BULATS. Pre intermediate Voc

English Part of Speech

Definition

UNIT 1

accountant n a person who keeps the records of money that is received and spent by a company

accounts n the records of all the money that a company has received or spent

atmosphere n the character or feeling of a place or situation

book-keeping n the job of keeping a record of the money that is received and spent by a company

consultant n a person who advises people on a subject that they are an expert in

coordinate v make all the different people and different parts of an activity work together in an organised way

correspondence n letters, especially ofcial or business letters

deadline n a time or day by which something must be done

executive n a person in a high position in an organisation who makes decisions

faulty adj not well-made or not working correctly

hectic adj very busy and fast

human resources pl n the part of a business that deals with nding new employees, keeping records of employees and helping them with any problems, etc.

invoice n a list of things bought or work done with the price, for payment later

laboratory n a room or building with equipment for doing scientic tests

manic adj very busy

marketing n a group of activities to help sell a product or service by considering buyers wants and needs

meticulous adj very careful and paying a lot of attention to detail

minutes pl n the ofcial record of what people say and decide during a meeting

payroll n a list of people employed in a company, showing how much each person is paid

personnel pl n the people who work in an organisation

policy n a set of rules or a plan of what to do in a particular situation

prioritise v decide which tasks are the most important

quality control n the activity of looking at goods or services to make sure that they are of the correct standard

research and development (R and D)

n the department in a business which deals with planning new products and trying to improve existing ones

retailer n a person who sells products to the public

springboard n something which provides energy at the start of an action

stock v provide something for people to buy

wealthy adj rich

welfare n a persons health and happiness

UNIT 2

access n the opportunity to see or use something

call off v decide not to do a planned activity

challenge n something that is difcult to do

challenging adj difcult in a way which tests your ability or determination

colleague n a person who you work with

come up with v produce (an idea or suggestion)

competitive adj equal to or better than others

face to face adj looking directly at one another

exible adj able to be changed easily according to the situation

open-door management style

a system where managers deal with employees problems quickly and directly

pension n money which is paid regularly to a person who has retired

pension scheme n a system into which an employee and employer make regular payments for a period of years, so that the employee can receive a pension when they retire

pool v allow something to be collected and shared by everyone in a group

potential n a persons or products ability to develop and succeed

proposal n a suggestion, sometimes a written one

put forward v state (an opinion or suggestion) for other people to consider

rewarding adj satisfying because you feel it is important or useful

role n the position or purpose that a person has in an organisation

standard adj usual or normal

strategy n a plan for achieving success

workforce n the group of people who work in a company

UNIT 3

advertising campaign n a series of activities to advertise something

award n a prize for achieving something

billboard n a large board used to display advertisements

chain n a number of shops, hotels, etc. which are owned by the same company

charitable trust a trust which is formed with the aim of giving money to charity

collective n a business which is owned or controlled by the people who work in it

commercial n an advertisement on TV or radio

decline n a situation where something becomes less in number or amount

depression n a long period when there is very little business activity and not many jobs

exhibition n an event where companies show their products to the public

founding n start (a new company or organisation)

growth n the process of increasing in number or size

inherit v receive money or a business from a person after they have died

launch v show something for the rst time

leading adj the most important

merge v join together

mill n a building tted with machinery for a manufacturing process

packaging n the material put around goods before they are sold

pension fund n an amount of money which people can pay into while working, which is then used to make regular payments to them after they retire

philanthropist n a person who gives money and help to people who need it

poverty n the situation of being poor

privatise v sell a company which is owned by the government to a private company or a member of the public

rivet n a metal pin, usually used to join pieces of metal together

share n any of the equal parts into which a companys capital is divided

slogan n a short phrase used in advertising which is easy to remember

take over v get control of or responsibility for something (e.g. a company)

trust n an organisation which controls money or property for the benet of other people

wrapper n a piece of paper or plastic which covers something that you buy (especially food)

UNIT 4

backre v have the opposite result of what you wanted

booked up adj with no free places for extra appointments

broadband n a telecommunications system which allows information to be sent quickly between computers and other electronic equipment

cluttered adj full of unnecessary things

competitor n a person, company or product which is trying to be more successful than another in the same market

download v copy data from one computer system to another or to a disk

exchange rate n the amount of one currency which you can buy with a particular amount of another currency

gimmick n something which is used to get peoples attention but which isnt very useful

graphic n image which is shown on a computer screen

handling charge n the cost of moving goods from one place to another

hard copy n a paper copy of information which came from a computer

home page n the rst page that you should see when you look at a website

load v abbreviation of download

logo n a design or symbol which is used by a company to advertise its products

online adj connected to the internet

purchase v buy

search engine n a computer programme which nds information on the Internet using words that you type in

set up v organise (an event); start (a new business)

time-consuming adj needing a lot of time

up to date adj modern or containing the most recent information

update v make something more modern or give the most recent information to

UNIT 5

agricultural adj connected with farming

assemble v build something by joining different parts together

blade n the sharp metal part of a machine or piece of equipment which is used to cut something

bulb (abbr. of light bulb) n a glass object which produces light from electricity

cable n a wire, usually covered by plastic, which carries electricity or telecommunication signals

card index n a box for storing cards in a particular order

charge v store electrical energy in

craftsman n a person who uses special skills to make things, especially with their hands

crash v suddenly stop working

device n a piece of equipment which does a particular job

dismantle v take something apart so that it is in several pieces

fasten v x something together, or x one thing to another

le n a type of container used to store documents

gadget n a small piece of equipment which does a particular job

hole punch n a small piece of equipment used for making holes in paper

jam v become unable to work because a part is stuck

lead n a wire which connects a piece of electrical equipment to the electricity supply

lever n a handle that you push or pull to make a machine work

paper clip n a small piece of bent metal used for holding papers together

permanent adj lasting forever or for a very long time

pliers pl n a piece of equipment with two handles for pulling small things (e.g. nails) or for cutting wire

premises pl n the land and buildings owned by an organisation

run out v use all of something so that there is none left

seminar n a meeting of a group of people for discussion or training

shredder n a machine used for cutting documents into very small pieces

stapler n a small piece of equipment used to x papers together by pushing a small piece of metal through them

temporary adj lasting for only a short time

tool n a piece of equipment which you use with your hands to make or repair something

upgrade v improve the quality or usefulness of something

UNIT 6

authorise v give ofcial permission for something

blend v mix two or more things together

budget n a plan which shows how much money you have and how you will spend it

budget holder n the person responsible for a particular budget

dissolve v (of a solid) become part of a liquid

evaporate v (of a liquid) change into gas

evaporation n the act of evaporating

extract v take something out of something else

extraction n the act of extracting something

ling cabinet n a piece of furniture in an ofce used for holding documents

ingredient n any of the substances used to make something, especially food

in-house adj done within a company by its employees, not by people from outside the company

label n a small piece of paper, material, etc. attached to an object which gives information about it

production plant n a place where an industrial or manufacturing process takes place

productivity n a measure which compares the value of what a company produces with the time and money which it spends producing it

promote v encourage the popularity and sales of a product

sample n a small amount of something which shows you what it is like

stationery n things which you use for writing (e.g. pens and paper)

