Yet another prime-time TV headline screams about the recession that UK plc is plunging into.

The latest reports claim that we are literally two months away from a recession, as shoppers desert the high streets in droves, the housing market starts to stagnate, builders/estate agents/removal firms start to feel the pinch, and families struggle to afford basics such as food, utilities and fuel.

I have said countless times before that the national press are actually succeeding in talking this country into a recession and are adding to the gloom that is spreading across the UK on a daily basis.

However, yet another report was released last week that shows the IT industry is still very active ­ with merger and acquisition (M&A) activity rife ­ especially in the channel.

Yes, times are tough, just last week Morse announced that it was restructuring due to a ‘deteriorating business climate’.

But no one is throwing in the towel just yet.

M&A activity has been constant in this industry for the past few years, but there are definitely more major players getting in on the action ­ the most recent being Avnet’s takeover of Horizon.

I am still confident that the IT industry will emerge from this blip stronger and leaner than before, with wise channel players using this setback as a chance to streamline their business and emerge stronger, and more importantly ready to fight another day.