When a downturn threatens, businesses need to take decisive steps to understand the situation and what it means for their future survival. Planning for a downturn maximises the opportunities available, enabling the best prepared businesses to come through the bad times reenergised and fit for the future.

Managing in a downturn may be difficult for many of today's executives, who have built their careers through 17 years of economic growth. Natural attrition will have removed many experienced managers from the corporate scene, but we believe that PwC has the collective knowledge and accumulated wisdom to help businesses survive and thrive in all circumstances.

On this page, we have drawn together some of our recent insights into specific sector issues.

Hospitality Directions Europe: Issue 19

Managing your chemicals business through the downturn

Which industry sectors are most vulnerable to the economic downturn?

Technology

Communications

The day after tomorrow - a PricewaterhouseCoopers perspective on the global financial crisis

12th Annual Global CEO Survey - What matters to CEOs in 2009?

Managing your Automotive Supplier business through the downturn

A rough ride for luxury travel?

The Journal: Global perspectives on challenges and opportunities

Private Equity Investments in the Automotive Supplier Industry

What's in Store? - business insight for the retail and consumer sector

Hospitality Directions Europe: Issue 18

Charities Sector - Managing in a Downturn: November 2008 survey results, analysis and key messages

Personal Insolvency Update – 4Q 08

Managing in a Downturn: Delivering public sector change in a volatile market

Fair value challenges in the current environment for private equity companies

When can less be more when it comes to property? 10 routes to cost reduction

Navigating choppy waters

Funding affordable housing

Real problems for real estate

Business services M&A insights

Rebuilding the housebuilder