Dealer starts copying manager (8)
I believe the answer is:
chandler
'dealer' is the definition.
(thesaurus)
'starts copying manager' is the wordplay.
'starts' indicates taking the first letters.
'manager' becomes 'handler' ('handler' can be a synonym of 'manager').
The initial letter of 'copying' is 'c'.
'c'+'handler'='CHANDLER'
(Other definitions for chandler that I've seen before include "Supplier of ships' equipment" , "who brought Philip Marlowe to book" , "Boat supplies seller" , "Dealer, especially in ship's supplies" , "Marine items supplier" .)