Some companies like steel, iron and coal manufacturers choose a location because the raw goods that they need are already located there. If they locate where the supplies are they save a lot of money on transporting goods. Market Other companies like dentists, doctors, lawyers, retailers etc, locate where the market is. This would increase profit. Labour Some firms need a skilled workforce to manufacture the product the make. So they locate where there is a skilled labour force.

Other firms locate somewhere, where there is a high unemployment rate; this means they save a lot of money on wages because people who need a job will work for any amount of money. Transport and communication links Firms who export and import goods need to be close to sea and airports. Good road and rail links are needed to transport goods around the country. Economies of concentration Sometimes being near your competitor can work in favour for a company.

This is because there will be a skilled workforce near by, also suppliers will locate where the business is. This cuts down on transportation costs. Customers will also know where to come. Government Governments often pay global companies locate in their country. Local councils will also cut taxes for companies who locate in an area of high unemployment. Industrial inertia Companies who have been in one place for a long time might not want to relocate, even though it might work out cheaper in the future.

Personal reasons Some companies want to work in a nice environment. Climate Industries such as agricultural ones need to be in a hot climate to grow their products. Location of Cameron Balloons Cameron Balloons are located in Bedminster, near Bristol. This not only gives it national status, but also international status as well. This attracts customers from all over the world, which intern increases the amount of business and therefore increased profits.

The operations function in a business is responsible for all the operations that go into making the product. A number of things go in a cycle of operations takes place and something is made. Every business needs a set of inputs. It is the job of the functional area that covers operations to make sure that there are enough of the inputs, and that they are of adequate quality. Part of the operations function will also be to organise and oversee the actual production process.