Historically, the UK has been one of the greatest economic influencers in the world. As the epicentrum of the first Industrial Revolution during the 18th century, the UK began to develop economy since the dawn (расцвет) of agriculture.

The UK economy has changed over the last 200 years. In the 19th century the economic activity was mostly primary. In the early 20th century, the focus changed to manufacturing. In recent times, the UK economy has become more of a service economy.

The economy of the UK is divided into three sectors:

The primary sector involves the extraction of raw materials and natural resources. Examples of this are farming and mining, as well as the extraction of oil and gas.

The secondary sector turns these raw materials into products. Manufacturing and Construction are secondary sector industries. In the case of Oil & Gas this involves the processes from refining to delivery of fuel at the petrol pump. The production of oil and synthetic petroleum products such as lubrication oils and plastics also fall into this sector.

The tertiary sector is also known as the service sector. Firms in this sector provide services to other businesses and consumers (such as transport or distribution).

Goods move through a chain of production.

During 1970s and 1980s oil & gas industries started to grow.

Nowadays such industries as tourism, transport, telecommunications, financial services are growing fast.