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

• Accounting.
• Budget.
• Cash flow.
• Commercial management.
• Company.
• Investment.
• Overheads.
• Turnover.
• Value added.
• Whole-life costs.
• Yield.