supplier n a company which provides products or services

target n a result that you intend to achieve

target market n the group of people that a product is aimed at

vat n a large container for mixing or storing liquids, especially in a factory

UNIT 7

backlog n a large amount of work or matters which are waiting to be done

bankers card (also bank card, cheque card)

n a card which you show when you pay for something by cheque to show that the bank promises to pay your cheques

bear with someone v wait while a person does something

catalogue n a book with a list of all the goods you can buy from a shop or company

courier n a person who transports documents or products

customs pl n the place at an airport or port through which goods must pass to make sure they are not illegal and where any tax must be paid

cut off v break the connection during a telephone call

discount n a reduction in the usual price

engaged adj (of a telephone line) unavailable because already being used by another person

extension n a telephone, especially one with its own additional number on a line leading from the main switchboard

freight n goods which are carried from one place to another by ship, rail, plane or truck

freight forwarding specialist

n a person or company who arranges for goods to be transported from one place to another

get through v succeed in speaking to somebody on the telephone

hang up v nish a telephone conversation and put the telephone down

heavy-duty adj especially strong so that it can be used in difcult conditions

hold on v wait for a short time

hold the line v wait for a short time (on the telephone)

intellectual property (IP) n a persons or companys rights to prot from their idea or design (without another person copying it)

log off v top a computer being connected to a computer system, when you want to stop working

packing list n a list of goods that are packed and ready to send

patent n the legal right to be the only person or company to make or sell an invention for a certain number of years

put through v connect a person to another telephone extension

ring off v nish a telephone conversation and put the telephone down

sales channel n the way or place in which something is sold

switchboard n a piece of equipment for the manual control of telephone connections

trade fair n an event where companies show and sell their products to retailers or other companies who work in the same

eld

trademark n a legally registered name or symbol which represents a company or product and cannot be used by another company

warehouse n a large building for storing goods before they are sold

UNIT 8

banner n an advertisement that appears across the top of a webpage

brand identity n the values and qualities which people associate with a particular brand

carrier n a company, usually an airline, which transports goods or people from one place to another

channel n a way of getting something done or a way of communicating with people

channel of distribution (also distribution channel)

n the way in which goods are transported from producers to buyers

classied ad n a small advertisement in a newspaper or magazine

fare n the money a passenger must pay for a journey

forecast v say what you expect to happen in the future

glamour n an attractive and exciting quality

green n concerned with the protection of the environment

hospitality n the action of entertaining people in a welcoming and friendly way

innovation n the use of new ideas and methods

lifecycle n the length of time that people continue to buy a particular product

lifespan n the length of time a machine or piece of equipment is expected to last

market leader n a company which sells more of a type of product than its competitors

market research n activities to obtain and study information about the things which people buy or want to buy

market share n the percentage of sales which a company has for a type of product compared with its competitors

pop-up n an advertisement which appears in a separate window on a webpage

public relations (PR) pl n the activity of keeping good relationships between an organisation and the public

small ad n see classied ad

word of mouth n the process of getting to know about a product by hearing about it from friends, colleagues, etc.

UNIT 9

agenda n a list of things to be discussed in a meeting

branch n any of the ofces or shops that belong to a large company

brand n a type of product made by a company under a particular name

catering n the activity of providing food and drink

compact adj closely and neatly packed together to save space

connection n a train or plane which passengers arriving on another train or plane can catch to continue their journey.

demonstrate v show something (e.g. a product) and explain how it works

demonstration n the act of showing something and explaining how it works

entertain v show hospitality to a business client (e.g. by taking them to an event or a restaurant)

entertainment n action of showing hospitality

organiser n a small le or diary where you record your appointments and other useful information

pick someone up v collect a person or object from somewhere

rep n (abbr. of representative)

representative n an agent of a company who travels to clients to sell products

retire v stop working because of old age or ill health

stylish adj of high quality in appearance and design

voicemail n an electronic telephone answering system

wall planner n a poster to put on the wall showing the days of the year so that you can write appointments on it

UNIT 10

aisle n the passage between seats on an aeroplane

boarding card (also boarding pass)

n the card that a passenger must have to show that they have passed security checks before getting on a plane

check-in desk n the place at the airport where you show your ticket, give in your luggage and receive your boarding card

debt n money that is owed to a person or company

departure lounge n the area in an airport where passengers wait before they get on a plane

dip n a movement downwards to a lower level or number

duty-free shop n a shop in an airport or on board a ship where you can buy goods without paying government tax

fee n payment made to a professional person in exchange for advice or services

glove compartment n a small cupboard in the front of a car for storing small objects

heavy goods train n a train used for transporting large goods

locker n a small cupboard which can be locked, usually one of several placed together in a public place

put off v arrange to delay an event or appointment until a later time

reschedule v change the arranged time of something

road tax n a tax you must pay on your vehicle before you are allowed to drive it on the road

shuttle n a vehicle or aeroplane that travels regularly between two places

soar v rise quickly to a high level or number

thriving adj growing and successful

venue n the place where an event or meeting takes place

UNIT 11

audiovisual equipment n equipment that allows you to hear and see something (e.g. a presentation)

capacity n the total amount that can be contained or produced

conference n a formal meeting of people from the same type of business or with the same interests, usually lasting a few days

convert v to change in form, character or use

delegate n a person sent to represent others at a conference

downgrade v reduce a person or thing to a lower position

ipchart n a board with large pieces of paper xed at the top which can be turned over

gym (abbr. of gymnasium)

n a large room with equipment for doing physical exercises

high-tech adj using the most advanced technology and equipment

IDD (International Direct Dialling) phone

n a phone which you can use to make international calls without going through an operator

laundry service n a service offered by some hotels for washing, drying and ironing guests clothes

lecture n a formal talk to a group of people on a particular subject

partition n a structure, usually a thin wall, which separates one part of a room from another

safe n a locked cupboard where you can keep money and other valuable items

stage n the area of a theatre where actors perform or lecturers give their talks

state-of-the-art adj using the most recent technology and ideas

suite n a set of connected rooms in a hotel

video conferencing n a telecommunications system in which two or more people in different parts of the world can talk to each other and see each other on a TV screen

UNIT 12

approach n a way of dealing with a situation or problem

autonomy n a companys ability to choose and organise its own systems and activities

ban v not allow a person to do or have something

chairman (also chairwoman, chairperson)

n the person in charge of a meeting, conference or organisation

diverse adj made up of a variety of different things or different types of people

feedback n information about a product or person, used as a basis for improvement

headquarters n the managerial centre of an organisation

negotiate v have formal discussions with a person in order to reach an agreement

ofce politics pl n the relationships (good and bad) between people who work in the same ofce

panel n a small group of people brought together to decide or discuss something

parcel n an object wrapped in paper so it can be sent by post

questionnaire n a list of questions, usually with a choice of answers, in order to collect information about a subject

rumour n an interesting story, which may or may not be true, that people are talking about

stand n a temporary display area where products are shown, often at a conference or trade fair

survey n a study of the opinions of a group of people, based on a list of questions

task n a piece of work

team-building n activities to encourage people to build relationships with each other and work together as a team

