FOOTLOOSE INDUSTRIES

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

1. To know the key factors affecting footloose industry location.

2. To understand why the M4 Corridor is an excellent case study.

Footloose IndustriesNew industrial locations, in which the industrial structure is dominated by footloose industries, are most likely to be located next to motorways. The types of industry that they contain are often referred to as sunrise industries. There are many of them along motorway corridors, such as the M11, M23, M3 and M4.

The greatest concentration of all is along the M4 corridor between London and Reading. Light industries in this area include electrical goods, car parts and many food companies.Many of the high-tech companies are engaged in research and processing involving micro-electronics for computers and telecommunications equipment. High-tech companies include Oracle and NEC.

General Advantages for the growth of light industries

Locations next to motorways would suggest that transport is the most important factor in deciding their location. Since they use or assemble parts of no great weight or bulk made by other industries, transport to market is more significant than raw material assembly. The wealthiest and most concentrated market in the country is Greater London. Being near to here is a great advantage. At the same time, there are motorway connections to the rest of Britain, and a high-speed rail link follows the M4 corridor between London and South Wales. Closeness to the Channel Tunnel is also important for access to EU markets. They also benefit from nearness to London’s three main airports for international business links.

Specific Advantages for high-tech industries

Labour is a key locational factor. The availability of highly skilled research scientists and engineers is very important. The presence of several universities has helped to provide a pool of graduates, and universities offer research facilities as well. The long-established presence of aerospace research in Bristol area, undertaken by companies such as Rolls-Royce and British Aerospace, has been a further attraction for some companies. Another important consideration is where these specialist workers prefer to live. Areas of pleasant countryside are close enough to be accessible at weekends, they are near to airports for holidays abroad, and everywhere is within easy reach of London for big sporting events, exhibitions and West End shopping and shows.

M4 Corridor

Cambridge and the M11 corridor

Where does high-tech industry locate in the UK?

High-tech industry in the UK

Silicon Glen

M3 corridor

High-tech industry on the M4 corridor

M4 Corridor