KCLSU is not a business, but it does have business concerns; that is, ways of making money. A business has a single ultimate aim: to increase profit. Of course, many managers and employees undertake their work in order to provide a decent service, to fulfil a need, or to return home at the end of the day with a feeling of self-satisfaction. But the organisation as a whole exists solely to make money.

At KCLSU, money is a means to an end. Our mission - our reason for existing - is Student Life Support, which includes funding volunteering, clubs, societies and campaigning, providing personal development opportunities, supporting students with an academic advice service, and so on. To do this we receive a sum of money from the College, but it is not enough by far. Therefore we increase our income by running bars, clubs, cafes and a gym.

Therein stands the difference - a business aims to make money so it has more money so it can make more money, and KCLSU, a charitable organisation, aims to make money to further its charitable objectives.