We read new predictions by accountancy firm Deloitte with interest this week. According to the firm, large organisations that spend money on ‘big data projects’ will increase that spend in 2012 to between £650 million and £1 billion. At a time when many companies are not increasing their permanent staffing levels, that could mean a serious boost for IT contractors who work through umbrella companies!

Global Lead for Technology, Media and Telecommunications at Deloitte, Jolyon Barker, stated, “So-called 'big data' projects had a total industry revenue of only £65 million in 2009. However, 2012 will see 90% of Fortune 500 companies kick off a data-related initiative, which will boost the industry's revenue to between £650 million and £1 billion.” These predictions come at the same time as the Q4 2011 Institute of Practitioners in Advertising (IPA) Bellwether Report showed that marketing budgets across the UK are being increased for 2012. The report indicated that experience in online and digital marketing techniques would be particularly sought after, providing more good news for IT and marketing contractors who operate through umbrella companies.