Paula Barnes is a freelance writer specialising in clothing distribution, and a former textile publications editor with the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU). Prior to joining the EIU she studied Textile Economics and Management at the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology and later worked in technical and consumer journalism. Since leaving the EIU, she has worked as a textiles specialist for the Design Council in London. She is the author of several articles on clothing distribution in Europe published in EIU European Retail and Textile Outlook International