The economy of england

 

      3. Regulation of INDUSTRIES

     The Ministry of trade and industry (DTI) aims to enhance the competitiveness of the UK and its scientific and technical superiority, in order to achieve higher levels of productivity and economic growth. It has four specific objectives:

      1. encourage entrepreneurship, innovation and higher productivity;

      2. maximize the use of scientific, industrial and technological capacity in Britain;

      3. create strong market competition

      4. develop a fair and legitimate system of regulating sectors of the economy.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

     3.1. Competitiveness

     The ICC has taken measures to reduce the gap between the levels of efficiency of British and competing companies in terms of productivity and the ability to create new products and services. These include measures to strengthen the capacity of the economy (updating of scientific and technical bases, the promotion of scientific research, the Fund for support of small business), to promote cooperation between enterprises and regions, to enhance competition in the market.

 

      3.2. Business support

     Business support-British style is consulting on investments, the companies, international relations and expansion. Works, the so-called "business network", numbering about 1,000 specialist consultants on various aspects of entrepreneurship.

     In March 1999, the Government announced the development of a new law on small business, which will be sent to his support, relieving him from certain types of State regulation and facilitate burden of taxation. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

     3.3. The development, quality and standards

     ICC oversees and supports the efficient design and technologies which allow a commercially successful products and services and improves competitiveness.

     Quality is an important aspect of the whole business cycle of the product-development, production, marketing and delivery to the consumer. Many manufacturers prefer an independent assessment of the quality of their products, as well as receive a certificate of international quality standard BS EN ISO 9000.

     In the UK has its own independent Institute of standardization, which is a member of both the European and world organizations concerned with standards and standardization. Working with consumers, producers and Governments, it creates standards that correspond to the requirements of the market, trade and regulation of the economy.

 

      3.4. Training

     Preparation of qualified, skilled and quickly adjusting training-mortgage Uk competitiveness in the global market. The Government announced several measures it will take to improve training, open up new opportunities for retraining and advanced training, including the establishment of a new University of industry, which will be used when learning new information and communication technologies, and a new strategy that will promote the widespread use of computers in business, education and society. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

     3.5. Development of regional economy

     Regional economic policy designed to boost economic growth and competitiveness throughout the UK. 34% of the total labour force works in the territories, receiving additional assistance from the State.

     The main objectives of regional policy are:

     -creation and preservation of jobs;

     -attracting foreign investment;

     -improving the competitiveness of the weaker regions.

     In 1998-99, for these purposes was spent about 1.5 billion pounds.

     One of the important tasks of the regional policy is to assist in the establishment of linkages between different sectors of the economy. Enterprises can obtain mutual benefit from the establishment of a common infrastructure and maintaining close ties with research institutions such as Cambridge and Oxford. An example of such "srastaniâ" scientific and production can be sector of biotechnologies.

     England.

     In England's nine regions which fall under programme support, including London.

     Measures for the recovery of business in England include:

      · promotion of innovation and the use of new technologies;

      · provision of enterprises finances, including the establishment of local funds to help small businesses with the prospect of growth;

      · promotion of domestic investment;

      · promote the strategic use of the funds of the European Union.

     Scotland.

     In Scotland, focuses on the relationship between education and economy.

     Measures of regional policy in Scotland include:

      · promotion of efficient production and competitiveness;

      · involvement of domestic investment and export promotion;

      · financial support for new businesses and expand existing ones;

      · improving the environment;

      · the increase in the number of jobs and skills.

     Wales.

     Tasks of the regional economic policy in Wales are to further the economic and social development, promoting efficient industries and international competitiveness, improve environmental conditions. Special attention is focused on the development of close links between enterprises and sectors of the economy, as well as on the introduction of new technologies.

