OUTSOURCING:THE INTERNATIONAL Association of Outsourcing Professionals (IAOP), has ranked Pricewaterhouse- Coopers first on its list of the World's Best Outsourcing Advisors.

The overall IAOP results show the continued strength of the outsourcing industry. Provider revenues grew 13 per cent in 2008, down just slightly from 14 per cent the prior year, while employment increased 18 per cent on average. Average revenue for the companies considered by IAOP was more than $1 billion.

Paul Tuite, head of PwC Ireland's business advisory services practice, said: "We are seeing a lot of clients re-evaluating the business cases for outsourcing. More are demanding flexibility, savings and innovation from their providers."