IT trade body the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) is keen to help VARs escape the credit crisis after launching a dedicated initiative.

Under the CompTIA reseller programme, VARs can access a range of benefits including time with professional business consultants to provide a thorough business review, free access to online workshops and seminars, access to case studies on CompTIA’s web site, white papers and marketing toolkits.

The trade body, which officially launched its UK recruitment drive earlier this year used this week’s Channel Expo 2008 in Birmingham to offer potential recruits half-price membership for signing up at the exhibition.

Matthew Poyiadgi, vice president for EMEA at CompTIA, said: “CompTIA already has some 22,000 members globally, but this is about driving up membership in the UK.

“Every newspaper in the country is talking about the impact of the credit crunch and how consumer spend is being affected. Our plan is to help channel firms streamline their business and provide them with the tools and templates to help them be more effective sales people.”

Poyiadgi said CompTIA is organising education tracks and a variety of business benefits including discounts on printing services, money off products at the Apple store and reduced rates for hire cars.

“We already have had interest from 200 resellers and are confident of getting those signed up to the programme,” said Poyiadgi.

However, more established industry players said CompTIA would find recruitment a challenge.

Eddie Pacey, director of credit at Bell Micro, said: “Any organisation that offers resellers the opportunity to rethink their business is a good thing. However, VARs need to be given more credence. In most instances they need help with how to achieve their aims rath er than being told where they are going wrong.”

Keith Warburton, chief executive of rival trade body the Professional Computing Association (PCA) said: “Trade associations are good for the industry, but I think CompTIA will find that growing membership in the UK is not going to be an easy task.”