UNIT 13

associate n a person you know because of work or business

badge n a small piece of plastic or metal with words or design (e.g. your name and company) to attach to your clothes

be based in v live or work mainly in this place

consultancy n a company that gives expert advice on a particular subject

crate n a large box used for storing or moving things

draw n a competition where people are given numbered tickets which are chosen at random to decide winners of prizes

ethos n the set of beliefs and ambitions which are typical of a group or company

oristry n the business of arranging and selling owers

framework n order or structure

insolvency n the situation when a company does not have enough money to pay its debts

lapel pin n a pin which is used to fasten something (e.g. a badge) to the front of your jacket

mailshot n a piece of advertising material sent to a large number of addresses

mission n the purpose or aim of an organisation

motto n a short sentence or phrase which expresses a belief or purpose

put down to v think something is caused by something else in particular

referral n the act of directing someone to another person or place for help or business

stafng n the action of providing employees for an organisation

telemarketing n selling goods or services by telephone

turnover n the amount of money taken by a business in a particular period

wind up v gradually bring an activity to an end

UNIT 14

body language n the movements and positions of your body which show other people how you are feeling, often without you knowing it

bonus n an extra amount of money paid to a person for good performance

commemorate v ofcially remember, with respect, people or an event, especially with a ceremony

department store n a large shop selling a variety of goods in different departments

eye contact n the situation when two people look at each others eyes at the same time

giant n a very large, successful company

harmony n peacefulness or agreement

host n a person who invites other people as guests

job description n a written list of the responsibilities you have and things you are expected to do in your work

minimal adj of a very small amount

offence n feeling of annoyance or hurt

pharmaceutical adj concerned with the preparation of medicinal drugs

product positioning n the way that people think about a product compared with competing products, or the way that the company would like them to think

punctual adj arriving or doing things at the correct time, not later

small talk n polite conversation about unimportant things

spectrum n the range of possible opinions, feelings or ways of behaving

to the point adj directly expressed and suitable for the topic being discussed

unwrap v remove the paper or material that covers something

wrap v cover something with paper or material

UNIT 15

act on v do what is suggested

at the cutting edge at the most recent stage of development

average n a standard or level which is considered to be normal or the number obtained by adding two or more amounts together and dividing the total by the number of amounts

block booking n a booking (e.g. for a hotel) for a group of people

boom n a period when a country or industry is very successful

break down barriers v improve understanding and communication between people

break the ice v make people who do not know each other well feel more relaxed with each other

committed adj willing to give your time and energy to something that you believe in

conict n a serious disagreement or argument

cooperate v work together for a particular purpose

cooperative adj willing to work with people and do what they ask

creative adj producing and using new and unusual ideas

crisis n a situation which has reached a very difcult point, or a time of great disagreement and uncertainty

dominate v have control over a person or group of people

forum n a meeting for the exchange of opinions

handout n a piece of printed information, sometimes given by a speaker to their audience

implement v put into action

interact v communicate and work together

in-tray n a container on a desk for letters and documents to be dealt with later

maintenance n the activity of keeping a building or machinery in good condition

object n the aim or purpose of doing something

objective n something you plan to achieve

original adj not the same as anything else and therefore special and interesting

participant n a person who takes part or gets involved in something (e.g. a training course)

review v consider something in order to decide if changes should be made

stand for v be an abbreviation of or symbol for

talented adj having a natural ability to be good at something

wisdom n the ability to use your knowledge and experience to make good judgements

UNIT 16

close a deal v nalise a business agreement

courteous adj polite and respectful

deal n a business agreement

demanding adj needing a lot of time, attention or energy

desalination n the process of removing salt from sea water

etiquette n the usual rules of polite behaviour in a certain social

situation extend v offer or give

get down to v begin to do or give serious attention to

impressed adj feeling admiration for something

in due course adv at a suitable time in the future

irrigation n the process of supplying land with water so that plants can grow

machinery n a group of large machines or the parts of a machine which make it work

outing n a short trip taken for pleasure

speciality n a product for which a person, region or restaurant is famous

UNIT 17

account for v supply or make up (a certain amount)

bar chart (also bar graph) n a diagram in which different amounts are represented by rectangles of different length

uctuate v rise and fall irregularly in number or amount

uctuation n an irregular rise and fall in number or amount

gross domestic product (GDP)

n the total value of goods and services which are produced within a country

level off v stop rising or falling and stay at the same level

line graph n a diagram in which changes in amount over time are represented by a line

make inroads v start to have a noticeable effect

make up v compose or form

negligible adj too small in number to be important

overtake v become a greater amount (than something else)

peak n the highest point or value of something

pie chart n a circle divided into parts that shows the way in which something (e.g. population or amount of money) is divided up

recover v improve after a period of weakness or low value

recovery n the process of improving after a period of weakness or low value

static adj staying at the same value without changing for a long period of time

trend n a general direction in which something is developing or changing

unemployment rate n the percentage of the working population who do not have a job

UNIT 18

acquisition n the purchase of one company by another

assembly n the process of putting together parts (e.g. of a machine, product or structure)

bankrupt adj unable in law to pay debts and therefore forced to stop operating

break even v have neither prot nor loss at the end of a business activity

capital n money used to invest, lend or borrow

capital employed n the money that a business invests back into the company

cashow n the amount of money moving into and out of a business

chase payment v try to make a person pay the money that they owe

component n a part which combines with other parts to form something bigger

cover costs v make enough money to pay for expenses

creditor n a person or organisation that a company owes money to

curriculum vitae n a written description of a persons qualications and previous employment

debtor n a person or organisation that owes money to a company

decit n the amount of money that a business has lost in a particular period of time

gross adj total, before any costs or taxes are deducted

liquidation n the situation when a company closes because of nancial difculties and its assets are sold to pay its debts

net adj remaining after deduction of tax and other costs

operating prot n the prot that a company makes from its usual activity

overheads n the regular costs which are involved in running a business (e.g. rent or electricity)

overspend v spend more than was originally planned

pay off v pay back the full amount

pre-tax return n the money that a company earns from something before tax is deducted

protability n the state of producing a prot

rsum (US) n see curriculum vitae

return n a prot from an investment

revenue n an organisations income or the money it receives

subsidiary n one company which is owned or more than 50% owned by another

takeover n the action of taking control of one company by another after purchasing a majority of shares

write off a debt v cancel the record of a bad debt

UNIT 19

bear market n a nancial market where prices are falling

bond n a certicate issued by a government or public company which promises to repay money at a xed rate of interest at a specied time

broker n a person who buys and sells shares for others

building society n a nancial organisation that pays interest on members savings and lends money for the purchase of property

bull market n a nancial market where prices are rising

commission n an amount of money paid to an agent for arranging a sale or purchase

commodity n a substance or agricultural product that can be bought or sold in large amounts

dividend n the part of a companys prots which is divided between its shareholders

dividend yield n the amount of prot paid to shareholders, calculated as a percentage of the current share price

downturn n a reduction in business activity

equities n stocks and shares which pay no xed amount of interest

oat v sell shares of a company on the stock market for the rst time

otation n the process of offering shares of a company for sale to the public for the rst time

outperform v perform better than another

portfolio n a collection of investments; all the products and services offered by a business

racecourse n a ground or track for horse or dog racing

sector n a distinct part of the economy

shareholder n a person who owns shares in a company

stake n a share or interest in a company

stock exchange n the place where stocks and shares in companies are bought and sold