     Northern Ireland

     Support for regional business in Northern Ireland include:

    · attracting foreign investment and the development of medium-sized businesses;

    · small business development;

    · advice and assistance to companies, including assistance in the transition to new technologies;

    · upgrading of managerial personnel.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

     3.6. Competition and Antimonopoly Law

     The Government seeks to improve the openness and efficiency of the market, both domestic and international, and believed that effective competition is the best incentive for the development of new technologies and improve efficiency. A new competition act comes into force March 1, 2000, which seeks an better protection of both consumers and producers.

     This Act will be better able to deal with the monopoly and to maintain healthy competition. He copied with European Union competition law, which governs the actions, damage competition and prevent the abuse of dominant market position. Was rejected by the law, companies could be fined up to 10% of the turnover of the company on the territory of Great Britain, and victims of monopoly companies can apply for the offender to court and claim compensation for damages.

     Mergers and acquisitions will not be considered Antimonopoly Committee in cases where they do not affect the competitive situation on the market. Thus, companies harmless merger or takeover will not apply to the Committee for authorization to commit a transaction that will save and those and others from a large cargo of bureaucracy. In General, the agreement will be deemed to have significant impact on the market if the joint share of both companies will be more than 25% of the market. Nevertheless, agreements fixing prices or market allocation will fall under the law, even if the share of companies of less than 25%.

 

      4. PRIVATE ENTERPRISE

     In Britain there were nearly 1.4 million companies. All companies operating in the territory of the country, as the British and foreign, are required to register. The majority of enterprises are organizations with limited liability, where the liability of owners of restricted shares of stock that they own.

     The company can be both private (private) and public (public). To become a public company must meet certain requirements. It must be an organization with limited liability, equity, and have a minimum required authorized capital. Only public companies are entitled to put their shares for sale on the stock exchange. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

     4.1. The legislation

     Laws relating to the establishment, closure and the lifecycle of the company, designed for enterprise management capabilities, support for open markets and to create favourable and safe conditions for investors. In February 1999, the Government proposed to amend these laws:

      1. make life easier for smaller firms;

      2. simplify some technical points, for example, the rules of the company;

      3. the use of modern information technology to improve communication between companies and their shareholders.

 

      4.2. Regulation of the private sector

     In March 1999, the Government announced its intention to abolish unnecessary regulation of medium and small business. It works to minimize the gravity of the regulation of business and preferred to do without control where possible. Independent organization advises the Government on improving the efficiency and quality of the remaining measures and verifies their need.

     An organization called the management of internal budgetary revenues (Inland Revenue) collects income taxes, taxes on income and capital and stamp duty. The Office of the customs duties and excises (HM Customs and Excise) collects the most important indirect taxes (VAT, etc.). Local taxes collected by local governments.

 

      5. International relations

     5.1. The United Kingdom and Commonwealth

     The British Empire was built several centuries. First British Steel to control all the lands of the British Isles, then began active trade and exploitation of colonies in North and South America. Emigrants from Great Britain settled in countries such as Australia, South Africa and New Zealand. Traded with some territories in Africa and Asia, who subsequently also became British colonies. By the beginning of the nineteenth century United Kingdom controlled territory where lived a quarter of the total population of the Earth

     At the end of theXIX -early XX centuries the Empire was transformed into the British Empire and Commonwealth, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa have seceded and became self-governing dominions many citizens of these States were descendants of the first British settlers, they thought the UK their home and retain the values of the monarchy, but this attitude changed when the inhabitants of these dominions more evident sense of national identity.

     In the MiddleXX of the century the British Empire and Commonwealth became simply the British Commonwealth, after the British Government allowed to secede, the majority of India and Pakistan colonies. became independent in 1947, the year in the 50 's-60 's African colony, split off and then the Asian territory British Commonwealth transformed itself into the Commonwealth, as most former British colonies became independent States they had a choice ... or completely break with its colonial past or remain in the Commonwealth of independent States on the rights of many of the colony decided to stay in the Commonwealth for various reasons. Only a very small part of the former British Empire still-colony, dependent territories and protectorates, such as the Falkland Islands and of Gibraltar.

