It’s always a real pleasure to be in Washington. There’s plenty to see and do, lots of new people to meet and a feeling from a political perspective that you’re right at the heart of the action.

And that’s true this week more than ever. The headlines are full of very mixed economic news along with the battle of wills on Capitol Hill as Washington tries once again to deal with the American budget deficit. If they don’t reach agreement on budget reductions in time to raise their ceiling on borrowing there is a risk the whole US Government will go into default. And whilst most people don’t think that will happen right now we’re certainly seeing more heat than light.

And the economic statistics don’t look good either. Figures for small firms in particular are at best flat and unemployment rates are edging up rather than down.  A double dip recession seems a long way off but right now it is stagnating at best.

So is that the reality? I don’t think so. I’m currently on a digital mission to Washington with ten other UK businesses. And what a whirlwind tour it’s been. We’re seeing a whole host of companies and government departments at all levels. And they tell a different story.

First, lets look at the fundamentals. Did you know that 20% of the world’s GDP – yes the World’s GDP – is located within a two hour flight radius of Washington. The city is well known as the centre of government in the US but its economic importance is often overlooked.

But it’s not just the numbers that have attracted my attention. I’m really fascinated by the amount of innovation going on in DC at the moment. We spent some time at Microsoft and Deloitte yesterday talking to people in their government innovation centres. They’re working on some great projects bringing together the best and the brightest as well as some serious amounts of money.

And the very best news for British companies is that they are open for business. So yes, there is some serious economic news out there. But the opportunity is more substantial – and it’s there for the taking.

Stephen Horn

CEO, WebsEdge

Twitter: @stephenjhorn or @WebsEdgeTV冬メンズコーデの参考にしたい「ジーンズ」のスナップを厳選 , メンズファッションメディア