The Competitive Environment (Edexcel A Level Business)

Revision Note

Lisa Eades

Written by: Lisa Eades

Reviewed by: Steve Vorster

Competition & Market Size

The Degree & Nature of Competition

  • The competitive environment concerns the degree to which a business is affected by rivals that operate in the same market (more fully discussed in 1.1.1 The Market)

  • The threat competition presents to businesses operating in a market will determine how quickly the business responds

    • The greater the threat, the quicker the response required - and vice versa

  • Operating in a competitive market can have significant impacts on the marketing and operational strategy (see  "Marketing Stratregy in Different Types of Markets" in 1.3.5 Marketing Strategy)

An Example of the way an Independent Grocer can Adjust to the Arrival of a National Supermarket in the Neighbourhood

Response

Explanation

Focus on their unique selling points

  • Independent grocers often have unique selling points that larger supermarkets may not be able to match which can help them to differentiate themselves

  • They can focus on local produce, speciality items or a personalised shopping experience

Adjust their pricing strategy

  • Independent grocers may not be able to compete on price with larger supermarket chains due to their economies of scale

  • They may choose to adjust their pricing strategy to focus on higher-end products

Enhance customer service

  • Independent grocers can differentiate themselves from larger supermarket chains by providing excellent customer service

  • This can include offering personalised recommendations, remembering customers' preferences and personally welcoming them each time they visit

Expand product range

  • Independent grocers may choose to expand their product range to include items that customers may be unable to find in the supermarket

  • This could include speciality items or local produce

Collaborate with other local businesses

  • Independent grocers can work with other local businesses to create a sense of community and promote local shopping

The Market Size

  • Market size is essentially the number of customers and sellers in a particular market

  • Businesses entering niche markets may struggle to support a high volume of goods due to limited demand as the market size is small

    • For these businesses, the specialised knowledge or skills required may well limit the competition and the higher costs of production may well put off new businesses from launching

  • Businesses entering large markets may face more competition from established businesses, higher costs of promotion, and challenges in deciding their pricing strategy

Examiner Tips and Tricks

Whatever the market conditions a business faces, its best chance of success lies in determining and working to its strengths. A business with a clear competitive advantage such as outstanding customer service, a great product or technical expertise will be in an excellent position to stand out against even the most intense competition.

Look for these specific strengths in case study evidence and emphasise their importance when recommending solutions or strategies - and be sure to consider how they may be protected or extended to ensure future success. Each suggestion you make should clearly support and nurture these core strengths.

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Lisa Eades

Author: Lisa Eades

Expertise: Business Content Creator

Lisa has taught A Level, GCSE, BTEC and IBDP Business for over 20 years and is a senior Examiner for Edexcel. Lisa has been a successful Head of Department in Kent and has offered private Business tuition to students across the UK. Lisa loves to create imaginative and accessible resources which engage learners and build their passion for the subject.

Steve Vorster

Author: Steve Vorster

Expertise: Economics & Business Subject Lead

Steve has taught A Level, GCSE, IGCSE Business and Economics - as well as IBDP Economics and Business Management. He is an IBDP Examiner and IGCSE textbook author. His students regularly achieve 90-100% in their final exams. Steve has been the Assistant Head of Sixth Form for a school in Devon, and Head of Economics at the world's largest International school in Singapore. He loves to create resources which speed up student learning and are easily accessible by all.