Sara Yirrell

Analyst house Plimsoll examined 1,000 top UK resellers and concluded that two out of five (38 per cent) VARs are in a ‘strong’ position financially after counterattacking the recession.

These firms are running profit margins at an average of 3.8 per cent and have seen sales rise by three per cent.

Keeping up the positive spin, KPMG released figures for its annual National Business Confidence Survey, which revealed 42 per cent of respondents, typically business leaders from a range of UK industries, were confident about their future prospects.

Also 55 per cent of those questioned felt that the economy has bottomed out.

Of course, there is the flip side. ­ Plimsoll identified a number of channel players (292) in total that qualified for ‘Caution’ and ‘Danger’ status and KPMG’s figures revealed that 54 per cent of respondents to its survey felt the UK economic outlook was bad.

We all know times are tough and I am reminded of it on a daily basis, but that doesn’t stop good news happening either, which is a relief.

To see any positive research at the moment is definitely a bonus and hopefully a sign that there is light at the end of the tunnel. The only question is ­ how long is the tunnel?

Sara Yirrell is editor of CRN ­ sara.yirrell@incisivemedia.com