Economic Development 2

• The UK economy

  One of the largest economies in the world
• The UK

  • Has huge political, economic and cultural influences
  • Is highly regarded for its fairness and tolerance
  • Has global connections
• Deindustrialisation in the UK

  1. In 1841, more people worked in factories than services

  2. In 2011 only 9% workers were in manufacturing

  3. Government policy, cheaper imports and mechanisation led to a decline in traditional industries
• Globalisation in the UK

  As global links improved, many jobs moved overseas as there was a cheaper workforce
• Government policies in the UK

  1. Some industries were sold by the government and now were owned by private companies

  2. The government have encouraged small businesses with loans and grants

  3. Tax breaks for TNCs who locate here
• Post-industrial economy in the UK

  • Service sector (tertiary industries) now employ 81% of the workforce
  • Retail employs 4.4 million
  • Information technology now employs 1.3 million people
  • Research makes use of highly educated graduates
  • The Finance industry is very strong in the UK, based in the city of London (responsible for 10% of GDP)
• Business and Science Parks in the UK

  • Groups of companies close together, occupying land on the edge of cities/towns, close to transport links and access to universities
  • e.g. Southampton Science Parks
• Improving Transport Infrastructure in the UK

  1. Road capacity being increased e.g. M23 and M25 being improved

  2. London Gateway – port in London

  3. HS2 railway – North South

  4. Proposed new runway at Heathrow

  5. Crossrail to increase London's rail capacity by 10% in 2018
• Areas of population growth in the UK - Hurstpierpoint Sussex

  • It maintains rural areas and services that might have declined
  • Property prices rise as demand for homes increases
• Areas of population decline in the UK - Capel Dewi, Mid Wales

  • Average age rising as young people are leaving
  • Eventually all shops and services will close down
• North South divide in the UK

  Divide between the relatively wealthy south and poorer north
• Strategies to resolve the North South divide in the UK

  Enterprise zones – encourage businesses with reduced taxes, relaxed planning regulations and super-fast broadband
• Impacts on the environment in the UK

  • Can be very polluting – some industries
  • Car manufacturing is trying to be more sustainable - CO2 emission have been reduced, Waste to landfill reduced, Nissan Sunderland generates 7% of its energy from wind turbines
• The UK's global connections

  • Trade with the UK is global
  • Excellent transport connections with the world, channel tunnel, airports and ports
  • Culture – lots of very popular UK TV show broadcast around the world (music, film, arts)
  • Excellent electronic communication around the world
  • Connection with the Common Wealth countries
  • Currently our link with EU countries