1. Economic World Case Study High Tech Industry: Bracknell, UK

2. What do you need to revise? What are modern high tech industries? Where are they usually found in the UK? Where is your case study? (should come out through the next section) Why have hi-tech industries located in Bracknell? (BE SPECIFIC) Which firms have been attracted to locate in Bracknell?

3. What are ‘hi-tech industries’? …those that involve the use of research and development to create high value, technology based product and processes e.g. computer part development. These are thought of as ‘footloose’ (an industry that can locate anywhere). However a number of specific factors affect their location.

5. Where are hi-tech industries usually found in the UK? Usually found in large concentrations. Cambridge (Silicon Fen) North of Glasgow (Silicon Glen) Thames Valley Bracknell & Berkshire

6. Where is Bracknell? Source: [www.rfidc.com]www.rfidc.com

7. Why have hi-tech firms located in Bracknell? (1) Excellent communications links Close to M4 &M3 (access to whole of UK) 20 miles from Heathrow airport 50 miles from Gatwick airport Situated on the Reading to Waterloo rail line which gives access to whole of UK network.

9. Why have hi-tech firms located in Bracknell? (2) Highly skilled workforce Bracknell’s population has grown significantly over last 50yrs. Growth in the 25-44 age bracket (working age) and skilled workers in Bracknell. % population in 25-44 age group rose from 29% in 1951 – 36% in 2001. Many universities in the area with good degrees in computer technology e.g. Brunel, Surrey & Reading all in a 20 radius of Bracknell.

10. Why have hi-tech firms located in Bracknell? (3) Local facilities/environment Hi-tech firms require excellent leisure facilities for the workers. Bracknell has many; dry ski-slope, ice rink, bowling, athletics, football& rugby clubs and swimming pool. Surrounding Bracknell there is; a large coniferous forest to the south with open public access through the ‘Look Out Country Park’. Windsor Great Park is to the east of Bracknell for exploring on foot or by bike and the Chiltern Hills to the north. Also the South Hill Park Arts Centre which regularly has theatrical performances.

11. Which hi-tech firms have located in Bracknell? Hewlett Packard SiemensDellPanasonic Office complexes are impressive with landscaped gardens and car parking. Also direct access to motorways. A number of hotels have been built e.g. The Coppid Beach Hotel in Windsor Great Park, which caters for company executives with conference facilities.

12. Typical questions: What is meant by a ‘high-tech’ firm? [2] What is meant by the term a ‘footloose’ industry? [2] With specific reference to your chosen case study describe and explain the locating factors associated with high-tech industries [6]. With specific reference to your chosen case study explain why it has been an attractive location for high- tech firms? [6].