How a Business Works

Synopsis

Examines the key things that enable a business to stay in business? Cameron Balloons is the largest manufacturer of hot air balloons in the world. It’s grown from a one-man operation to a multi-million pound international business. The video examines how the business is organised, and goes inside the main departments. MARKETING -
Marketing a balloon is not like marketing a mass-produced consumer product. It is an expensive item and it’s usually tailor-made for the customer. It’s a highly competitive market and technology can win or lose a sale. The internet has also proved to be an important element in Cameron’s marketing effort. PRODUCTION - Cameron design and make all kinds of balloon shapes from a telephone to a giant Bertie Basset. It takes roughly a day to make one balloon. Production is all about maximising efficiency and reducing costs. PERSONNEL - When he started the company Don Cameron did almost everything himself, now he has nearly one hundred staff. How are they rewarded and motivated? Flexibility, teamwork and multi-tasking are the order of the day. FINANCE - The finance department organises the firm’s accounts, cash flow, balance sheet and profit and loss statements. Cameron Balloons use a computerised accounting system that was written by the man who started the company. Such a unique system has both advantages and disadvantages. THE FUTURE - The business has faced tough problems, ranging from a company merger to foot and mouth disease — and there will be more tests ahead. What does the future hold for Cameron Balloons?

Language

English

Country

Great Britain

Year of release

2004

Year of production

2003

Documentation

A support booklet giving stop-the tape questions, discussion topics and background information is available separately.

Subjects

Business studies

Keywords

business firms; marketing; hot air balloons

Distribution Formats

Type

VHS

Format

PAL

Price

£120.00

Availability

Sale

Duration/Size

30 minutes

Year

2004

Production Company

Name

TV Choice Ltd

Email

tvchoiceuk@aol.com

Web

http://www.tvchoice.uk.com External site opens in new window

Phone

020 8464 7402

Fax

020 8464 7845

Address

PO Box 597
Bromley
Kent
BR2 0YB

Notes

Producer and distributor of over 100 educational videos and DVDs, most with support materials, designed for use in UK schools, colleges and universities. Wide coverage across the curriculum, but particularly strong in the areas of business/management, ICT, geography, DT/manufacturing, history, English/media studies, PSHE, and leisure/tourism.

Distributor

Name

TV Choice Ltd