Retainer Pressures: The retainer system of charging for PR services has come under pressure due to the economic downturn Faster And Faster: The market for broadband in Ireland is approaching saturation point and the players have had to up their game to stand out in the crowd Detailed listing of the leading commercial law firms and the views of Managing Partners Thousands of people around the world make their living every day by selling the means to perpetrate fraud on the internet. Business Plus reports on the cybercrime threat Looking for an innovative way to sharpen up your company's image? Digital displays could be the answer Accountancy firms aren't immune to the economic buffeting but for the sector every cloud has a silver lining. A detailed listing of the top chartered accountancy firms and the views of Managing Partners Understanding Web 2.0: The term Web 2.0 was coined by Tim O'Reilly in 2004. Cyber anthropologist Pearse Stokes explains what the concept means and its implications for business Effective Design: Quality graphic design is important for a company's image, branding and reputation. In this Survey, BP seeks out the opinions of principals in some of the top design agencies about how their clients are reacting to the downturn M&A Doldrums: Corporate acquisition and disposal activity fell away sharply in the second half of 2008. Graeme McQueen canvasses the views of corporate finance experts as to what's likely to happen through 2009 Testing Times: Last year was a steady if unspectacular year for many software firms. This year will be more challenging but the vendors aren't downbeat The Dublin region has a huge selection of hotels with meeting rooms and the premier venues are listed in our annual survey What are the new technology developments that SMEs need to know about to improve their business? Business Plus has been finding out from the experts Directors Beware: Insolvencies are on the rise because of the economic downturn. Business Plus canvassed the experts for advice on what steps ailing firms must take to avoid going bust and facing the consequences Spread betting is a form of financial gambling, and attracts people who believe they can second-guess markets. Business Plus reports on the growth of the business in Ireland Just how tough is the jobs market? Is the gloom pervasive or are there bright spots? And what do you do if you're looking for a new job? Business Plus canvasses the views of the experts Heading South - Cash deposits have yielded great returns in 2008 thanks to the credit crunch. Now that the ECB has slashed its rate by 100 basis points, Business Plus reports on the merits of locking in fixed-term rates now HR In The Downturn - The economic downturn means that personnel and human resource issues have become an increasing strain for many business owners and managers Carbon Impact The economic downturn and new BIK rules in Budget 2009 are causing companies to take another look at their fleet policies Flexible Finance: The number of companies using invoice finance in Ireland is growing rapidly because of the credit crunch Banks are more likely to fund a franchise startup than a standalone venture. Business Plus explains why, and hears from some franchisors about what it takes to succeed as a franchisee Focus On Ten Companies With A Dedicated CSR Focus; Why Social Responsibility Matters For Business; Practical CSR Ideas For SMEs; Diary From A Third World Boot Camp Trips to Premier League games in England are a great way to treat customers and clients. Business Plus reports on the packages on offer from some of the leading sports tour operators Company brochure sites no longer cut the mustard for web-savvy surfers. That's the view of leading web developers Concern about the job prospects in a tougher economic climate is prompting more people to upgrade their skillsets The experts who can plan the perfect corporate event offer advice and tips on planning an event Even in an economic downturn, demand for accountants remains robust. Business Plus reports on the paths to qualification for this rewarding career Most companies want publicity for their PR buck but there is a growing demand for strategic counsel Third level colleges now provide all sorts of assistance for entrepreneurs. Who offers what, and advice from entrepreneurs who've been through the mill Direct marketing has moved beyond mail into the digital arena but is it a medium just for big players? Business Plus trawled through scores of filed accounts to uncover Cork's largest privately-owned businesses. NICK MULCAHY reports on the where the leading firms make their money Cost Conscious: Business Plus runs the rule over some of the latest office printers and finds out what the trends are in the sector The market for broadband internet connections in Ireland exploded by 70% through 2007 and there is still a lot to play for