Use of English

Local Business Under Pressure

Even the smallest local business can no longer operate in (0) ISOLATION from the wider world. A sudden rise in fuel prices, a shipping delay on another continent, or a political crisis abroad can all have a direct (1) .......... on a neighbourhood shop or family-run café. Many owners who once relied on stable routines now have to (2) .......... with constant uncertainty. For example, a bakery may depend on imported ingredients, so if transport costs increase sharply, its profit margins can be seriously (3) .......... into. At the same time, customers facing higher living costs often cut (4) .......... on non-essential spending, which means fewer sales for small firms. In response, some businesses try to build up local supply chains so that they are less (5) .......... on events beyond their control. However, adapting is not always easy. Owners may be forced to (6) .......... difficult decisions, such as reducing staff hours or delaying expansion plans. Even so, those who keep a close eye on international developments are often in a better (7) .......... to react quickly. In today's economy, global events may seem distant, but their effects are often felt most (8) .......... at street level.