Goldhawk Road in West London, is renowned for its terraced row of independent, family-run fabric shops. "This is where fashion starts on Goldhawk Road," said Aniza Meghani, owner of the Classic Textiles fabric shop, with the Lime Grove campus of the London College of Fashion located a block away.

As we approach the annual spring meetings of the World Bank and IMF this weekend in Washington, there remains significant uncertainty around the globe on economic growth and the soundness of our financial system.

Our doors will swing wide open to Romania and Bulgaria next January leading to the almost certain prospect of yet more unskilled jobs being filled by non-UK workers while the brightest minds from Canada, India, Malaysia and the like must jump through the hoops to prove their worth.

On the surface, Britain and India have much in common, including a language, a legal system, and cultural links. However, all this potential is yet to be translated into the unique relationship that Britain says it desires.

There once were two great cities: Athens and Sparta. The Athenians were the first to achieve impressive wealth and for a generation the Spartans could do no more than look on in envious admiration. What was their secret, the Spartan leaders asked?

The EU and the US have for a long time been behaving like reluctant lovers: flirting, and bickering, but never willing to go the distance. Despite many shared interests, a full-blown free-trade agreement has always proved one step too far.

Stand in front of the White House in DC, and you sense that this must be the most preciously, if discreetly, guarded building in the world. Any attack on 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue would be too iconic for Americans to bear

David Cameron will head for India next week, Downing Street has announced. The Prime Minister will lead a delegation of British business leaders as...

In the eigth century, King Offa of England decided to mint coins with the Islamic declaration embossed on the rear. It was no doubt a practical decision by a ruler who wanted to trade with the increasingly close by and wealthy Muslim world. The 21st century is no different: trade still governs the reality of life.

In the eigth century, King Offa of England decided to mint coins with the Islamic declaration embossed on the rear. It was no doubt a practical decision by a ruler who wanted to trade with the increasingly close by and wealthy Muslim world. The 21st century is no different: trade still governs the reality of life.

The government's strategy on business and human rights will be released imminently. To be effective this must go beyond advice and guidance and set out concrete measures to curb the human rights abuses perpetrated by some British companies, particularly in conflict zones.

Asia and the world is growing tired of eurozone instability which is why it is time for some bolder action and for some realpolitik about just what is sustainable.

The Arab Spring, little anticipated but much welcomed, brought with it the promise of change - towards modern democracies respectful of all and to open economies that will create jobs and wealth.

Hawking for international investment is always a bit like a beauty parade. News over the weekend suggests that Britannia has successfully hitched up her skirt and got some rich Korean men to like her, as the coalition announced a new trade arrangement with South Korea.

Trade and aid can be drivers of sustainable development: Fairtrade certification has demonstrated that, when poor farmers in developing countries are supported financially with development aid to become organised and are provided with an opportunity to tap into, and benefit from, global trade there can be a significant impact on poverty reduction at the local level.

The procurement choices of the Indian air force rarely make the UK news. Not so the announcement of 31 January that the Indian government had selected the Rafale jet fighter in preference to the Eurofighter Typhoon. The decision was reported widely, often emotionally, in UK print and broadcast media.