Morse, the big Unix systems reseller, issued the following statement at its AGM today.

"Trading in the current financial year to 30 June 2001 has started well and is in line with the Group's expectations. With continued growth across Europe from our infrastructure divisions and a rapidly-developing professional services business, we believe that the future prospects for the Group continue to be excellent."

Higham Systems Services is shutting down Trainers Ltd after - presumably - failing to find a buyer for its lossmaking IT training business. "With poor sales and continuing losses, closure has become inevitable," the company said. Higham paid £735,000 upfront for Trainers in October 1998, and up to £2m depending on profit. However, as the company went into the red pretty soon after takeover, it's unlikely Higham had to shell out too much on this front. ®