The Guardian has this timely article offering plenty of examples of firms whose revenues & profits will be affected by public sector cuts in the months (and years) ahead. What the article does not really consider are the opportunities for businesses during this time of fiscal austerity. Firms who can supply goods and services to public sector organisations more efficiently - open source software businesses spring to mind - can tap into the need for great value for money in delivering public services. And the wider context is the threat to individuals and corporates from a higher tax burden and higher long term interest rates unless the fiscal deficit is brought under control. Once in a generation a nation needs to take a cold hard look at state spending and this time has arrived.