The importance of helping all students to a better understanding of industry and commerce is well recognized. The aim of this book is to provide suitable material in a style appropriate to students of varying abilities. Based closely on "Understanding Industrial Society", it puts first-hand experience of studies of local firms into the context of fundamental economic concepts. The activity based approach is practial and student-centred so that it helps in the preparation of GCSE coursework, and enables students to develop a real understanding of the different roles which people play in today"s industrial society.