2. Business Location There are often many reasons why businesses chose the location they do. These may relate to the available workforce, transport links, etc. In many cases there are benefits to the business for their choice of location, though in the present day these benefits are becoming less important in some situations due the advances in ICT.

3. Key reasons for location.. All businesses need: People to work for them – especially those with the correct skills Supplies to sell or raw materials to produce their goods Customers to buy goods or services To keep their operating costs as low as possible

4. Available Workforce All businesses need workers, so it is usually important to be located to populated areas. Those who locate in remote areas will have to pay their staff more to cover transport costs. Skilled Workers – these are experts in a field. Often people and businesses will be attracted to an area as this can be known for this. Cost of Labour – this influenced by a variety of things, such as number of available workers, the type of skills required.

5. Cost of Premises This like the cost of the workforce, is determined by supply and demand. In the retail industry – the cost is also related to location, eg a shop in a busy town centre would be more expensive. Out of town premises tend to larger and single storey. This is because land is cheaper, so businesses can have more for their money.

6. Transport Links Many businesses rely on transport for deliveries. This is why you can often see large warehouse type buildings close to the motorway. Some companies who transport goods overseas will often have storage facilities close to the sea or to airports, for easy transport.

7. Where the customers are People who rely on passing trade for their customers will often position their business close to main roads. Doctors often locate themselves in local community areas as this is where their patients are. If the business relies on other businesses they will have to locate themselves close to them, eg car part suppliers will locate themselves close to car manufacturers.

8. Sales Techniques The way in which companies interact with their customers also affects their location. Eg Call centres - Internet selling Mail Order

9. Task 1. You need to do some research on what financial incentives can be offered to encourage businesses to move into certain areas. 2. Research what the impact has been of the increase number of supermarkets have been on small local businesses.