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MAMUT BACK
TO THE CRUCIBLE…
 Last
year, I asked the Regional Director for Mamut UK, a Norwegian based
Company, the charming Alan Moody, if he was going to come back to
the English Open, “oh yes” was his answer…
Well, he kept his word…
Much more relaxed than the previous year (at the time, the company had
just started in the UK, he had been in his job for only 4 months, and
didn’t have ANY literature in English whatsoever about his products,
praying for me not to ask anything…), I caught up with the Scottish born
businessman, Peter Nicol’s old acquaintance, for a little check up on
Mamut involvement with squash and progression in the UK market…
So, Alan, what’s new???
Well, as far as squash is concerned, Mamut sponsored the Oslo Open, where
we had the pleasure to have the three Eventis (Peter Nicol, Tim Garner,
Angus Kirkland) and John White as competitors, and of course the Dutch
Open, that was a great success…
You really seem to enjoy the event this year…
Yes, the squash environment is such a relaxed, friendly one... Last year, I
really had the impression of gate crashing a party: everybody was so
relaxed, so welcoming, and it’s such a pleasure and an honour to get to
know the players better…
Are you happy with English Open Year Three?
Yes, extremely. The event is growing in prestige every year. This time
round, we have 10 players of the top 20, and 5 of the top 10, which is
very encouraging.
You also seem more relaxed than last year…
 Yes, last year, Mamut was just starting in the UK, we were trying
to establish ourselves, and I had only been working for Mamut for four
months. This year, we have fantastic local businesses using our
software, we actually just won an Award, the “Small Businesses Software of
the Year” Award, for which we are very proud. And also, we’re now
recognised by the most influential body of the Accountancy Community, the ICAEW, whose role is to help and advise
Accountancy Firms and
Small Businesses all over the UK.
Your product range has increased as well, hasn’t it?
Yes, we’ve been pretty busy this year, and we now have a full product
range, for small businesses and for individuals. Actually, we have set up
two different software packages in the Crucible for people to have a try…
There is a product you are particularly proud of, aren’t you?
 Yes, it’s the "online backup", perfect for your readers actually, as it’s
available on the net! Absolutely free, I must stress. Most people, whether
individuals or small business, only rarely backup their most important
files, and put themselves and their company at jeopardy. So we offer them probably one
of the best products on the market, a security net for your important data.
And there are no strings attached, no obligation whatsoever, you don’t
have to buy anything, you don’t have to be a Mamut customer.
Euh, why????
 Very simple. Our business is
with the Small Businesses, and we know that if
they lose their data, it can threaten their viability ... in most cases,
if a small company loses 10 days of information it will be very damaging
to their business. So we have our
customers' interests at heart, as simple as that.
Is your relationship with Eventis as good as ever?
Oh yes, it’s going stronger and stronger. You know, Mamut and Eventis have
something in common. They have good products that they are trying to make
even better, all the time trying to improve what’s there, all the time
trying news technologies, new approaches, new concepts, like the
streaming, which I think is the future of the sport…
Just a word to conclude… Have you played squash since last year…?
Thanks for reminding me that Peter absolutely thrashed me last year, 15/3,
and I’m sure he was actually playing with his right hand! Well, yes
actually, I’ve taken up squash, which I now practice regularly, instead of
my badminton, and soon, will be competing with the best, of course… By the
way, looking for a sponsor…
Very funny, Alan… Thank you…
You’re more than welcome! |
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