UK Industrial Location Factors and Evolution
Secondary Activities and Manufacturing
Secondary activities are also called manufacturing activities because these industries are a form of employment in which things are made, assembled, or produced.
Industrial Location Factors
Not all industries have the same location factors. For some, it may be more important to be near raw materials. For others, it is more important to be near labour, markets, or a good transport system. For example, a food processing factory uses fruit and vegetables from nearby farms. In the clothing manufacturer (textile industry), factories must be located near the towns where the many people employed live.
Key Location Factors:
- Physical factors: Raw materials, energy supply, natural routes, site, and land.
- Human and economic factors: Labour, capital, markets, transport, government policies, and environment.
Location of Industry Change in the UK
Industry does not stay the same but changes over the years as new products and techniques are developed.
Main Coalfields in 1990
The rapid growth of industry in Britain came in the early nineteenth century with the introduction of steam power. Coal was needed to heat water to produce steam, and as coal was heavy and bulky to move, coalfields became the ideal location for industry. Industries such as steelmaking and shipbuilding were particularly important. These are called heavy industries because they require large amounts of heavy and bulky raw materials like coal and iron ore.
Major Industrial Regions in 1960
By 1960, industrial development on coalfield sites had reached its peak. Heavy industries still provided most employment in these areas, but light industries were becoming increasingly important. Light industries make high-value goods like car stereos and fashion clothing. Most regions tended to specialise in one or two types of industry (e.g., Teesside for chemicals, South Wales for steel and metal working).
Major Industrial Regions in 2000
Recently, the location of the main centres of industry has again changed. Firstly, there has been a shift from coalfields to coastal estuaries as the import of raw materials and export of finished products has become more important. Secondly, there has been a movement from the more northerly parts of England to the South, mainly by footloose industries that are not tied to raw materials. They tend to specialise in very high-value goods like electronics equipment and computers.
Iron and Steel Industry Inputs
The raw materials needed to make iron and steel are iron ore, coal, and limestone. Coke, formed from coal, is used to smelt the iron ore, and limestone is added to help separate the pure iron from impurities.
Why Newer Industries Locate Near Markets
Companies that have offices in several countries are called transnational or multinational organisations. Newer industries often locate near markets due to several advantages:
- Large domestic market.
- Long tradition of product manufacture.
- Skilled and flexible workforce.
- Many firms already making car components.
- Good communications with the rest of Europe.
- Government support at local and national levels.