Unit 1: Exploring Business
Features contributing to the success of contrasting businesses
A: Explore the features of different businesses and analyse what makes them successful
B: Investigate how businesses are organised
Title: Features contributing to the success of contrasting businesses
Introduction:
I have been accepted onto a work placement in the Economic Development Unit (EDU) at my local
council. The EDU is dedicated to helping businesses to start, grow and prosper.
I will be working with the officers who are responsible for publications, brochures, and guides
I have been asked to research and collect information on two contrasting businesses and use this
evidence to write a report on why businesses are successful.
The report will evaluate how each organisation’s features, and the relationship and
communications with internal and external stakeholders, supports and enables the business in
achieving its aims and objectives and in being successful.
Methods:
Outline how you collected information for the report.
The way I had collected information for the report was through the internet. Through the internet
I was able to find information a lot for Oxfam and through other sources through the internet I
was able to seek more information and write about it in my report. But I also used myself to write
in this report.
Name at least 2 sources of information: BTEC Textbook, yourself, internet, videos, magazines, and
newspapers
Business' introduction:
To provide a suitable contrast the businesses must have contrasting features, e.g. types of
ownership and liability, scope, sector, and/or size.
Business 1 introduction: Colchester Zoo, located in Colchester, Essex, is a leading UK zoo
established in 1963 and owned by the Tropeano family. It is home to more than 220 species, the
zoo focuses on conservation, education, research, and recreation. It offers top-notch animal care,
engaging educational programs, and a memorable visitor experience. It is managed by a team of
directors and senior managers; Colchester Zoo actively participates in global conservation efforts
,and engages with the local community through events and collaborations. Its dedication to wildlife
protection and public education makes it a valuable asset to both the local and global community.
Business 2 introduction: Oxfam is a global organisation that fights towards inequality to end
poverty and injustice. The charity believes that they can overcome poverty by fighting the
injustices and inequalities that fuel it. Oxfam’s headline 2023/2024 income closed the year at
£368.0 million. Oxfam employs now about 8283 people.
Features of the business- P1
Include ownership and liability, purpose, sector, scope of activities and size
Colchester Zoo features:
Ownership
Describe the type of ownership your chosen business uses?
Colchester Zoo was privately owned and operated by the Tropeano family because of its private
ownership it has grown significantly over the years.
Explain the advantages and disadvantages of the type of ownership to the business?
One of the advantages of Colchester Zoo being privately owned to the business is the control and
flexibility. Private ownership allows the owners to have full control of the business’s operations.
However, one disadvantages they have to be under private ownership is resource constraints. As
they are a private organisation, they may get fewer resources to help them towards conservation
efforts and large-scale projects unlike publicly funded or charitable organisations. Another
disadvantage is personal liability; some cases private owners may face personal liability for the
business’s debts which can pose significant risks.
Explain the type of liability your business has and the impact this has on the business?
Colchester Zoo operates a limited liability company. This means that the liability of the owners is
limited to the amount they have invested towards the company which therefore their personal
assets from business debts and liabilities. One impact this has towards the business is personal
asset protection. The owner’s personal assets are protected from business debts and liabilities.
This means that if the zoo has an issue such as financial difficulties or other issues such as legal
claims. Another way impact Colchester Zoo operating as a limited liability company has an impact
towards the business is enhanced creditability.
Explain HOW the type of ownership chosen helps the business to be successful?
One way how Colchester Zoo having private ownership helps towards the success of the business
by having focused visions and goals. The ownership the zoo has helps them to maintain a clear and
focused vision. Therefore, the owners of the zoo can prioritise long term goals, such as
conservation without having pressures from other investors. Another way Colchester Zoo having
, private ownership helps towards the success of the business by community engagement. Due to
the fact they are privately owned, Colchester Zoo can help themselves to build a strong
relationship with local communities meaning that this can lead to them gaining an increased
support, volunteer involvement and local partnership which all help towards the success of the
zoo.
