This article will provide an overview of current research focussing on the use of English as a "lingua franca" in international business contexts. It selectively reviews research investigating the role of written and spoken communication in English and the work that has been done on specific text genres used by the international business community, such as negotiations, meetings, e-mail and advertising. The use of English as a means of communication within the business world will be discussed with specific reference to the work of the researchers showcased in this Special Issue, and there is also a discussion of the implications of these and other research findings for the teaching of English for Specific Business Purposes.