Question 1 Report
EC Coffee is a small business operating near a railway station. Azeem, its owner, is reviewing external factors before selecting an option to open later each evening. Inflation has increased the prices paid for milk, coffee beans and electricity. In the previous year, EC Coffee's annual electricity bill was £18 000. The supplier has told Azeem that the bill will rise by 15% next year. Some commuters have also reduced their spending on premium drinks because their household bills have increased. Azeem wants to protect cash flow and profit, but he does not want to lose regular customers to other cafés in the market.
(a) Define inflation. [2]
(b) Calculate the expected annual electricity bill for EC Coffee next year. Show your working. [3]
(c) State two external factors, other than inflation, that could affect EC Coffee. [2]
(d) Analyse how rising inflation could affect the profit of EC Coffee. [5]
(e) Discuss whether opening later each evening is the best option for Azeem. [4]
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