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
What they are, how they work and why they are popular in many countries.
Plastic, recycling and its symbol
Student competition winning, M.C.Esher inspired Möbius strip design symbolising continuity within a finite entity.
Do you take the lead in a circular construction economy?
Help us develop and expand this wiki as a resource for academia and industry alike.
Warm Homes Plan Workforce Taskforce
Risks of undermining UK’s energy transition due to lack of electrotechnical industry representation, says ECA.
Cost Optimal Domestic Electrification CODE
Modelling retrofits only on costs that directly impact the consumer: upfront cost of equipment, energy costs and maintenance costs.
The Warm Homes Plan details released
What's new and what is not, with industry reactions.
Could AI and VR cause an increase the value of heritage?
The Orange book: 2026 Amendment 4 to BS 7671:2018
ECA welcomes IET and BSI content sign off.
How neural technologies could transform the design future
Enhancing legacy parametric engines, offering novel ways to explore solutions and generate geometry.
Key AI related terms to be aware of
With explanations from the UK government and other bodies.
From QS to further education teacher
Applying real world skills with the next generation.
A guide on how children can use LEGO to mirror real engineering processes.
Data infrastructure for next-generation materials science
Research Data Express to automate data processing and create AI-ready datasets for materials research.
Wired for the Future with ECA; powering skills and progress
ECA South Wales Business Day 2025, a day to remember.
AI for the conservation professional
A level of sophistication previously reserved for science fiction.
Biomass harvested in cycles of less than ten years.
An interview with the new CIAT President
Usman Yaqub BSc (Hons) PCIAT MFPWS.
Cost benefit model report of building safety regime in Wales
Proposed policy option costs for design and construction stage of the new building safety regime in Wales.
Do you receive our free biweekly newsletter?
If not you can sign up to receive it in your mailbox here.


























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.