Courier

1) An individual or firm that provides a fast, direct service, usually for small and urgent consignments - often vital documents, contracts, films, tenders, etc.

Counter cheque

1) Issued by bank when payee has already transferred funds to bank (or funds have been debited from his account). As with bank/ banker’s draft, guarantees clearance and is thus a ‘safe’ cheque (ie will not ‘bounce’).

Council of Ministers

1) Body within the EU comprising respective departmental ministers from all EU member states (eg European Council of Ministers of Transport - ECMT).

COT

1) Customer’s own transport. Shipping term meaning that the customer collects from/delivers to freight station or other specified point.

COSHH

1) The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 1988. These require employers to assess the risks presented by the use of hazardous materials in the workplace and adopt suitable control and monitoring procedures.

Corporation tax

1) Tax payable on trading profits, income and capital gains of UK limited liability companies (ie not partnerships/sole proprietorships/ self-employed persons).