     Currently, Commonwealth-free association of nearly 50 independent countries (including Britain). It has no legal system, the Parliament or of a single political leader. In many colonies can still be seen British influence, such as educational and legislative system, copied from England. But few took a political system based on the authority of Parliament. Some countries have changed it to fit their own needs, others were odnopartijnymi countries, others have developed a Constitution based on several political systems.

     The Commonwealth is about a quarter of the population. It includes peoples professing different religions representing different race and nationality, which brings together the history of the struggle against colonialism. The Commonwealth is sometimes described as a "family" of Nations. However, despite the war arising from time to time, quarrels and disorders among these "family members", the Commonwealth operates as a single organization.

     The British monarch is a non-political leader of the Commonwealth and has played various roles in different countries, depending on whether the countries of the Commonwealth of kingdoms or republics. The monarch plays an important unifying and symbolic role, which often held the Commonwealth one in times of crisis and conflict.

     The Prime Ministers or heads of Commonwealth countries meet every two years at the Conference, which is one of the countries of the Commonwealth. These meetings discussed and sometimes are, common problems, although in recent years there has been a trend toward increasing differences and reducing the role of the United Kingdom in addressing these issues.

     In London, Commonwealth Secretariat, which is coordinating the policies of the Commonwealth. In addition, there are many communities of the Commonwealth, libraries, organizations, professional organizations and student exchange programmes. Commonwealth citizens continue to arrive in the UK as immigrants, students and tourists, while in other countries, the emigration of British Commonwealth has declined. English language together with its many dialects is the common language of the Commonwealth, and Commonwealth Games are held every four years. Continues to operate a shared program of Great Britain and the Commonwealth in agriculture, health, engineering and education.

     Recently, the question remains whether the Commonwealth was one of the most influential organizations in the world. Traditional feelings of solidarity of the Commonwealth does not already exist, and the United Kingdom has little in common with the rest of the Commonwealth. There is no doubt that this organization is already historic Alliance, rather than political, and certainly not economic. Over the last thirty years the British Government has consistently pushes the country into political and economic spheres to Europe and the European Union, thus moving away from the Commonwealth.

     Prior to the entry of Britain into the European Union in 1973, it had the advantage in trade with the countries of the Commonwealth. Membership in the European Union appeared to end trade ties with the Commonwealth of Nations. But a successful trade, albeit not in such amount as the prior to the entry into the EU, continues, despite the fact that the United Kingdom pays more attention to the European market.

 

      5.2. The United Kingdom and the European Union

     The idea of European unification has become relevant after the end of the second world war. Had been hanging in the air to create a peaceful and rich Europe, with strong economies and political systems following the devastation and loss of the two world wars of the twentieth century and centuries of enmity and antagonism between European countries.

     The foundations of a United Europe was laid in 1957, when six countries (Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg and Netherlands) formed the European Economic Community (EEC). United Kingdom has not acceded to this Union, but helped to establish the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) in 1959, along with countries such as Sweden, Norway, Austria, Denmark, Portugal and Switzerland. United Kingdom reluctantly made rapprochement with Europe, saw its economic and international future trade with the countries of the Commonwealth and the United States. She considered herself an important economic force in the world, and did not wish to be bound by obligations to Europe. In addition, many Britons do not overcome the age-old mistrust of European countries, and felt that integration with Europe will cost them their freedom and dignity.

     However, in the 60 's, the British Government had changed its view on future entry into the EEC and attempted to join. The British attempts were stopped by the then President of France Charles de Gaulle, who did not approve of the relationship of Great Britain with the United States (especially on nuclear weapons), disputing the ownership of the UK to Europe and obviously did not like the opponent in the face of British Prime Minister as head of UES.

     De Gaulle resigned in 1969, and the new negotiations on the accession of the UK in the EEC started in 1970, the pro-European British Prime Minister Edward hit. In 1972, the British Parliament voted to join the Union, despite growing doubts and rejection of the opposition political parties. United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland and Denmark joined the EEC in January 1, 1973, left EFTA in 1972.