UK

• Causes of economic change - De-industrialisation


  During the Industrial Revolution, manufacturing was the UK's leading industry. However, after declining steadily for a number of years, the 1960s saw a rapid drop in manufacturing. This has mostly been due to mechanisation, globalisation and the growth of the service industry.
• Causes of economic change - Globalisation


  Today, businesses often operate on a global scale, and international trade is vital for the UK's economic growth. UK companies now manufacture in NEES, where wages and production costs are lower.
• Causes of economic change - Government Policies


  Government policy affects the economy. For example, decisions to invest in infrastructure and negotiate international trade deals can greatly affect growth.
• Post-Industrial Economy

  • The manufacturing industry has declined as tertiary and quaternary industries continue to grow and develop.
• There are currently over 100,000 IT companies in the UK. The widespread use of mobile devices means companies can operate from anywhere with Internet access.
• The service industry is the UK's largest industry, accounting for 75% of the UK economy. Examples of this sector include health, education, retail, entertainment and hospitality.
• The finance sector makes up 10% of the UK economy. London is home to internationally important financial institutions such as the Bank of England and the London Stock Exchange.
• Investing in research is important for long-term economic growth. UK research institutions, such as the Medical Research Council and the UK Energy Research Centre, are leaders in developing new technology.
• Impacts of Industry on the Physical Environment

  Industry can negatively affect the physical environment. It can cause pollution, damage the landscape through raw mineral extraction and release hazardous chemicals into rivers.
• Improved technology and greater environmental awareness has led to modern industry being more environmentally sustainable, resulting in increased efficiency and reduced pollution.
• Network Rail's long-term Sustainable Development Strategy

  • Plans to make efficient use of natural resources, use sustainable construction materials, and reduce, reuse or recycle as much waste as possible. By 2019, it aims to achieve a 14% reduction in carbon emissions. It is currently researching new and innovative technology to operate more sustainably in the future.
• Counter-urbanisation

  Many people are choosing to move from urban areas to quieter and less congested rural areas.
• Area of Population Growth: South Oxfordshire


  • The rural area of South Oxfordshire is commutable to London within around an hour. With its easy access to the city and attractive surroundings, the population is expected to increase by over 11% by 2026. Also, the decline in local agriculture makes more land available for housing.
• Area of Population Decline: Milfield


  • Milfield is a small rural village in Northumberland, England, with a declining population. In 2009, the village primary school had only seven pupils left and closed later that year. Two of the main reasons for population decline are a lack of jobs and an influx of second-home owners who push property prices up, making life unaffordable for many who live there.
• Improvements and Developments in Transport

  The UK is constantly improving its transport network to create better links for workers, suppliers and trading. This promotes economic growth, which benefits business and industry.
• Roads

  • Between 2015 and 2020, the UK government plans to invest £15.2 billion in over 100 major schemes to enhance, renew and improve the road network. Also, 'smart motorways' will help manage congestion by using technology and making use of the hard shoulder to create an extra lane.
• Railways

  • As part of a £25 billion plan, more rail lines are to be electrified, allowing for faster, quieter trains and reducing environmental damage. Also, the planned HS2 line connecting London to major northern cities will cut travel times and increase capacity.
• Ports

  • The London Gateway is a new port on the Thames capable of handling the largest modern container ships in the world (4,000 m long). This can help boost UK trade.
• Airports

  • The UK's largest airport, Heathrow, is reaching full capacity. To increase the number of flights, it has controversially proposed adding a new runway.
• North-South Divide

  The economic and cultural differences between Southern England and the rest of Great Britain.
• North


  • Its many heavy industries were greatly affected by de-industrialisation. Wages are generally lower. There is more unemployment. The standard of living is generally lower, and mortality is higher.
• South


  • It did not depend highly on heavy industry, so was less affected by de-industrialisation. Wages are generally higher. There is less unemployment. The standard of living is generally higher, and mortality is lower.
• Reducing the North-South Divide


  The gap between the North and South is increasing. In 2014, the economy of the North grew by 3%, whilst the South's grew by 6.8%. The UK government is trying to reduce this gap.
• The Northern Powerhouse


  A plan to 'drive business, skills and economic growth' in the North of England through improved infrastructure, innovation and governance. It aims to link the 'core cities' of Liverpool, Leeds, Manchester, Sheffield, Hull and Newcastle.
• Devolution


  Giving more power to local authorities to make spending decisions so that they can invest money directly where it is needed locally. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland all have their own devolved governments.
• Enterprise Zones


  Established around the UK to encourage investment in areas of high unemployment. Businesses are offered financial incentives by the government, including reduced business rates and grants.
• Trade


  In 2016, the UK imported £590 billion and exported £547 billion. Imports from the EU totalled £318 billion, and exports totalled £235 billion. Outside the EU, the UK imported £42 billion from China and it exported £100 billion to the USA.
• Culture


  UK culture has proved popular all over the world through the success of Premier League football, music festivals such as Glastonbury, films such as James Bond, and TV shows such as The X Factor (sold to over 40 countries).
• Transport


  The UK is a major international transport hub. Its largest international airport Heathrow, served 75.7 million passengers and destinations in 82 countries in 2016. The Channel Tunnel links the UK with France for trade and travel by rail.
• Electronic Communications


  The Internet links the UK to the rest of the world. Fibre-optic cables beneath the sea enable communication with Europe and the USA, and there are plans to lay a cable to link the UK directly to Japan.
• Economic and Political Links


  The EU is comprised of 28 countries that are part of a barrier-free trade zone. It provides valuable funds to support poorer areas of the UK. It enables EU workers to cross borders and provides UK industries with access to skilled workers. However, the UK's exit from the EU may change all of this.
• The Commonwealth


  A group of 52 countries that are mostly former British colonies. All members of the Commonwealth are considered free and equal and they share the same three aims of democracy, human rights and rule of law.
• Science park


  A group of scientific and technical knowledge-based businesses located on a single site, often associated with universities to use research facilities and employ skilled graduates. May also include support services such as financial services and marketing.
• University of Southampton Science Park


  • Includes one hundred small science and innovation businesses such as Fibrecore (manufacturer of optical fibres) and PhotonStar (specialising in lighting products).
• Benifits of the university of Southampton Science park

  • Excellent transport links - close to M3, Southampton international airport and rail links
  • Excellent links with the University
  • Attractive location with green areas
• Business park


  An area of land occupied by a cluster of businesses, usually located on the edges of towns where land is cheaper and more available, access is better with less congestion, and businesses can benefit from working together.
• Cobalt Business Park, Newcastle-upon-Tyne


  • The UK's largest business park, with support facilities including retail outlets and a fitness centre. Next to the A19, close to the A1 and 20 minutes from the international airport. Businesses locating in Cobalt Park qualify for governmental assistance. Companies in the park include Siemens, IBM and Santander.