1. SLEPT Analysis Use in conjunction with the Intellectual Property Office Summary Study THE TIMES 100

2. External influences on business Businesses are influenced by a range of factors over which they have little control – these are called external influences

3. THE TIMES 100 SLEPT Analysis SLEPT analysis is a tool for helping businesses evaluate external influences: S ocial factors L egal factors E conomic factors P olitical factors T echnology factors

4. THE TIMES 100 Social factors Social influences include factors relating to both workers and consumers such as: Demographics Changing trends and tastes Changing working patterns Ethical issues Environmental concern

5. THE TIMES 100 Intellectual property and social factors 100,000 new businesses started up in the UK in 2008. How has the IPO supported this growing number of small businesses and their new intellectual property? Use the IPO study summary to help you

6. THE TIMES 100 Legal factors Legislation affecting businesses includes: Health and safety laws Employment laws Consumer protection Environmental protection Competition laws

7. THE TIMES 100 Economic factors The current or expected economic climate will affect businesses. Factors include: The business cycle Interest rates Exchange rates Inflation Unemployment Globalisation Emerging markets

8. THE TIMES 100 Intellectual property and economic factors Why does IPO encourage businesses to continue to invest in innovation, even during difficult economic times? Use the IPO study summary to help you

9. THE TIMES 100 Political factors Government policies affect business activities through: Taxation Subsidies Regulation Legislation Decisions related to trade and access to markets such as the enlargement of the European Union

10. THE TIMES 100 Technological factors New technologies can prove to be both opportunities or threats to organisations in terms of, for example: Marketing Organisational culture Production methods New product development Communication

11. THE TIMES 100 Intellectual property and technological factors Why has the growth of the internet increased the need to protect intellectual property? Use the IPO study summary to help you

12. THE TIMES 100 Useful resources SLEPT analysis lesson suggestions and activities Intellectual Property Office case study Intellectual Property Office website