s happened?
Simon Ward (right) has been appointed as sales director UK & Ireland to lead the strategy of growth as Distech Controls is expanding it’s operation in the UK. Martyn Turner has recently joined the business being appointed as a regional sales manager to continue to grow the business in London, South East and South West. Further strategic investment comes with the appointment of Giuseppe DiGangi has also recently joined the business as our specification sales manager to provide sales support and expertise to the consultants and specifiers, whilst Greg Arden continues to provide technical and sales support as well as training locally, in addition to our European support team based in Lyon. Chris Irwin, who lives in the UK, has also joined Distech Controls from Tridium to become vice president of sales for EMEA, talking responsibility for all our sales activities across the region.
Is the company changing focus?
No, we continue to be focussed on delivering the most innovative building automation solutions with the best partner support.
Will there be more of an emphasis on smart buildings?
Yes, because building operators are increasingly wanting the building automation system to integrate with other facilities management applications and business applications so that the building better supports the occupiers’ business objectives. Distech Controls are at the forefront of this significant shift in the market requirements as our partners deliver projects in major office projects (e.g. La Defence in Paris) which include fully integrated HVAC, lighting and blind control with people counting and smartphone app management as well as API (Advanced Protocol Interface) support for links to other software applications.
Are there any new products or services on the horizon?
Yes, DC has a full “pipeline” of new products, including our highly innovative ECY-PTU connected IP/Wi-Fi terminal unit controller range which includes a built-in web-served UI and REST based API for direct integration with third party services and applications. Also coming is our EC-Smart-Sense range of touchscreen wall sensors, as well as a new range of Horizon C touchscreens. These are just some of the product announcements for this year.
Should your customers be aware of any new arrangements?
Only that there will be a significant push from Distech in promoting the brand in the UK and Ireland, working with our existing customer base and new customers alike to grow significantly
What should we be looking forward to from Distech is the next 12 months?
DC is already very customer focused but we want to further simplify the way we do business so as to better serve the needs of both our customers (ASI’s) and end users of our products. We will be holding various events for specifiers and partners throughout the year to raise awareness of how DC can revolutionise the way buildings can be controlled and managed.
Who are the main points of contact now?
Simon Ward is the main point for sales contact in the UK.
Will you be exhibiting at any trade events later this year?
Distech have allocated a sizeable investment to trade shows this year. In the UK we will be attending 6 ‘Specifi Services’ events in Leeds, Edinburgh, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol and London, this is a new show aimed at the specifying marketplace. In addition we will be exhibiting at the Niagara Forum this month, and the CIBSE event in November. Internationally we are at ISH in Frankfurt, MIPIM in France, as well as a number of significant events globally.