Includes index

The commercial world; the distribution of goods from the producer to the consumer; the retail trade; the wholesale trade; the documentation of trade; consumer credit; consumer protection; business units - the private sector, the public sector; the monetary system; the banking system - the retail banks, other financial institutions; the capital market; the arithmetic of business; communications - the Post Office, telecommunications; communications - advertising, transport; business risks - insurance; international trade - exports and imports; the balance of payments; the government and commerce; new technology and commerce.

This text provides a clear guide to the world of commerce - the processes involved, the organizations concerned and the documents used. This is the revised and updated fourth edition. The book is intended for the use of those on GCSE Commerce courses, for those taking Pitman Examinations at Elementary Commerce stage, for those on London Chamber of Commerce courses (Elements of Commerce, first level) and for those on RSA Background to Business courses. This edition incorporates recent developments in retailing, credit regulations and consumer protection; explains the implications of EC policy for trade and transport; and presents the effects of the recent large-scale privatizations and major changes in the world of financial services.