stock n shares, or a certain number of shares

UNIT 20

asset n something valuable belonging to a business (e.g. machinery) which could be used for the payment of debts

business angel n a private investor who provides money for new businesses

business plan n a document giving details of a companys expected sales, costs and future nancial planning

corporation n a large company or group of companies which acts as a single organisation and is recognised as such in law

data management n control and organisation of information held on computer databases

entrepreneur n a person who starts up their own business, especially one which involves risk

ood v arrive in large numbers

format n the way in which information is arranged and stored

loan n the act of lending something, or the money which is lent

merger n the process when two or more companies join together to form a larger company

monitor v watch and check for a period of time

pump money into v spend a lot of money on something to try to make it successful

raise money v collect money

relocation n the process of moving to a new place

resign v leave a job because you want to

savings pl n money kept in a bank to use later

secure a loan v make certain that money which is lent will be paid back by giving the lender the right to own an asset (e.g. the house) of the borrower, if the money is not paid back

shelf life n the length of time that a product, especially food, can be kept in a shop before it becomes too old to sell

tap into v make use of something, especially peoples interest or ability

venture capitalist n a person who makes money available for investment in a new company, especially a risky one

UNIT 21

applicant n a person who applies for something, especially a job

appoint v ofcially choose a person for a job

candidate n a person who applies for a job

fullling adj making you feel happy and satised

highlight v attract attention to

jobseeker n a person who is looking for a job

prole n a short description of a person which gives only the most important details

recruitment n the process of nding new people to work for a company

recruitment agency n a business that makes its money by nding suitable people for employers who need new workers

referee n a person who conrms in writing an applicants character or ability

reference n a letter from a previous employer or teacher to conrm a persons ability or reliability

shortlist v put a person on a list of candidates from which a nal choice is made

turn down v reject or refuse

vacancy n a job that no one is doing (and therefore available for a new person to do)

voluntary adj done willingly, without being paid for it

UNIT 22

break the news v tell a person about something unpleasant which will affect or upset them

computer-literate adj having knowledge of how to use and work with computers

credit checking n the activity of looking at a persons record of repaying loans and advising whether or not to give them a new loan

discrimination n the act or system of treating different groups of people in different ways, especially unfairly

dismiss n remove from a job, especially when a person has done something wrong

re v see dismiss

hand in your notice v tell your employer that you intend to leave your job

hire v employ a person to do a particular job

interviewee n the candidate during an interview

interviewer n the person who asks the candidate questions during an interview

job security n the situation of having a job which is likely to be permanent.

lay off v stop employing a worker temporarily or permanently because there is not enough work

make someone redundant

v stop employing a person because there is no longer enough work for them, or because the company cannot afford to continue employing them

promotion n the situation when a person is raised to a higher or more important position in their work

pull funding v stop giving money for something

quit v leave

redundant adj no longer employed because there is not enough work

sack v see dismiss

sell off v get rid of something by selling it cheaply

stereotype n a xed idea, especially one that is wrong, that people have about a type of person or thing

surveyor n a person who measures and records the details of areas of land or a person who is trained to examine buildings and discover if there are any problems with the structure

venture n a new business activity which involves risk or uncertainty

UNIT 23

anonymous adj without the writers name on it

appraisal n a meeting between an employee and their manager to discuss the employees progress, aims and needs at work, or the report which summarises this meeting

appraisee n the employee who is receiving the appraisal

appraiser n the manager who gives the appraisal

balance sheet n a document which shows a companys nancial position, i.e. its wealth, assets and debts, at a particular time

compromise n ending an argument or difference of opinion by each side agreeing to some of the demands of the other

corporate rate n a special price offered to companies

credibility n a persons ability to make other people believe and trust them

expertise n a high level of knowledge or skill

eye-opener n something that surprises you and teaches you new facts about people or life

follow-up adj thing done or action taken to continue something done before

income statement n a statement showing the amount of money earned and spent by a company in a particular period of time

motivation n enthusiasm

on the ball adj showing up-to-date knowledge and/or an ability to think and act quickly

refresher course n a training course to bring a persons knowledge up to date, especially knowledge needed for a job

revolutionise v completely change something so that it is much better

stalemate n a situation where neither side in an argument can win and no action can be aken

trainee n a person who is being taught certain skills for a job

UNIT 24

absentee n a person who is not at work when they should be

absenteeism n the problem of employees not being at work when they should be

audit n an ofcial examination of something by an expert, usually the accounts of a business

counselling n the process of listening to a person and giving them professional advice about their problems

email overload the situation when you receive more emails than you can manage

folder n a collection of les kept together on a computer

goal n an aim or purpose

icon n a small picture or symbol on a computer screen which the user can click on with the mouse

open question n a question to which the answer is not just yes or no

overload n too much of something

sick leave n the length of time that an employee is allowed to be

absent from work because of illness and still receive pay

sick pay n the money that an employer pays to a person who is absent from work because of illness

spreadsheet n a computer programme for doing nancial calculations and plans

voting buttons n an email system where a group of people are asked the same question which they answer by clicking a button with their chosen reply

Upper-intermediate Voc

English Part of Speech

Definition

UNIT 1

appraisal n assessment or evaluation of how well you do your job

bonus scheme n company system in which employees receive extra payments if certain targets are reached

book-keeping n recording the money that an organisation or business spends and receives

computer literate adj able to use a computer competently

core n central, essential

dedicated adj designed especially for that use

degree n university qualication

rm n company

ying start n very good beginning

goal n aim, objective, target

graduate n someone who has obtained a university degree

hands-on adj practical, not theoretical

high ier n someone with a lot of ability and ambition who is expected to be successful

in-house adj taking place within the company

key adj very important, essential

learning goals: meet the learning goals

v provide good enough instruction in what the employees want to learn

limited adj company where each shareholder is responsible for the companys debts up to but no more than the amount that he/she has invested in the company

monitor v watch carefully and record the results

on-the-job training n training while you are working

peer n person at the same level as you in a company

permanent contract n an employment agreement which is not for a limited period of time

promising adj showing signs of being likely to develop successfully

promote v give someone a better-paid, more responsible job; advertise or publicise a product or service so that people will buy it

recruit n someone who has recently started working for a company

salary n money paid regularly to employees for doing a job

skill n ability to do something well

staff development n expansion of skills and consequent possible promotion for employees

study leave n period of time away from work for study

tailor-made adj specially designed to meet individual needs

track record n reputation based on things done up to now

workload n the amount of work you have to do

UNIT 2

accounting n activity of preparing and maintaining nancial records

areas n departments

audit v check that nancial statements and accounts are correct

baby: your own baby n project or piece of work that you care about a lot because it was your idea

board of directors n top-level managers of a company

candidate n person applying for a job

cashier n the person who takes the money when customers pay at a supermarket

CEO n short for Chief Executive Ofcer

challenging adj difcult and demanding to do

checkout n the place in a supermarket where you pay for your shopping

Chief Executive Ofcer n highest manager with responsibility for the day-to-day running of a company

Chief Information Ofcer n manager responsible for information and computer systems