Size and Scope
Describe the size of the business – is it large, small or medium?
Colchester Zoo is a medium-sized business. The zoo has an approximate measurement of 60 acres
of parkland and lakes. It is home to 180 species of animals and attracts about a 1 million visitors
every year.
Explain how you know this e.g no. of employees, profit made, no. of stores.
You can learn more about information such as number of employees, profit made etc on their
website. They employ around 271 people. In addition to this, they have a turnover of £15 million
and a gross profit of £13 million.
Describe the scope/scale of the business activities (local, national or international)?
Colchester Zoo operates primarily on a local and national scale, with some international elements.
The way they operate on a local impact is how they are a major attraction and can bring visitors
from the local community which plays a massive role in the local tourism making sure they are to
provide educational programs and other events. The way Colchester Zoo operates as a national
scale by attracting visitors from across the country making it a popular destination for families,
schools, and tourists. The way it also shows some international connections is through its
participation in global organisations worldwide to protect endangered species.
Explain HOW the size and scale help the business to be successful e.g larger businesses with more
employees will have more skills to utilize to improve the products and services?
One way the size and scale of Colchester Zoo helps to contribute to the success of the business is
by the community and visitor engagement. The zoo's scale allows it to host a variety of events,
educational programs, and community initiatives. Engaging with the community and visitors on
multiple levels helps build a loyal customer base and fosters a sense of connection and support for
the zoo's mission. Another way how the size and scale of Colchester Zoo helps to contribute to the
success of the business is by resource availability. As a medium-sized business, Colchester Zoo has
access to significant resources, including financial, human, and physical assets. These resources
enable the zoo to invest in state-of-the-art facilities, innovative exhibits, and conservation
projects. The ability to allocate resources effectively helps the zoo maintain high standards and
continuously improve its offerings.
Sector
Describe in detail the business activities for each organisation, considering whether they are in the
primary, secondary or tertiary sector, and give valid reasons for your decision.
Features contributing to the success of contrasting businesses
A: Explore the features of different businesses and analyse what makes them successful
B: Investigate how businesses are organised
Title: Features contributing to the success of contrasting businesses
Introduction:
I have been accepted onto a work placement in the Economic Development Unit (EDU) at my local
council. The EDU is dedicated to helping businesses to start, grow and prosper.
I will be working with the officers who are responsible for publications, brochures, and guides
I have been asked to research and collect information on two contrasting businesses and use this
evidence to write a report on why businesses are successful.
The report will evaluate how each organisation’s features, and the relationship and
communications with internal and external stakeholders, supports and enables the business in
achieving its aims and objectives and in being successful.
Methods:
Outline how you collected information for the report.
The way I had collected information for the report was through the internet. Through the internet
I was able to find information a lot for Oxfam and through other sources through the internet I
was able to seek more information and write about it in my report. But I also used myself to write
in this report.
Name at least 2 sources of information: BTEC Textbook, yourself, internet, videos, magazines, and
newspapers
Business' introduction:
To provide a suitable contrast the businesses must have contrasting features, e.g. types of
ownership and liability, scope, sector, and/or size.
Business 1 introduction: Colchester Zoo, located in Colchester, Essex, is a leading UK zoo
established in 1963 and owned by the Tropeano family. It is home to more than 220 species, the
zoo focuses on conservation, education, research, and recreation. It offers top-notch animal care,
engaging educational programs, and a memorable visitor experience. It is managed by a team of
directors and senior managers; Colchester Zoo actively participates in global conservation efforts
,and engages with the local community through events and collaborations. Its dedication to wildlife
protection and public education makes it a valuable asset to both the local and global community.
Business 2 introduction: Oxfam is a global organisation that fights towards inequality to end
poverty and injustice. The charity believes that they can overcome poverty by fighting the
injustices and inequalities that fuel it. Oxfam’s headline 2023/2024 income closed the year at
£368.0 million. Oxfam employs now about 8283 people.
