From Ms Ruth H. Russell.

Sir, I can't believe you titled an article about businesswomen “Recession spurs ‘lipstick entrepreneurs’” (November 3). I know the term comes from the report itself, but you surely must know that it’s dismissive at best. And to have a piece on shoulder-pads next to it just sets off the patronising tone nicely. Well done, FT. Nice job of alienating this “lipstick” entrepreneur. Thank God I moved to the US where this insulting nonsense isn’t so prevalent.