Do the preparation task first. Then read the text and do the exercises.
Preparation
Dear James,
As you know, we have been working on the new perfume that we are launching in April and we are unsure about some of the packaging details. We have seen some of your creative work in the sales department and we think you have a very good eye for detail.
Do you have some time before close of business this Friday to sit down with us and talk through some of our designs? We would truly appreciate your advice on this. It shouldn't take longer than two hours of your time and we would be happy to clear it with Patricia, your department head, if necessary.
Product Design
Hello Nikolaos,
Which part of the sentence is confusing for you?
Peter
The LearnEnglish Team
Hello Nikolaos
'close of business' means the end of the working day. Sarah is asking James if he can meet before finishing work on Friday. In a more specialised context, 'close of business' can also refer to when the stock market stops on any given day. People often work past that time, but officially trading does not occur.
All the best
Kirk
The LearnEnglish Team