CIO n short for Chief Information Ofcer

customer relations n approach to management which recognizes the value of building and maintaining a long-term relationship with customers through, e.g. special credit cards, loyalty cards

customer service n giving customers good service

deadline n nal time by which a task or job must be completed

Finance Manager n the manager responsible for the accounting and nancial affairs of a company

nancial year n the -month period for which a company produces accounts

re v dismiss someone from their job

forecast v predict business and nancial performance for the future

fullling adj making you happy or satised

graduation n the moment of successfully completing ones university course

HRM n Human Resources Manager

Human Resources Manager n the manager responsible for recruiting, training and managing employees

incentive event n conference or other event which companies use for thanking customers and rewarding their staff

interviewee n person being interviewed

IT n short for Information Technology; computer and telecommunications technology

launch v start selling a product or service for the rst time

lifestyle n, adj the way that you live your life

management accounting n preparing nancial information to help management decisions

Managing Director n highest manager with responsibility for the day-to-day running of the company, Chief Executive Ofcer

Marketing Consultant n someone whom companies employ to give advice about how to market their products or services

PA n short for Personal Assistant

part-time job n job which is only done for part of the working week, less than a full-time job

performance n how well a person or company does

Personal Assistant n someone who is employed to do secretarial and administrative tasks, especially for a manager

PRO n short for Public Relations Ofcer, the person responsible for ensuring that the public think well of a company

R&D n short for Research and Development

recruitment n the activity of nding and employing new people to work in an organisation

relief n person who takes the place of another worker so that he/she can have a break

reporting to me that I have authority over

Research and Development n the activity of investigating and developing new products

role n job or function in a company

routine correspondence n normal, everyday letters and emails which are not special

selling point n characteristic of a product that makes people want to buy it

smooth-talking adj good at persuading people, not to be trusted

supervisor n person who makes sure people do their jobs properly

target n goal or objective decided in advance against which performance can be measure

thrive on v really enjoy

treasurer n the person who looks after the money in an organisation

vision n plan or hope for the future

workwise adj as far as work is concerned

UNIT 3

academic background n what you have studied and the qualications you have received

common sense n practical, sensible thinking and judgement

consumer product n product bought by the public and not by companies

CV n short for curriculum vitae: a written summary of work experience and qualications sent to a possible employer by someone applying for a job

found out adj shown to be dishonest

full-on adj total

gig n performance, concert

go about v start dealing with

go straight in the bin v be thrown away without being looked at

innovation n new idea or product

job satisfaction n feeling of pleasure and achievement in your job

kiosk n small building where products are sold

online distribution n the supply of goods through the Internet

perk n extra payment or benet which is not part of your salary, e.g. a company car

promotion n being given a better-paid, more responsible job

receptive adj willing to listen and accept

referee n person who gives information about your experience and ability when you apply for a job

reect v show or represent

release n the moment when something is available for the public to buy

scope n opportunities

snail mail n letters sent by post compared with the speed of email

words of wisdom pl n very good advice

UNIT 4

bring up details v nd information on a computer

critical adj very important

details: bring up your details v nd information about you on my computer

great deal n a lot

hang on v (inf) wait a moment

intended recipient n the person you wanted to contact

put someone on hold v make someone wait to speak to the person they have called on the phone

screen: get it up on the screen

v see, bring up your details

update v add new information to

vacancy n available job

Unit 5

brand awareness n knowledge among people in general that a certain brand exists

branding n giving a company or product a particular design or symbol in order to give it an identity for marketing and advertising purposes

brochure n magazine published by a company advertising or giving information about its products and services

capitalise on v benefit from, take advantage of

centrepiece n the most important or attractive part or feature of something

dating skills pl n ability to begin a romantic relationship

direct mail n publicity sent directly to a person's home

drawback n disadvantage

dream up v invent

essence n most important quality

focus group n group of people who are paid to discuss and give their opinions for market research

gift n something which is given to you

hit n time when someone visits a website

hype v publicise strongly, advertise in an exaggerated way

leaflet n printed material of a page or a few pages publicising or giving information about product and training

log on v start using a computer; visit a website

logo n design which represents a company or a product

lottery n game in which numbered tickets are sold to people who then have the chance of winning the prize if their number is chosen

market share n the percentage of the market which is taken by a particular product in comparison with competitors' products

online publicity n advertisements on the Internet

overheads pl n the regular and necessary costs, such as rent and heating, that are involved in operating a business

pay a premium v pay a higher price

ploy n tactic or trick, especially when used in marketing

point-of-sales display n where products are arranged in a shop in a way which advertises them to customers

post v pin on the walls

profit margin n the percentage difference between income and sales

promotional activities n ways of advertising something

purchase n something which you buy

recognition n appreciation and acceptance

reinvent v change the appearance or characteristics of something, modify

retail adj selling goods in small amounts to customers in shops; v sell to customers in shops

sample n small example which shows what the rest of something is like

slogan n short, easily remembered phrase used to advertise something

sponsorship n helping by giving money to an event such as a sporting event and in that way getting publicity

switch v change

target audience n person or particular group of people at whom something is directed

task n job

website n computer le with words and pictures which you can reach through the Internet

UNIT 6

cashow n the amount of money moving through a business

chill-out zone n area for people to relax in

co-founder n person you begin a company with

contacts n people, especially in high positions, who can give you useful information or introductions which will help you at work

customer base n regular customers

customised adj made especially to suit the users needs

decent adj good

deli n small shop that sells high-quality foods, such as types of cheese and cold cooked meat, which often come from other countries

entrepreneurial skills pl n abilities connected with starting a new business

found v set up or establish a company or organisation

FT n a commonly used abbreviation for the Financial Times, an important British newspaper for people who are interested in nance, business and economics, printed on pink paper

gap in the market n opportunity to sell a new product which isnt being sold already

generic adj relating to a group of similar things rather than one thing in particular

keep momentum v keep something developing after it has started

label n company name or symbol

line: new line n new type of product

niche product n product which only interests very specialised customers and does not interest the mass market

on the market adv for sale

on the road adv travelling to different places

opt for v choose

outsell v sell more than other products

packaged v wrapped and displayed so that people will want to buy

personal touch n having personal contact with and being aware of the needs of every individual customer to make them feel special

pitch v aim, direct

player: big player n large and powerful business

prohibitive adj so expensive that you cannot afford it

projected adj planned

sachet n small, closed container made of paper or plastic containing a small amount of something, usually only enough for one occasion

secure a site v rent a building or part of a building to run a business from

soar v rise very fast

sponsor v support nancially in order to get publicity for your company

stand n arrangement of shelves and tables at an exhibition where an organisation offers information, goods or services

start-up n small business that has just been started

stir n a lot of interest

supply chain n the network of companies who bring goods from manufacture through wholesale supply and distribution to a retailer

take off v start selling well, become a popular product

takings pl n income received in a shop from selling goods

turnover n total income of a company from sales of its products or services; sales

upmarket adj expensive, high-quality, appealing to the luxury end of the market

word of mouth people telling each other about how good a product is

write-up n report, article

UNIT 7

budget n money you have available to spend

deliver v provide what was promised

edge n advantage

rst-come-rst-serve dealt with in the order in which people ask

keen adj competitive

liaise v communicate and exchange information

man v be present at, help to run

meet your brief v carry out your instructions

power cut n interruption in the electricity supply

server n central computer from which other computers obtain information

stand out v make people notice

trade event n event within a particular business or industry

UNIT 8

bulk: in bulk adj in large quantities

carry a lot of stock v keep a large amount of stock in a shop / chain of shops

come back to you on that v talk to you again in order to give you further information

