FOOTLOOSE INDUSTRIES Production cost is not a concern Price is not affected by transportation or placement of resources

Footloose Industries New industrial locations dominated by footloose industries located next to motorways. The types of industry that they contain are often referred to as sunrise industries. Light industries include electrical goods, car parts and many food companies. High-tech companies are engaged in research and processing involving micro-electronics for computers and telecommunications equipment.

Clustered at M11, M23, M3 and M4. Greatest concentration is in M4

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 Labor is a key locational factor. The availability of highly skilled research scientists and engineers is very important. The presence of several universities has helped

High-tech industry in the UK Where does high-tech industry locate in the UK? Silicon Glen Cambridge and the M11 corridor M3 corridor M4 Corridor

High-tech industry on the M4 corridor Hotspot areas: Bristol, Cotswolds, Swindon, Aldermaston and Heathrow Airport