Pupils should have a basic understanding of:

• the different economic and social factors that affect business
  
  
• the difference between public and private organisations
  
  
• the benefits of a competitive market place
  
  
• the different forms of promotion that businesses use to sell their products and services

Begin the lesson by talking to students about the different economic and social factors that affect businesses. Also consider the different impact that Government decisions can have on UK businesses.

Look at the difference between the private and public sectors. What do the students understand by public and private sector? Discuss the different types of private business organisations that exist.

Talk to the students about how competition can affect the decisions that businesses take. Consider how competition can benefit the consumer and what protection is in place to prevent businesses collaborating to rip off consumers.

Look at how companies use marketing to help consumers make their decisions about what to purchase. Consider the existing controls on advertising and ask students to consider how adverts impact on their decisions to purchase.