Business A to Z

Every trade has words it uses without explaining. In business the cost of not knowing one is real: some of them are ordinary jargon and some of them are a decision that can take a house.

Please note: This page explains what a term means. It is general information, not legal, financial, tax or investment advice, and it does not know anything about your business. Before you sign, file or commit to anything, check it with an accountant, a solicitor, or the official guidance we link to.

Studying business? We write GCSE revision songs, and there is one for business studies. Listen to the revision playlist.

38 terms filed under B, showing 11–20 (page 2 of 4).

B

Bootstrapping

Funding growth out of revenue rather than investment. Slower, and you keep the company.

Brand

Also called Branding, Brand identity

What people expect of you before they deal with you. The logo is the smallest part of it.

Brand identity and assets

The logo, colours, typefaces and voice — and owning them.

Break-even

Also called Break-even point, Breakeven

The level of sales at which you stop losing money and start making it. Knowable to the pound, and most owners have never worked it out.

Break-even point in cash

The sales level that keeps the bank balance flat. Different from profit break-even.

Bribery and corruption

The Bribery Act, and the corporate offence of failing to prevent it.

Budget

A plan expressed in money. Useful as a decision, useless as a wish.

Burn rate

How much cash your business consumes each month over and above what comes in.

Business awards and accreditations

Third-party recognition. Credibility, at a cost in time.

Business bank account

A separate account for the business. Legally required for a company, and sensible for anyone.

Something missing?

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