Perhaps some of the ultra-lean approaches described by leading early-stage VCs like David Grainger (blog here) of Index Ventures and Bruce Booth (blog here) of Atlas will prove out, and introduce at least a ray of optimism into this vital but existentially challenged space.

FORBES: Early-Stage Device Companies vs Biopharmas: Who Has It The Worst?

Other cast members include Jeremy Irvine as Pip, Robbie Coltrane as Mr Jaggers, Sally Hawkins as Mrs Joe, Holliday Grainger as Estella, Ewen Bremner as Wemmick, and David Walliams as Uncle Pumblechook.

BBC: Great Expectations: New end penned for Dickens classic

Some of the biggest names of London 2012 received CBEs - the UK's most successful female rower, Katherine Grainger, the poster girl of the Games, Jessica Ennis, and wheelchair athlete David "The Weirwolf" Weir.

BBC: Olympic heroes head New Year Honours