Credit insurer heaps praise on channel

Atradius doesn't plan any further "major exercises" following recent reseller probe

Henstridge: the IT sector is where we will have the least problem relaying our messages

Atradius has praised the channel for its responsiveness after demanding forward-looking financial information from about 50 resellers.

The credit insurer is reassessing risk in all its main market segments in response to the “severe economic downturn”. Resellers deemed high-risk, and where it holds significant exposure, have been asked to provide information on their year-to-date accounts and order books.

But Marc Henstridge, head of risk for UK and Ireland at Atradius, said the channel gave him less cause for concern than other vertical markets.

“The IT sector is one that recognises the importance of keeping up-to-date management accounts and keeping people informed,” he said. “We anticipate it is the sector where we will have the least problem in relaying our messages.”

Shaune Parsons, managing director at Computer World Wales, received an email from Atradius at the start of June and has already sent off all the information requested.

“I did find it a bit strange because I have never seen a letter worded in such a way,” he said. “We did a lot of business in February and March and our exposure would have been high for a small business based in Wales. We have nothing to hide.”

Henstridge stressed that all 50 VARs were contacted by phone.

“We often get press for being in an ivory tower and it is important for us to explain what we are doing over the phone rather than email,” he said.

Henstridge added that he did not envisage any further “major exercises” in the IT channel unless the economy deteriorates further.