gadget n small device or machine with a particular purpose

get in v arrive

mark-up n amount by which the price of something is increased before it is sold again

payment terms pl n arrangements made for payment, especially the amount of money and the period of time agreed

pop v (inf) put

recommended retail price (RRP)

n price at which a manufacturer suggests a product should be sold, although this may be reduced by the retailer

repeat order n something which you order again

sight: at sight adv payable immediately, when the item is presented

sort out v discuss, deal with

stick to v not change or be forced to change

stock v keep a supply of a product in the shop

take a seat v (formal) sit down

terms and conditions n the details in an agreement or contract

UNIT 9

buy into v invest in

competition n other companies which produce the same goods or services as your company

credit facilities pl n arrangement to borrow or owe money in order to buy goods

drop the idea v decide not to continue

entrepreneur n person who starts up a new business

estate agencies n businesses that arrange the selling, renting or management of property and land for their owners

failure rate n the number which do not succeed

fat cat n someone who has a lot of money and who has the power to increase their own income

fee n money you pay for professional services

rst: in the rst place at the start

franchise n right to sell a companys products in a particular location using the companys name

go from strength to strength v become increasingly successful

go it alone v start your own business

household name n company name that most people have heard of

interior designer n person who plans the decoration of the inside of a building

legitimate adj likely and reasonable

make a go of v make successful by working hard

make redundant v re someone because their job is no longer needed

marketing n the activity of presenting products or services to customers in order to make them want to buy

never look back v become more and more successful

outlet n shop

prepared adj willing, happy

prot n money which is earned in trade or business, especially after paying the costs of producing and selling goods and services

quit v give up, leave, stop doing

redundancy money n money paid to workers that a company no longer needs, to compensate for losing their job

security n way of making sure that money which has been lent will be paid back

source v nd

take the plunge v decide to do something risky after thinking about it for a long time

terms: in terms of when talking about

trademark n name or symbol put on a product to show that it is made by a particular producer and cannot be legally used by any other producer

UNIT 10

angel investor n private investor willing to invest money in new business

application n computer program designed for a particular purpose

business card n small card to give to business contacts showing your name, job title and details of the company you work for

catch on v become popular

cold-call v phone or visit possible clients to try and sell something without any previous contact or appointment

defy a conventional business plan

v be too difcult to explain in a normal business plan

get off the ground v start

government grant n money given by the government for a special purpose

gut instinct n strong belief which cannot be explained

have something to do with v be connected with

hi-tech adj using the most modern and advanced machines and technology

loan n money which is lent or borrowed

make do v use what was available

mortgage n money which you borrow in order to buy a house

nothing to beat nothing better than

partnership n company owned by two or more people

point blank adv in a very few words without trying to be polite

principal n the amount of money borrowed

savings pl n money which is not spent but is kept to use in the future

social security n money an employer pays into a government fund to cover unemployment, sickness pay and retirement pensions

splash out v spend a lot of money on things you dont need

tax return n information given to the government about how much you have earned a year

venture capital n investment from companies which specialise in high-risk new business

wrapper n additional worksheets and other materials

written in sand adj not xed or dependable

UNIT 11

agent n company which sells another companys products on commission

bioinformatics n information science about living things

clear up v deal with, get an explanation for

cloned adj plant or animal which has the same genes as the original from which it was produced articially

cross-fertilisation of ideas n mixing of ideas from different types of people to stimulate new thinking

distributor n company which buys another companys products and sells them in a particular region

get down to v start

get onto v start dealing with

great stuff (inf) Thats excellent!

ground-breaking adj new and very different from others of its type

hush-hush adj secret

keep up with v not fall behind

knowledge industry n service industry in which employees deal in knowledge rather than products and need a high level of education and training

milestone n mark, stage, level of achievement

purpose-built adj designed and built for a particular use

right away adv immediately

sector n area of the economy

spin-out business n new, separate company based on a original organisation

state-of-the-art adj very modern

stem-cell n cell taken from a person or animal in a very early stage of devlopment that can develop into any other type of cell

strings attached special demands or limitations (on the loan)

UNIT 12

digest v take time to understand

dry up v have nothing more to say

eye contact: make eye contact

v look at peoples eyes to keep them involved

feel free to v dont be afraid to

ndings n information discovered

make the most of v take full advantage of an opportunity which will not last long

premium adj higher than usual

prompts n list of key words used to remind you what to say

slide n image which is projected onto a screen or wall

would-be adj wanting or trying to be

UNIT 13

accident: is no accident has been planned for carefully

bankrupt adj having no money; unable to continue in business because you cannot pay your debts

bear in mind v remember when making plans

bid n the price offered for a piece of work or a service

bottom line n the most important thing

break the bank v allow something to cost more than you can afford

business centre n facilities that business people can use to do work or contact people, e.g. fax machines, secretarial help, Internet connections

chain n number of businesses owned by the same company

frequent-ier program (UK programme)

n system where regular users of an airline earn points to get benets and discounts

gathering n large group meeting

gush v express so strongly that it does not sound sincere

keynote speaker n the most important speaker at a conference

loyalty program n reward system, e.g. free hotel breaks to thank regular customers for buying goods and services from a business

off-season n the time of year when there is less business activity

pitfall n likely mistake or problem

plus n advantage

practice n method

pull together v create, organise

rival n competitor, company which produces the same products or services as your company

single out v praise especially

staffer n (American English) member of staff

subscriber n person who buys a service or a magazine on a regular basis

tweak v change in small ways

what really counts v what is really important

wi- adj wireless connection by which computers can connect to the Internet up to a certain distance from where they are usually plugged in

UNIT 14

address v deal with

behind the scenes which the public dont see or meet

boom v grow rapidly and successfully

buzz n feeling of excitement

drop an email v send a short, quick email

eco-tourism n tourism connected with the environment and nature

emerging market n new or developing market

enhance v improve

entrepreneurship n the starting up of new businesses

formula n combination of things which will produce the result you want

get round to it v do what youve intended to do

implementation n putting something into action

implication n possible effect

insight n understanding

intractable adj seemingly impossible to solve

Maori poi dance n dance performed by women using balls attached to strings. The poi dance was originally used to increase the flexibility and strength in the womens hands and arms for weaving.

