When deciding on a business location, companies must consider several important factors: - Access to raw materials, skilled labor forces, transportation infrastructure and potential customers all impact a location's viability. - Costs like rent, wages and transportation must be weighed against location benefits such as local grants, tax incentives and an existing supplier network. - The goal is to locate in an area where benefits outweigh costs to maximize sales and profits.

1. LOCATION

4. Availability of Labour Infrastructure Availability of Capital Government Loans and Grants Distance to Market Component Businesses Factors Influencing Location Health and Safety Source of Raw Material Transport Costs EU Grant Telecommunications Information Costs

6. WHERE DOES THE MONEY COME FROM TO FINANCE A BUSINESS? Sources of Finance Long-term (over 10 years) Medium-term (1-10 years) Short-term (up to 1 year) Shares Leasing Overdraft Debentures Hire Purchase Trade Credit Loans Loans Factoring Mortgages

7. Source of Finance – Business Type Sole Trader Partnership Private Limited Company Public Limited Company Personal Savings     Ordinary shares     Preference Shares     Debentures     Loans     Mortgage     Leasing     Hire Purchase     Overdraft     Trade Credit     Factoring    

10. The European Union (EU) can also affect where a business locates.