Laura Ashley unveiled plans to open a boutique hotel in Hertfordshire yesterday as it posted a fall in full-year profits.

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Spotlight on...Ng Kwan Cheong, Incoming chief executive, Laura Ashley

They say you should never come back...

So they do. But Mr Cheong has actually hardly been away. He's been serving Laura Ashley as president for the last few years.

The Insider: How to do 1970s chic (minus the lava lamp)

I fell for the 1970s when I moved into a 1968-built house. Now, accidentally, I'm fashionable – the look is everywhere. But it's a fine line between a well-edited revival and the garish, suburban set of Abigail's Party... So what to choose?

Mothercare and Laura Ashley target overseas sales

The retail stalwarts Mothercare and Laura Ashley yesterday vowed to press ahead with their international expansion plans in the face of deteriorating trading conditions in the UK.

Retail shares down amid sales slump

Retailers came under mounting share pressure today as further gloomy sales figures confirmed dire conditions on Britain's high street.

The business on... Lillian Tan, Chief executive, Laura Ashley

The first lady of middle England?

Investment Column: Rio Tinto has strength for the long-term

Laura Ashley; Westminster

Ultimate Christmas gift guide: Part one

In the first of a two-part special, Eliisa Makin picks the perfect presents for foodies, pet lovers, children, sports fans... and those unexpected guests...

Click here or on the image on the right to launch the gallery

That'll do nicely: Why comforting products are booming

What's the aspirational shopper to do in this age of austerity? Buy safe, unthreatening woolly jerseys, chintz teapots and crisp white sheets, says Peter York

One Minute With: Mrs Stephen Fry, Diarist

Where are you now and what can you see? I'm sipping a cup of Colombian full strength in the Cuppa Cabana, dear. I can see a bustling high street, a hissing cappuccino machine and a polar bear in a Laura Ashley frock. I'd better stick to half strength in future.

Man on trial for student's murder

A man will go on trial today accused of stabbing his former girlfriend to death as she walked home from work.

Laura Ashley back in bloom

Laura Ashley, purveyor of floral patterned prints to the nation, has shrugged off the uncertain consumer environment to put in a "thriving performance" in the first half.

Emily Jenkinson: Beige or bold - what’s the best way to decorate your home?

I’ve just bought a flat and am keen to jazz up the currently all white space with painted floorboards, bright accent walls and colourful tiles. I’m no longer in the minority in my desire to add colour to my interior with more homeowners than ever choosing to abandon the muted creams, pale greys and beiges of recent years in favour of decoration that reflects their personality.

Career Services

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Lanzarote has been quietly changing its fly-and-flop holiday image, discovers Andrew Eames.
Traveller's Guide: Montenegro

Traveller's Guide: Montenegro

It's one of Europe's smallest countries, but it packs in spectacular landscapes and glittering beach resorts.
48 Hours In: Verona

48 Hours In: Verona

Summer opera returns to the Roman arena, says Charles Hebbert.
Ten things we’re looking out for at E3 2012

Ten things to look out for at E3 2012

From Wii U to The Last of Us we consider this year's show
Come dine (online) with me

Come dine (online) with me

Move over TV chefs, hello YouTube stars
Next in line – but public just can't warm to idea of Charles in charge

Next in line – but public just can't warm to idea of Charles in charge

'Independent' poll finds less that half want him to take throne as ministers moan of interference
Nothing's sacred: the illegal trade in India's holy cows

Nothing's sacred: the illegal trade in India's holy cows

Andrew Buncombe reports from Kaharpara on a bloody war between rustlers and border guards
Mogul grounded: Desmond gives up his jet deal

Mogul grounded: Desmond gives up his jet deal

Media tycoon's company pays £1m to cancel his order for a £36m private jet after drop in profits
How Ai Weiwei built a pavilion in London – by remote control

How Ai Weiwei built a pavilion in London – by remote control

The artist tells Clifford Coonan how he used Skype to escape confinement in Beijing
Nature, nurture... or neither? The new twist in an age-old argument

Nature, nurture... or neither?

The new twist in an age-old argument
Radio 4 to shed its cosy image with a 'sexy' Ulysses drama

Radio 4 to shed its cosy image with a 'sexy' Ulysses drama

New station controller wants to reflect the current period of 'turmoil and uncertainity'
Alcohol: I drink therefore I am

Alcohol: I drink therefore I am

New guidelines warn Britons to drastically reduce their boozing. But is a life without liquor worth living? Hell no, says John Walsh
The Cable News Nightmare: CNN (and Piers Morgan) in audience crisis

The Cable News Nightmare

CNN (and Piers Morgan) in audience crisis
Like a barbie, but better: The Big Green Egg can griddle, roast, and smoke food - and even make pizza

The Big Green Egg: Like a barbie, but better

It can griddle, roast, and smoke food - and even make pizza...
The 10 Best chopping boards

The 10 Best chopping boards

Whether you want to dice veg, chop meat, or just slice up a salad, there’s a surface here to suit every culinary need.