Brijesh Patel
Shelf satisfying
With competition from giants and online sellers, independent bookshops are struggling. Yet, one London gem is a model for survival, proving that a focus on expertise and curation can ensure a bright future.
Talk of the town
Is there a future for local newspapers? We meet the believers from a British octogenarian maverick to a hi-tech Czech publisher and witness triumphs but also a spectacular failure as it happens.
20 to watch
From a Nigerian newspaper to a Swiss software firm, we shine the light on 20 companies whose great ideas and products are about to go global.
Float market
The yachting industry has suffered knocks, with lower attendance at the Cannes boat fair. But there are signs of recovery and a new appreciation for old-school and sustainable boats.
River God
Slovenian hero Martin Strel has swum the entire lengths of the Danube, Mississippi, Yangtze and Amazon. He's become the embodiment of his nation's spirit: plucky, brave and up for anything.
So farsi, so good
The BBC World Service's Persian TV launches as the first dedicated, unbiased Farsi-speaking station for Iran, aiming to put a new spin on the country and break down cultural barriers.
The Big Frieze
A London October used to be an uneventful time in the art sales calendar. Auction house Sotheby’s saved its strength for New York. But then, in 2003, Frieze arrived and changed everything.
Do not disturb
After a rumoured €273m overhaul, Zürich's Dolder Grand hotel hopes to cement its reputation as an elite European getaway. But has Norman Foster's redesign retained the original's Mitteleuropean charm?
Off the rails
Victor La Fleur’s unique approach to sourcing brands has enabled him to build a clothing empire in his home town of Verbania – and to predict what is going to sell.
Relaxed fit
Slowear successfully disregards ‘fashion’ in favour of quality, provenance and longevity, housing four of our favourite Italian clothing companies under one umbrella brand.
