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
Call for greater recognition of professional standards
Chartered bodies representing more than 1.5 million individuals have written to the UK Government.
Cutting carbon, cost and risk in estate management
Lessons from Cardiff Met’s “Halve the Half” initiative.
Inspiring the next generation to fulfil an electrified future
Technical Manager at ECA on the importance of engagement between industry and education.
Repairing historic stone and slate roofs
The need for a code of practice and technical advice note.
Environmental compliance; a checklist for 2026
Legislative changes, policy shifts, phased rollouts, and compliance updates to be aware of.
UKCW London to tackle sector’s most pressing issues
AI and skills development, ecology and the environment, policy and planning and more.
Managing building safety risks
Across an existing residential portfolio; a client's perspective.
ECA support for Gate Safe’s Safe School Gates Campaign.
Core construction skills explained
Preparing for a career in construction.
Retrofitting for resilience with the Leicester Resilience Hub
Community-serving facilities, enhanced as support and essential services for climate-related disruptions.
Some of the articles relating to water, here to browse. Any missing?
Recognisable Gothic characters, designed to dramatically spout water away from buildings.
A case study and a warning to would-be developers
Creating four dwellings... after half a century of doing this job, why, oh why, is it so difficult?
Reform of the fire engineering profession
Fire Engineers Advisory Panel: Authoritative Statement, reactions and next steps.
Restoration and renewal of the Palace of Westminster
A complex project of cultural significance from full decant to EMI, opportunities and a potential a way forward.
Apprenticeships and the responsibility we share
Perspectives from the CIOB President as National Apprentice Week comes to a close.























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.