大象传媒

How small businesses operateWhat is a business?

There are many reasons why an individual sets up in business. For a business to be successful that person will need appropriate skills and qualities along with suitable advice and finance.

Part of BusinessBusiness in action

What is a business?

Products at the checkout in a supermarket
Figure caption,
Supermarkets sell goods - physical products you can see and touch.

A business is an individual or organisation that makes goods or provides services. Examples of businesses include supermarkets and hairdressers.

Hair being cut
Figure caption,
Hairdressing is a service - something that cannot be seen or touched.

A business can provide both goods or services:

Goods are physical products that can be seen or touched. Examples of what are called goods are a television, chocolate bar or a hairdryer.

Services are provided by businesses but cannot be seen or touched. Examples of what are called services are cutting hair, driving a taxi to take people somewhere, or screening a film in cinema.