networking v using the opportunity to meet people it might be useful to know

old hand n very experienced person

opening n job opportunity

outstanding adj excellent

public sector n government organisations

round the clock adv all day and all night

time: for the time being for the moment

Umukai Polynesian feast n special meal where traditional food, kai (chicken, pork, sh and vegetables), is steamed under banana leaves in a pit of hot stones, an umu

up-and-coming adj successful

winning combination n a successful mixture

UNIT 15

coverage: brilliant coverage n excellent reports in both quantity and quality

occupancy rate n the average number of rooms occupied in a hotel over a period of time, in this case, a year

quarter n period of three months

UNIT 16

action point n thing assigned to specic person to be achieved before the next meeting

adjourn v stop a meeting temporarily with the intention of continuing it at a later time

call off v cancel

chair v direct or manage a meeting

get together v organise, produce

outcome n result

promotional literature n written adverts and marketing material about a company, designed to encourage people to buy its products or services

put off v delay or postpone

put solutions into practice v act to solve the problem, not just think about it and then do nothing

set up v organise

skip v not attend a meeting on purpose

while were about it at the same time

workshop n meeting of people to discuss and/or perform practical work

UNIT 17

appeals to v interests

billion n one thousand million (,,,)

classied ad n small advertisement usually placed by private individuals or small companies

cyberspace n the imaginary place where Internet data exists

date: to date up to the present time

desktop n software program where icons and les are displayed on a computer screen

dot-com: the dot-com crash n period when there was fast growth in dot-com companies. A dot-com company is one that sells goods and services through the Internet. The projected income of many companies never materialised, and a lot of shareholders' money was lost in a short space of time

e-commerce n the activity of selling goods or services through the Internet

hardware n computer equipment or machinery (as opposed to software)

knowledge worker n a person whose job requires a high level of education and training

mission n company's main purpose

network n linked computers which can share information and programs

one-stop shopping n service providing everything you need in one place

page view n individual website page read by people logged onto the Internet

PDA n short for Personal Digital Assistant

Personal Digital Assistant n mini handheld computer which has multiple functions such as word-processing, spreadsheet, diary and calendar facilities

place a premium on v make very important

real time n at the same time without having to wait

refine v improve by making small changes

roughly adj approximately

streamline v make a company, organisation or process more efficient

title effect n the way the title of a movie is brought onto the screen

top-heavy adj with too many senior managers for the size of the company

track v monitor movements of, for example, parcels or shipments

twenty-four: 24/7 (twenty-four seven)

all the time, 24 hours a day, seven days a week

upside n advantage

web browser n computer program which gives you access to the Internet

UNIT 18

across the spectrum

browse v search the Internet

click v press the mouse button

down adj not working, disconnected for a time

download v transfer information from the Internet to a computer

fingertips: at your fingertips available for immediate use

get at v find, locate

home page n first/front page of a website

icon n small picture or symbol on a computer screen that you click on to open a program

information-rich site n site which people visit mainly for the information it contains

itchy ngers n people who will quickly leave your website and go to another one if they dont nd it interesting

Javascript n a computer programming language frequently used on the Internet

junk adj information sent to people, although they do not want it and have not asked for it, usually advertising products or services

knowledge: to my knowledge as far as I know

log off v close down a computer

loved one n person that you love, usually a member of your family

navigation n moving around and locating of information

online adj, adv connected to the Internet

portal n website which provides information and links to other websites

search engine n website which helps you nd other websites

set way n xed method

site map n plan of where to nd information on a website and how the pages link together

spectrum: across the spectrum

including the widest possible range of people

straightforward adj simple and easy to understand

trade: in the trade working in or involved with a particular industry

upgrade v improve the quality or usefulness

user-friendly adj easy to operate

whet someones appetite v give someone a small experience to make them more interested

UNIT 19

absenteeism n people taking time off work when they should be there

cutbacks pl n reductions made in order to save money

implement v put into operation

machine tool n tool which uses power to cut and shape strong materials

peak time n the busiest time

rush hour n the busy part of the day when people are travelling to and from work, and towns and cities are crowded

sick leave n absence from work through illness or when you say you are ill because you do not want to go to work

staff retention n keeping employees and persuading them not to work for another company

staff turnover n the number of employees leaving their jobs and new ones starting in a company

take for granted v believe something to be the truth without thinking about it

tie it into my work v plan it to t what I have to do

uptight adj stressed and easily annoyed

working party n small group of people which studies a particular problem or situation and then reports on what it has discovered and gives suggestions

working practice n way of working

work-life balance n the amount of time you spend at work compared with your free time

UNIT 20

cost-effective adj of good value to you for the amount of money paid

domestic adj from within the same country

expense: at the expense of at the same time having a negative effect on

intranets n systems of connected computers within organisations through which employees can communicate with each other and share information

justify v provide a good enough reason

leave high and dry v put in a difcult and inconvenient situation which is difcult to get out of

non-committal adj not expressing an opinion

outsource v employ companies outside the organisation to do part of the organisations work

phenomenon (pl phenomena)

n something unusual or interesting which is extremely successful

pros and cons pl n advantages and disadvantages

UNIT 21

best practice n best way of working

bond n relationship

business case n the real value to the business

business culture n the beliefs and way of behaving of a particular company

comment card n card on which customers write their opinions and suggestions

competitive advantage n having an advantage over your competitors by being better than them

competitive differentiation n the special things about a companys products that make them different from those of other companies

condence: have condence in someone

trust someones abilities

dealership n business that sells the products of a particular company, e.g. car dealership

drive v work hard to produce

empowerment n giving employees responsibility so that they have the power to make their own decisions in their job

engaged adj involved and interested

provider of choice n the company people prefer to shop with

repurchase v continue buying

return on investment n the prot made from something you have invested in

revenue n income from doing business

sample shop n typical representation of what people would normally buy

time and time again adv repeatedly

trade in v exchange

trolley n cart

vendor n person or organisation who sells something

UNIT 22

after-sales service n help or advice received after a purchase has been made

brief n set of instructions

bulletin n short, written news update

commitment n willingness to give time and energy

customer care n the way customers are treated

customer services manager n person responsible for beforeand after-sales service

discount the job v reduce the price

help desk n place customers can visit or phone when they have problems

helpline n telephone service for when customers have problems

mail order n buying goods, usually from a catalogue, by post

National Curriculum n the set of subjects that children in England and Wales must study from the age of ve to sixteeen

point of purchase n the place where a product is sold

protable adj bringing advantages

quote n price someone offers to do a job for / supply goods at

rack up v accumulate

rapport n good understanding of someone and an ability to communicate well with them

register v show, express

retain v keep

stand by v dont change

subscription service n providing a service in return for a regular payment which can be cancelled at any time

swallow v accept

take trouble v make an effort

target customer n person or organisation you would like to have as a customer

there and then adv immediately

up-front adj honest

user group n group of people who are interested in your products and can give you feedback

whatever they throw at you n all their complaints and requests

UNIT 23

deliberate v think carefully about something

door-to-door adj all the stages of a journey from the beginning to the end

hoist n machine used for lifting heavy things

long-standing adj for a long time

man hour n the amount of work one person can do in an hour

plate: a lot on my plate large amount of important work to deal with

point out v make clear

shipment n large amount of goods sent together

take notice of v give attention to

UNIT 24

abreast: keep abreast of stay informed about the most recent facts

anecdote n short, amusing story

benchmark n high level of quality which can be used as a standard when comparing other things

customer prole n description of an average customer

feature v include as an important part

get a feel for v develop a good knowledge or understanding of

hassle n trouble

keep abreast of v stay informed about the most recent facts

no end of a lot of

opposite number n person who has a similar job to you in a different organisation

retrospect: in retrospect thinking back to something in the past

understaffed adj without enough employees

English Part of Speech

Definition

UNIT 1

autocratic adj demanding absolute obedience from other people

bonus n extra amount of money that is given to you as a present or reward in addition to the money you were expecting

