After months of bringing you doom and gloom on the pressures facing procurement and the slowdown in the global economy there does (at last) appear to be some light on the horizon.

Earlier this week Procurement Leaders brought you the news that O2 was embarking on a dramatic expansion of its procurement team – in recognition of the roll it’s played, and will undoubtedly continue to play, as times get tougher.

And today we reported the findings of an American Express study involving financial chiefs at some of the world’s largest companies who appear to be, if not laughing, then at least sniggering openly, at the doom-mongers who persist in peddling stories of impending Armageddon.

Adrian Eadie at O2 described the company’s increased emphasis on procurement as a “huge boost”, and its forthcoming project should provide the industry with some much-needed impetus and inspiration it needs to make a difference at the current time.

The summer is here and after an eminently forgettable 2008 so far, things could, just could, be about to change.

Enjoy the sunshine (it might not last).