I remember a website mentioned somewhere on thorntree, which was some sort of referral site, for such things as dell computers, etc. There big plug was that most referaal sites take a big cut for themselves, but this one didn't (apparently).
I remember they gave 5% of the usual prices for dell.
I think it started with "v".
Any ideas what it could be?

Try quidco
I've been using it for the past 8 months. Had £120 cash back paid so far. For Dell I think they pay 5% of value excluding VAT.
The first £5 of cashback you earn is kept as a 'fee' every year, the rest after that is yours.
I believe getting 5% discount of Dell to be quite easy. At one stage i knew of at least 3 ways to get the discount through various organizations i was a member of, let alone a TV show also advertising it.
I think its just a standard thing Dell does to promote sales. The place advertising i'm sure gets some kickback, but its probably the same for all.