Business
|
A business (noun) (or 'going concern') is a trading entity that sells goods or services to other businesses or individuals in order to realise a profit.
Types of businesses can include:
- Sole traders
- Partnerships
- Private limited companies
- Public limited companies
- Co-operatives
- Government agencies.
- Charities.
- Voluntary organisations
- Partnerships
- Limited liability companies.
- Unlimited companies.
- Franchises
- Cooperatives
Businesses typically draw up a business strategy; a written statement of the organisation’s key aims which are designed to achieve its objectives. A full description of the strategy is usually found in the business plan.
Businesses typically have various departments, each with its particular objectives, as defined in the business plan. Larger businesses have a wider range of departments than smaller ones. Depending on the size of the business, these departments can include:
- Sales and marketing
- Accounting and finance
- Human resources
- Production
- Research & Development
- Health and safety
- Corporate social responsibility
A company is a legally-recognised group or association of people who have a common goal and who use their respective talents to achieve that goal. In the UK, companies must be registered under the Companies Acts (or other similar legislation). For more information see: Company.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
ECA, JIB and JTL back Fabian Society call to invest in skills for a stronger built environment workforce.
Women's Contributions to the Built Environment.
Calls for the delayed Circular Economy Strategy
Over 50 leading businesses, trade associations and professional bodies, including CIAT, and UKGBC sign open letter.
The future workforce: culture change and skill
Under the spotlight at UK Construction Week London.
A landmark moment for postmodern heritage.
A safe energy transition – ECA launches a new Charter
Practical policy actions to speed up low carbon adoption while maintaining installation safety and competency.
Frank Duffy: Researcher and Practitioner
Reflections on achievements and relevance to the wider research and practice communities.
The 2026 Compliance Landscape: Fire doors
Why 'Business as Usual' is a Liability.
Cutting construction carbon footprint by caring for soil
Is construction neglecting one of the planet’s most powerful carbon stores and one of our greatest natural climate allies.
ARCHITECTURE: How's it progressing?
Archiblogger posing questions of a historical and contextual nature.
The roofscape of Hampstead Garden Suburb
Residents, architects and roofers need to understand detailing.
Homes, landlords. tenants and the new housing standards
What will it all mean?
The Architectural Technology podcast: Where it's AT
Catch-up on the latest episodes.
Edmundson Apprentice of the Year award 2026
Entries now open for this Electrical Contractors' Association award.
Traditional blue-grey slate from one of the oldest and largest UK slate quarries down in Cornwall.
There are plenty of sources with the potential to be redeveloped.
Change of use legislation breaths new life into buildings
A run down on Class MA of the General Permitted Development Order.
Solar generation in the historic environment
Success requires understanding each site in detail.
Comments
The article on 'Business' on designingbuildings.co.uk provides a comprehensive insight into the world of business within the construction sector. What piqued my interest most, however, was the role of office technology in streamlining operations. This underpins the importance of staying ahead of the curve with technological advancements to ensure productivity, efficiency, and ultimately success in today's highly competitive market. Worth a read for those seeking a solid understanding of business structures and processes!
Thanks for your comment. Did you know you can create a company account for free, write informative articles on your specialist subject and post these so that your company profile appears at the top.