Syllabus: WJEC - GCSE Business
Module: 1. Business Activity
Lesson: 1.8 Business Location and Site
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Introduction
This topic is part of the WJEC GCSE Business specification under Unit 1: Business Activity. Section 1.8, “Business location and site,” examines the strategic importance of where a business is situated. It helps learners understand how location influences costs, accessibility, customer reach, and long-term viability. Teachers delivering this unit should emphasise real-world application and how location affects competitiveness and operational success.
Key Concepts
According to the WJEC GCSE Business specification, learners must understand:
The difference between location and site: ‘Location’ refers to the general area, while ‘site’ is the specific plot.
Factors influencing location decisions: Including proximity to market, labour, competitors, raw materials, and transport links.
The impact of e-commerce and remote working: On traditional location needs.
Costs and benefits of urban vs rural locations
Legal and environmental considerations
Changing business needs and relocation decisions
These concepts enable students to evaluate how businesses match location decisions to their objectives, customer base, and external constraints.
Real-World Relevance
Consider the case of Amazon UK, which strategically places its fulfilment centres near major transport hubs like Birmingham and Manchester. These decisions are based on proximity to customers, good transport infrastructure, and access to a flexible workforce. Similarly, independent cafés in Cardiff often choose high-footfall areas near universities or tourist attractions to maximise visibility and customer volume.
A contrasting example is the growth of online-only retailers such as ASOS, where physical location is less relevant to customer access but critical for warehouse efficiency and logistics.
How It’s Assessed
This topic is commonly assessed through structured questions in Section A and B of the Unit 1 examination. Learners may encounter:
Multiple-choice and short-answer questions (e.g., “List two factors influencing location decisions”)
Explain and analyse questions using command words like explain, analyse, evaluate
Case-study-based questions requiring students to justify site decisions
Calculation-based tasks (e.g., comparing location costs)
Answers are expected to include contextual understanding, accurate terminology, and where appropriate, application of business decision-making tools.
Enterprise Skills Integration
Teaching this topic naturally encourages:
Decision-making: Weighing the pros and cons of various locations
Problem-solving: Addressing challenges such as poor footfall or high rent
Critical thinking: Evaluating location scenarios in different business contexts
Numeracy and budgeting: Especially when comparing site costs or operational overheads
Simulations or role-play tasks where pupils act as entrepreneurs deciding on a new business location can consolidate these skills effectively.
Careers Links
Understanding business location decisions is directly linked to:
Urban planning and regeneration
Logistics and supply chain management
Retail and hospitality management
Entrepreneurship and small business ownership
Teachers can reference the Gatsby Benchmarks by using employer engagement (Benchmark 5) and incorporating local labour market information (Benchmark 2). Inviting local business owners or estate agents to speak can bring this topic to life.
Teaching Notes
Tips for delivery:
Use local maps or Google Earth to explore different site options
Integrate business case studies such as Primark’s high-street strategy or Tesla’s Gigafactory placements
Encourage debate and group discussion on location pros/cons
Common pitfalls:
Learners often confuse ‘location’ with ‘site’
Overlooking online business models when discussing location factors
Extension activities:
Investigate a local business’s location choice and present findings
Create a mock business plan with justification for a chosen site