Features of the business- P1
Include ownership and liability, purpose, sector, scope of activities and size
Colchester Zoo features:
Ownership
Describe the type of ownership your chosen business uses?
Colchester Zoo was privately owned and operated by the Tropeano family because of its private
ownership it has grown significantly over the years.
Explain the advantages and disadvantages of the type of ownership to the business?
One of the advantages of Colchester Zoo being privately owned to the business is the control and
flexibility. Private ownership allows the owners to have full control of the business’s operations.
However, one disadvantages they have to be under private ownership is resource constraints. As
they are a private organisation, they may get fewer resources to help them towards conservation
efforts and large-scale projects unlike publicly funded or charitable organisations. Another
disadvantage is personal liability; some cases private owners may face personal liability for the
business’s debts which can pose significant risks.
Explain the type of liability your business has and the impact this has on the business?
Colchester Zoo operates a limited liability company. This means that the liability of the owners is
limited to the amount they have invested towards the company which therefore their personal
assets from business debts and liabilities. One impact this has towards the business is personal
asset protection. The owner’s personal assets are protected from business debts and liabilities.
This means that if the zoo has an issue such as financial difficulties or other issues such as legal
claims. Another way impact Colchester Zoo operating as a limited liability company has an impact
towards the business is enhanced creditability.
Explain HOW the type of ownership chosen helps the business to be successful?
One way how Colchester Zoo having private ownership helps towards the success of the business
by having focused visions and goals. The ownership the zoo has helps them to maintain a clear and
focused vision. Therefore, the owners of the zoo can prioritise long term goals, such as
conservation without having pressures from other investors. Another way Colchester Zoo having
, private ownership helps towards the success of the business by community engagement. Due to
the fact they are privately owned, Colchester Zoo can help themselves to build a strong
relationship with local communities meaning that this can lead to them gaining an increased
support, volunteer involvement and local partnership which all help towards the success of the
zoo.
Size and Scope
Describe the size of the business – is it large, small or medium?
Colchester Zoo is a medium-sized business. The zoo has an approximate measurement of 60 acres
of parkland and lakes. It is home to 180 species of animals and attracts about a 1 million visitors
every year.
Explain how you know this e.g no. of employees, profit made, no. of stores.
You can learn more about information such as number of employees, profit made etc on their
website. They employ around 271 people. In addition to this, they have a turnover of £15 million
and a gross profit of £13 million.
Describe the scope/scale of the business activities (local, national or international)?
Colchester Zoo operates primarily on a local and national scale, with some international elements.
The way they operate on a local impact is how they are a major attraction and can bring visitors
from the local community which plays a massive role in the local tourism making sure they are to
provide educational programs and other events. The way Colchester Zoo operates as a national
scale by attracting visitors from across the country making it a popular destination for families,
schools, and tourists. The way it also shows some international connections is through its
participation in global organisations worldwide to protect endangered species.
Explain HOW the size and scale help the business to be successful e.g larger businesses with more
employees will have more skills to utilize to improve the products and services?
One way the size and scale of Colchester Zoo helps to contribute to the success of the business is
by the community and visitor engagement. The zoo's scale allows it to host a variety of events,
educational programs, and community initiatives. Engaging with the community and visitors on
multiple levels helps build a loyal customer base and fosters a sense of connection and support for
the zoo's mission. Another way how the size and scale of Colchester Zoo helps to contribute to the
success of the business is by resource availability. As a medium-sized business, Colchester Zoo has
access to significant resources, including financial, human, and physical assets. These resources
enable the zoo to invest in state-of-the-art facilities, innovative exhibits, and conservation
projects. The ability to allocate resources effectively helps the zoo maintain high standards and
continuously improve its offerings.
Sector
Describe in detail the business activities for each organisation, considering whether they are in the
primary, secondary or tertiary sector, and give valid reasons for your decision.
