Stuart Sykes, Managing Director of Sharp Business Systems UK, brings over three decades of experience in the print and technology sectors to his current leadership role. With a well-rounded background across sales, acquisitions, and finance, Stuart has become known for his strategic approach, which emphasises clear direction, measurable goals, and the value of teamwork. Now at the helm of Sharp UK, he works closely with his leadership team to articulate the company vision and ensure that each team member understands their role in driving the business forward.
Stuart’s journey with Sharp UK spans more than nine years as Managing Director, where he has witnessed and driven significant transformation in the company. Before this, he spent nine years at IOT Plc, serving as Commercial Director, after an earlier role as Commercial Manager. His extensive experience began in 1992 when he took on the position of Acquisition Project Manager at Eurocopy Holdings PLC, a company he remained with for 12 years.
Reflecting on his career, Stuart recalls his entry into the print sector in 1989 as a fresh university graduate. His first role was a junior position in the acquisition team, where he quite literally started from the bottom—making coffee and carrying bags. Yet, even then, he demonstrated the innovation and leadership that would define his career. He introduced spreadsheets to the business, using Lotus 123 to streamline operations at a time when such tools were still novel.
Throughout his tenure, Stuart has witnessed fundamental shifts in the industry, particularly in the past decade. While the essence of customer relationships remains rooted in great service and account management, the complexity of the modern workplace and the expansion of IT services have created new challenges and opportunities. Stuart emphasises that today’s go-to-market strategies must be customer-centric, leveraging data-led marketing and thought leadership to create value through technology. Businesses now seek not only products but trusted partners to help them navigate the ever-evolving technological landscape.
Stuart’s prediction
In his recent 2023 predictions, Stuart highlighted how businesses are adjusting to the needs of a mobile workforce, managing supply chain disruptions, and coping with rising operational costs. He sees an increasing focus on optimising IT services to enhance efficiency and believes that businesses are now conducting open and honest audits to better plan for future challenges.
After 33 years in the industry, Stuart has consistently adapted to the waves of change that have reshaped the business environment. At Sharp UK, he remains committed to leveraging market disruptions and emerging technologies to continue delivering solutions that positively impact customers and partners alike. With a wealth of experience and a clear vision for the future, Stuart Sykes is poised to lead Sharp UK into its next chapter of growth and innovation.
Who is Sharp UK
A Leading Solutions Provider Across Multiple Sectors
Sharp UK offers a comprehensive range of services tailored to meet the needs of businesses across various sectors. Their expertise spans from office technology to managed IT services, helping organisations improve efficiency, security, and productivity. One of their key offerings is printer leasing, providing businesses with access to cutting-edge printing technology without the need for large upfront investments. This service ensures companies can maintain high-quality printing standards while managing costs effectively.
In addition to printer leasing, Sharp UK provides solutions in areas such as visual displays, document management, and IT services. Their interactive displays and audio-visual solutions are widely used in education, corporate environments, and retail sectors, enhancing communication and collaboration. Meanwhile, their managed IT services help businesses navigate the increasingly complex technological landscape, ensuring security, data management, and system optimisation.
Recent Awards
Sharp UK’s influence in the print and IT sectors has not gone unnoticed. They have been shortlisted for six awards at this year’s PrintIT Awards, which celebrate achievements in workplace print and IT. Sharp UK’s nominations include categories such as Best Partner Programme, A4 MFP Line of the Year, and A3 MFP Vendor of the Year. These nominations follow last year’s success, where Sharp UK took home five awards, including Best Partner Programme of the Year and Marketing Team of the Year.
Stuart Sykes, Managing Director of Sharp UK, expressed pride in the team’s accomplishments, highlighting that such recognition would not be possible without the hard work of the entire Sharp UK team. Donna Carrick, People Director, also emphasised the significance of being nominated for the Employee Experience Award, reflecting Sharp’s ongoing commitment to creating a positive workplace environment.
The future of print
The future of print is set to be driven by increasing digital integration and a focus on sustainability. As businesses continue to adopt cloud-based and mobile solutions, print technology will evolve to support seamless connectivity and remote working. Expect more intelligent, data-driven devices that offer greater personalisation and automation, reducing waste and enhancing efficiency. Additionally, eco-friendly practices will play a central role, with advancements in energy-efficient printers and sustainable materials. Print services will become more customer-centric, with providers offering tailored solutions to meet the changing needs of businesses in a dynamic, hybrid work environment.
