This lesson practises 31 C2 collocations on Business & Management. Collocations are fixed word pairings that native speakers expect — Cambridge examiners test them in Use of English Part 1 and reward precise lexis in Writing. Run through the interactive drills first, then open this glossary to revise every item in the set. For question-by-question feedback, use Review mode after you finish the session.
refuse point-blank
The board may refuse point-blank to renew the contract on the supplier's proposed terms.
enlist help
The start-up decided to enlist help from an experienced export consultant.
nagging doubt
A nagging doubt about the supplier's reliability delayed the final decision.
unique selling point
Free next-day delivery is the product's unique selling point.
generate business
The sales team attended the trade fair to generate business in the Middle East.
enter into talks
The two firms agreed to enter into talks before making a formal offer.
talks collapse
Talks collapse when neither side is willing to compromise.
talk business
The two operators met to talk business after the trade fair.
grasp the importance of
Senior managers need to grasp the importance of the business plan before approving new expenditure.
make calculations
Before bidding, the finance team must make calculations based on realistic demand forecasts.
maintain quality
Even under pressure to cut costs, the firm must maintain quality in its customer support.
boost sales
The retailer launched a loyalty programme to boost sales during the quiet winter months.
show a growth
The latest sales reports show growth in online subscriptions despite a difficult market.
enter into a contract
After months of negotiation, the retailer agreed to enter into a contract with the new supplier.
emergency meeting
The chief executive called an emergency meeting after the supplier's systems failed.
work to the client's advantage
The flexible payment schedule will work to the client's advantage during the renovation.
fit in with the client's plans
The proposal must fit in with the client's plans for opening new European offices.
meet a target
The regional office managed to meet a target for reducing delivery times.
affect the bottom line
A sudden rise in freight costs could affect the bottom line of every small retailer in the chain.
improve operational efficiency
The audit identified three ways to improve operational efficiency across the warehouse.
pay dividends
The investment in staff training should pay dividends over the next few years.
come under attack
The proposed merger could come under attack from investors worried about job losses.
set realistic targets
Rather than chase unrealistic figures, the director asked each team to set realistic targets.
go into production
Once regulators approve the design, the company can go into production.
promote interests
The trade association was created to promote members' interests in regional negotiations.
announce record profits
After a strong final quarter, the company was able to announce record profits to its shareholders.
turn a profit
Despite high rent, the café began to turn a profit in its second year.
make arrangements
The project coordinator will make arrangements for the client visit next Thursday.
experience a growth
Since opening the online store, the family business has begun to experience growth in overseas orders.
boost profits
The manufacturer introduced automated checks to boost profits without compromising safety.
see a growth
The new branch expects to see growth in local demand over the next year.