Client Spotlight: BenQ UK’s mission to bring enjoyment and quality to life
Before deciding to establish its own brand in 2001, BenQ UK was originally an extension of Acer’s Peripherals Division, focused on PCs and notebooks. We spoke to Managing Director, Royce Lye, about the now iconic brand name which encapsulates its dedication to “Bringing Enjoyment and Quality to Life” and how the company is utilising strategic product placement, adaptive marketing techniques, and strong partnerships to drive further success and growth.
A brief history and ethos of the brand
Royce began by highlighting the initial difficulties the company faced: “In our early days, we primarily operated as an OEM for major companies like Dell, and we struggled to carve out an identity in a highly competitive UK market. The early 2000s marked a pivotal time as we sponsored major events such as the European Championships. We also restructured our marketing team to strengthen our market presence.”
By 2008, BenQ had shifted its focus to monitors and projectors, targeting Amazon for the former and schools for the latter. This strategic pivot proved successful, and BenQ UK gradually grew to become the second-largest subsidiary in Europe. Today, the UK team comprises 27 members: “Our success is attributed to our people. We are where we are today because of their hard work and dedication over the years.”
Key products and services
BenQ UK offers a diverse range of products, with a strong focus on specific market segments. Known for their quality and performance, the company’s desktop monitors have targeted specific sectors such as e-sports and gaming. Additionally, the company’s large format touch displays are particularly popular in the education sector, helping BenQ secure a spot among the top three brands in the UK for this category.
Staying ahead with emerging technologies
In an ever-evolving technological landscape, BenQ UK stays ahead by influencing product strategy and local positioning. Royce supported this by saying: “We feel we have adapted very well to a variety of global changes such as hybrid working models, the integration of AI in classrooms, and ongoing corporate restructuring. We also maintain a strong presence in important sectors such as healthcare and education. To give an example, the NHS uses BenQ products in their call centres, and numerous educational institutions rely on BenQ for advanced learning tools.”
Future growth and plans to expand
Looking ahead, BenQ UK is poised for expansion, particularly in the corporate world. The company aims to solidify its B2B brand identity by leveraging its global product line and tailoring strategies to the local market. “We are seeing partnerships that are setting the trend for future growth, including Starling Bank, large insurance companies, and fintech firms”, Royce commented.
Significant collaborations include working on projects with educational institutions and unique ventures such as planetarium installations and golf simulators. Additionally, BenQ’s historic partnership with Google on the Jamboard product exemplifies its commitment to enhancing workplace fluidity and collaboration.
There is also a unique balance that ensures BenQ can meet specific local needs while maintaining high standards of quality and innovation: “One of our biggest strengths is that we provide a local service with a personal touch, all while benefiting from the support of a global brand.”
What the client says..
“Simmons Gainsford have been our trusted advisors since our incorporation in 1997, and their support has been integral to our success. They handle every aspect of our financial and compliance needs, including accounts preparation, audit, corporation tax compliance, payroll, and VAT. Their comprehensive approach gives us peace of mind, knowing that every detail is managed with precision and care. In the past, they’ve also expertly guided us through HMRC’s complex periodic audit, ensuring we navigated any challenges smoothly. Chris Cheung and Shilen Manek’s dedication and in-depth knowledge make Simmons Gainsford an essential part of our business operations. We couldn’t recommend them more highly.”
About BenQ UK
BenQ UK is an innovator in audiovisual and consumer technology, with a market-leading research and development team. Headquartered in the UK in Bicester, its key product lines include projectors, LCD displays, interactive technologies, collaboration tools and accessories. Find out more at: LCD Monitors, Projectors, Speakers and Lighting | BenQ UK
