American distribution giant Brightpoint will take on 20:20, Data Select and Brightstar after the acquisition of b2b distributor Hugh Symons Telecom (HST) two months ago. HST (not to be confused with Carphone-owned Hugh Symons Communications) will move into the consumer market after focusing solely on the b2b sector. The UK division of Brightpoint plans on using its exclusive supply deal with HTC to open up accounts with networks and with the likes of Carphone Warehouse and Phones 4u. Former HST owner and now Brightpoint UK MD Hugh Roper said that the company would be one of the only distributors with strong device and airtime operations. Roper said: ‘No-one has got a foot in both sides with the level of sophistication we offer to the airtime channel.’ Brightpoint is looking to pick up more supply contracts from UK manufacturers, and is one of 12 distributors that has applied for the Nokia distribution licence, which is due to be announced next month. Brightpoint’s former MD for Sweden, Ulrich Egeskov, has taken the UK COO role, working alongside Roper. The distributor moved into a nearby premises two weeks ago, taking its warehouse facility to four times the size it was previously. Brightpoint UK is also increasing the former HST team with new salespeople on the back of the acquisition, and is also moving into accessories distribution. The company currently has around 35 people in the business, including 16 salespeople. Roper said: ‘Our plan is to help the carriers to support the emerging channels in the industry. ‘Brightpoint adds a degree of credibility and scale that HST couldn’t offer on its own. We’re part of a $4bn distribution business now - the biggest distributor in the world.’ The company recently ran a channel partner programme with HTC and 35 dealers, and the distributor is looking to take the format to up to 100 dealers within the next six months.