2025 Pearson Edexcel GCSE Business Paper 1 and Mark Scheme Combined (1BS0/01: Investigating small business)
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2025 Pearson Edexcel GCSE Business Paper 1 and Mark Scheme Combined (1BS0/01: Investigating small business)
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2025 Pearson Edexcel GCSE Business Paper 1 and Mark Scheme Combined (1BS0/01: Investigating small business)

Paper 1 is the Investigating Small Business component of the Pearson Edexcel GCSE Business qualification (1BS0/01). It assesses students’ understanding of small-scale business operations, introducing key business concepts, decision-making processes, and the practical challenges faced by entrepreneurs.

This paper is designed to test knowledge, application, and analysis of business concepts in a small business context.


What the Paper Covers

Paper 1 focuses on topics including:

🏷 Business Activity and Enterprise

  • Purpose and role of business

  • Characteristics of entrepreneurs

  • Business objectives and success factors

📈 Marketing and Market Research

  • Identifying customer needs

  • Market research methods

  • Marketing mix (product, price, place, promotion)

💼 Operations and Finance

  • Production methods and quality

  • Cash flow, profit, and financial records

  • Sources of finance for small businesses

📊 Decision-Making and Business Planning

  • Planning and starting a small business

  • Assessing business risks and opportunities

  • Using data to make informed decisions


Structure of the Paper

Paper 1 includes:

  • Multiple-choice questions

  • Short-answer questions

  • Scenario-based and data-response questions

  • Extended-response questions requiring analysis of business decisions

The focus is on realistic small business scenarios, encouraging students to apply knowledge to practical situations.


Mark Scheme (Included in the Combined Document)

The combined question paper + mark scheme includes:

  • Correct answers for multiple-choice and short-answer questions

  • Model answers and marking guidance for scenario-based questions

  • Mark allocation for knowledge, application, and analysis

  • Guidance on awarding partial marks for partially correct responses

Marking emphasizes:

  • Accurate use of business terminology

  • Application of business concepts to scenarios

  • Logical analysis and supported evaluations

Paper 1 complements Paper 2 (1BS0/02), giving students a comprehensive understanding of both small business operations and broader business principles.