The UK has experienced significant changes to its manufacturing industry since the mid-1970s, including major declines in some traditional industries and growth in others. Employment in manufacturing has fallen from over 7 million in the mid-1970s to less than 4 million by 2002. However, investments from overseas and new technologies have contributed to an industrial revival in some areas. Traditional heavy industries from the 19th century like textiles, steel, and shipbuilding have seen major declines, while growth has occurred in newer industries and areas not traditionally linked to manufacturing.

1. Secondary Activities Industrial Change in the UK Since the mid 1970’s the UK, in common with other industrialised countries, has seen massive changes in its manufacturing industry. Some industries have undergone major decline, whereas others have grown. Many of the areas of growth have been stimulated by investment from overseas. Economic Activity

3. Main aspects of manufacturing change UK manufacturing has declined. This has caused job losses and severe economic problems for communities once based on traditional manufacturing industries Massive investments from overseas, and technological developments from research and development institutions, have contributed to industrial revival. Manufacturing industry now employs fewer workers than the growing service-based industries. Industrial revival, from both private and public investment, has had an uneven impact, with some areas still suffering the social and economic effects of industrial closures.

4. Main aspects of manufacturing change Areas of the UK not traditionally linked with manufacturing have gained jobs more rapidly than urban areas. Sensitivity towards the environment, both locally and nationally, is a major influence on decision making. The use of high technology in manufacturing processes has created its own requirements for industrial location, and has had a significant effect on working practices within industry

5. The main manufacturing industries that have declined in the last 30 years are those which were established in the 19 th century. Growth was based on the use of coal and imported raw materials, such as iron ore and cotton. A key aspect of their development was the ability to export finished products to other countries, particularly Britain’s former colonies. For these reasons the main industrial areas were either on major coalfields or at coastal ports on deep water estuaries. These industries have been given a variety of collective names, including ‘smokestack’ because of their link to coal, and ‘sunset’ because of their decline in importance. Decline in traditional manufacturing

6. Examples of traditional manufacturing industries Textiles – woollen cloth in West Yorkshire (Leeds, Bradford, Huddersfield) and cotton cloth in Lancashire. Steel in Sheffield, Middlesborough and south Wales Shipbuilding in Newcastle, Sunderland, Belfast and Glasgow. Chemicals in the Northeast (Middlesborough) and the Northwest (Widnes and Runcorn)

7. Examples of traditional manufacturing industries The car industry and component suppliers in older locations, e.g. Birmingham and other parts of the West Midlands, and Luton. Clothing, food processing, and other port industries in the East End of London Pottery and other household goods in the area around Stoke