Outsourcing is on the increase. According to figures collated by US-based outsourcing advisory firm TPI, the first six months of this year has seen the highest number of outsourcing deals since the last decade with 282 separate deals signed for a combined value of $49bn (£28bn, €34bn).

These figures are not surprising given the current market conditions. As TPI partner and managing director Peter Allen says, companies across all sectors in various countries are concerned about uncertain market conditions and are taking initiatives to cut costs.