With most economies feeling squeezed, lots of companies have had to let staff go. This has a massive impact on the economy (there are less people with spending power) and on businesses (the remaining staff are stretched). However, it also leads to an increase in entrepreneurship.

As experienced staff find themselves made redundant or taking early retirement, they often turn to self-employment as a way to earn an income.

The worldwide economic meltdown, the advance of social media and widespread availability of technology has created a perfect storm for the small business person. The ranks of freelance consultants and small businesses have swelled to enormous proportions that could not have been envisioned even ten years ago.

What this means for communication and marketing companies is that two new sectors have sprung up. Mid-sized companies who would previously have employed their own communications team are increasingly looking to outsource their needs. From proof-reading to newsletter writing, companies realise that they can keep their overheads low if they recruit independent professionals rather than a new staff member.

Equally, the newly redundant who set up their own businesses are suddenly faced with creating a professional image and issuing communications.

Recently, we've been completing contracts for both these sectors. From a business plan to a risk assesment to a method statement, there are strict criteria that need to be met. We're experienced in compiling all of these documents and have been doing so with greater regularity as the economy has waxed and waned.

At the same time, we've also been creating newsletters, websites and company brochures for businesses that were started by experienced professionals in their field but who recognise they do not have the communication, design or IT skills to present a professional image to their public.

It is sometimes difficult to see any silver lining in a time of global economic crisis but our clients prove that there are small companies who are thriving and individuals who have grasped their release from employment with both hands and set up their dream businesses. We get on with the business of writing, and they can focus on growing their dreams.

We've recently secured long-term contracts with two diverse companies.

The first client works in the fitness industry helping to supply personal trainers across the country. We'll be undertaking a variety of writing assignments as well as helping with some initial publicity.

The second client works in the fashion industry. Since Maggie is a former fashion editor, she's loved researching this client's product, writing articles for them and providing a top line edit of their latest beauty magazine.

Fitness and fashion are both growth industries in the UK and McShane Media is committted to helping home-grown companies as much as possible.We're confident our two latest clients will become established brands.

The growth of the internet has prompted a growth in the number of travel agencies available. Whatever your specialist interest, you're sure to find an agency to meet your needs. Or you can use a travel website to book your vacation, choosing every aspect to ensure the accommodation, location and activities create your best break.

We've been working with one such agency to publicise a special tour they're offering this year. Since there are so many agencies, it's important to identify your niche and then ensure you make the most of every opportunity. For example, London specific agencies should be capitalising on the Olympics by creating Olympic-tailored packages and targetting sports fans across the world. Our client is based in America and provides trips to . . .Well, can you guess from the photo?

Our press release had to draw on the company's expertise, the special aspect of this particular trip, the needs of a very specialised target audience, and even draw on religious research. Yes, they were targetting possible pilgrims prior to a papal visit. It was an enjoyable challenge to pull all the different strands together.

Meanwhile, we've just completed a contract for a self-published author. Our press releases were picked up by a number of journalists and resulted in newspaper and online coverage. Increased visibility is an important step in increasing sales of any author's title.