The band was formed in 1979 by school friends Steven ('Steve') Kent (guitar), Michael Fitzsimons ('Micky Fitz') (vocals), Nicholas ('Nick') Cunningham (drums) and Martin Smith (bass).

[4] In November 1981, they released their debut single, "Harry May", which spent over three months in the UK Indie Chart, reaching No. 13.

The initial line-up split up in late 1981, with Kent, Cunningham, and Smith forming Q-Bow, but Fitz carried on with Pryor, recruiting Graham Ball on guitar, Mark Brennan and Steve Whale from The Blackout, and John Fisher on drums.

[2] The new line-up made their live debut in January 1982, after which Ball and Fisher departed, leaving the band as a four-piece, with Kev Boyce of The Blackout on drums.

3 indie hit, and after a short tour, they recorded their debut album, which was to be called Loud, Proud, and Punk.

[2] Pryor renamed his record label Wonderful World and issued several Business albums in late 1985, with the Drinking and Driving tour following.

The name of the tour caused controversy, with tabloid journalists accusing the band of condoning drunk-driving, although the title was tongue-in-cheek.

In 1992, Fitz performed a few songs guesting with The Elite and he reformed the band to play a benefit concert for Bobby Moore, who had recently died of cancer.

In September 2006, Fitz recruited long time friend Tosh (of Section 5) to play guitar, shortly followed by Chris Mundie on drums.

Roi Pearce (The Last Resort), Sebi (Stomper 98) and Mike Brands (Arch Rivals) appeared as guest singers.