A cash flow crisis has forced Almarc Data Systems into receivership, but the maker of the Spirit series of micros is continuing to trade and to support its customers.

The company went into receivership on January 3, but managing director Alan Wood was optimistic last week about the prospects for Almarc. "We are hopeful of an early sale to a prospective purchaser," he said. "We have had several offers and expect Almarc to be OK again in 10 days time."

Richard Turton of Spicer & Pegler and joint receiver at Almarc, said: "I believe there is a great future for this company - it has a jolly good product and the customers certainly like it."

Almarc continues to trade from its Nottingham office though its Marlow premises are closed for the time being. Mr. Wood said that Almarc had taken numerous orders since running into problems.

As far as users are concerned there are two possibilities: "If the whole business can be sold, and I feel that is a distinct possibility, there is no problem whatsoever. Failing that, there is a fall-back pposition, where I have received expressions of interest from people who want to pick up the maintenance side alone," Mr. Turton said.

He added that time was working against Almarc and that the matter should be resolved within the next two weeks.

New premises and the launching of its micro range (Issue 18), prices from £2,645, are said to have contributed to the financial problems of the seven year old Nottingham company.