One consequence of Cumbrian farmer Robert Wilson’s sensational murder trial was to underline the pivotal role of small town newspapers as meticulous record gatherers. Whilst TV noir comedy The League of Gentleman twisted the word ‘local’ into a euphemism for everything incestuous, dysfunctional and just plain weird, its prefix before newspaper can still merit respect.

What is 2009 going to bring? Lord alone knows, but it looks like a mixed picture. On the basis that grain prices were down last year, they might just be up again this year, and the recession and fall in world commodity prices does at least mean that a lot of inputs will be cheaper, even if it will be a while before we see the benefits.

We all know that having a business website is essential in today’s economic climate and busy world of mobiles, emails and 24/7 availability. It opens your business up to a truly worldwide market place, providing new and sometimes unexpected opportunities. Internet sales by UK businesses rose to £163bn in 2007, figures published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show. And with internet spending expected to triple from current levels by 2011, recent economic analysis suggests having an online presence could be the key to driving consumer spending for small retailers.

I don’t think a day has gone by in recent months without the phrase ‘credit crunch’ being uttered and the word ‘recession’ is becoming ever more common place. This combined with the demise of some of the world’s most iconic financial institutions means vital funding is coming under greater scrutiny.