by the book adv formally, or according to the rules

dress code n set of rules for what you can wear

goal n aim or purpose

mentor n person who gives another person help and advice over a period of time and often also teaches them how to do their job

vision n ability to imagine how a country, society, industry, etc. could develop in the future and to plan in a suitable way

dotcom n Internet company

publicly accountable adj responsible to the government

rat race n struggle of individuals in a competitive environment

red tape n paperwork

streamline v make more efficient

board n group of people who are responsible for controlling and organising a company or organisation

bottom line n final line in the accounts of a company or organisation, which states the total profit or loss that has been made

make redundant v no longer employ someone because there is not enough work

market share n percentage of all the sales within a market that are held by one brand or company

monitor v watch and check a situation carefully for a period of time in order to discover something about it

return n amount of profit on an investment

revenue n money earned from sales

shareholder n person who owns shares in a company

UNIT 2

delegate v give a particular job, duty, right, etc. to someone else so that they do it for you

get down to work v start to direct your efforts and attention towards work

hands-on approach n way of doing things which is practical, not theoretical

trouble-shooting skills pl

n ability to remove or solve difficulties

brand builder n developer of a products image

brand image n impression of a product in the minds of potential customers

empire n very large and important business organisation

feedback n remarks passed back to the person responsible, so that changes can be made if necessary

fire v dismiss

incompetent adj showing lack of ability or skill to do something successfully

ranks pl n the membership of a group or organisation

rate n level of payment

stake n share or financial involvement in a business

venture n new activity, usually in business, which involves risk or uncertainty

workload n amount of work to be done, especially by a particular person or machine in a period of time

administer v manage or govern

assess v judge or decide the amount, value, quality or importance of something

brand management n how a company manages its brands and brand image

crisis management n process of dealing with difficult situations

line management n direct management of staff

middle management n level between senior management and junior management

performance pay n salary that increases when your work improves or becomes more productive

quality management n managing systems in a company so that each department works effectively and produces products or services of the required standard

risk management n process of assessing and measuring possible dangers and evolving strategies to deal with them

time management n skill of administering your time so as to work effectively

UNIT 3

budget n plan to show how much money an organisation will earn and how much they will need or be able to spend

in-house magazine n publication which is written and produced within an organisation by its employees

memo n message or other information in writing sent by one person or department to another in the same business organisation

one-to-one interview n meeting between just two people

target n level or situation which you intend to achieve

timekeeping n ability to arrive at a place at the time expected

item n one of several subjects to be considered

query n question

rota n list of things that have to be done and of the people who will do them

update v give someone the most recent information

within budget adv not exceeding the amount of money you have available to spend

input n something, such as advice, information or effort, that is provided in order to help something succeed or develop

agenda n list of matters to be discussed at a meeting

issue n subject or problem which people are thinking and talking about

overworked adj having to work too much

UNIT 4

allot v give (especially a share of something available) for a particular purpose

dealings pl n activities involving other people, especially in business

overview v short description of something which provides general information about it, but no details

procedure n set of actions which is the official or accepted way of doing something

proceedings pl n series of events that happen in a planned and controlled way

summon v officially arrange a meeting of people

undertaking n formal promise

attendee n someone who goes to a place, event, etc.

gross profit n companys profit before certain costs and taxes are deducted

incentive n something which encourages a person to do something

internal candidate n person seeking a position who already holds another job within the organisation

interview panel n group of people who ask candidates questions to see if they are suitable for a job

outcome n result

productive adj useful

psychometric test n exam to measure scientifically a persons mental capacities and personality

report back v bring information to someone in authority

run over time v take longer than scheduled

vacancy n job that no one is doing and is therefore available for someone new to do

schedule v arrange that an event or activity will happen at a particular time

shrewd adj based on a clear understanding and good judgement of a situation

UNIT 5

ship v send goods by any form of transport to a distant place

call-centre operative n person who works in an office where large numbers of telephone calls, especially from customers, are handled for an organisation

customer care n protection and service provided to customers

frontline staff n employees with direct contact with customers

outsourcing n the practice of a company paying to have part of its work done by another company

asset n something valuable belonging to a person or organisation which can be used for the payment of debts

cross-selling n suggestion that customers buy additional or related accessories or products during or just after their primary purchase

profit margin n profit that can be made in a business or sale after costs have been subtracted

profitability n capacity to make a profit

undervalue v consider someone or something as less valuable or important than they really are

enhance v improve the quality, amount or strength of something

UNIT 6

bid v compete against other firms by offering to do a job or contract for a certain amount of money

brand identity n see brand image

itemise v list things separately

proven track record n all the successful achievements that someone or something has had in the past

specification n detailed description of how something should be done, made, etc.

value for money adj something well worth the money spent

allocate v give something to someone as their share of a total amount, for them to use in a particular way

benchmark v measure the quality of something by comparing it with something else of an accepted standard

critical path n sequence of stages determining the minimum time needed for the execution of an entire project

key stage n important time period in a sequence of events

map v make a plan in detail

trade press n magazine published for and read by members of a particular trade group

bid for v offer to do some work for a particular price

estimate v guess the cost, size, value, etc. of something

team up with v work together with

work out v calculate

procurement n the obtaining of supplies

tender n formal written offer to do a job for an agreed price

entrant n person who takes part in a competition or an examination

fee n amount of money paid for a particular piece of work

go out of business v no longer able to operate as a business

UNIT 7

deadline n time or day by which something must be done

stock control n in a company or shop, the system of making certain that new supplies are ordered and that goods have not been stolen.

outlay n amount of money spent for a particular purpose, especially as a first investment in something

output n amount of something produced by a person, machine, factory, country, etc.

overtheads pl n the regular and necessary costs, such as rent and heating, that are involved in operating a business

payroll n list of the people employed by a company

retail outlet n shop

systems engineer n person who designs and installs computer systems

VAT return n declaration of Value Added Tax (= a type of tax in European countries which is paid by the person who buys goods and services)

reinvest v invest again

sales force n all the employees of a company whose job is persuading customers to buy their companys products or services

shipper n person whose job is to organise the sending of goods from one place to another

tax exposure n financial commitment to pay tax

UNIT 8

per capita adv if you state an amount per capita, you mean that amount for each person

factor n fact or situation which influences the result of something

capialise on v use to your advantage

consolidate v combine several things, especially businesses, so that they become more effective

foreign exchange fluctuation

n rises and falls in the currencies of other countries

gain ground (on) v make progress at the expense of

niche market n small area of trade within the economy, often involving specialised products

production capacity n total amount of resources available to achieve maximum output

storage and handling facility

n place or building used to store and distribute goods

disposable income n money which you can spend as you want and not the money which you spend on taxes, food and other basic needs

distribution n making goods available to customers

join-venture partner n associate in a commercial enterprise which is undertaken jointly

penetration n how much share of a particular market a company or a product manages to achieve

shift n change in position or direction

spending power n ability to purchase goods

player n important company involved in a market or industry

UNIT 9

advertising campaign n organised programme of advertisements, usually concerning promoting a certain product or brand

banner ad n form of advertising on the World Wide Web which involves putting a wide and short, or tall and narrow advert on an interesting web page

brand awareness n knowledge of a particular make of product

classified ad/advertisement

n small advertis