In this deck, we'll explore the dynamic and changing economy of the UK. We'll examine the major shift from an industrial economy, based on making things, to a post-industrial economy, based on services and information. You'll learn about new developments like science parks, the environmental challenges of industry, the persistent north-south divide, and how the UK's place in the global economy continues to evolve.

For much of the 19th and 20th centuries, the UK's economy was dominated by heavy industry like coal mining, steel production, and shipbuilding. This is known as an industrial economy. However, since the 1970s, these industries have declined significantly, a process called de-industrialisation. In their place, sectors based on services, finance, and high-tech research have grown. This new economic structure is called a post-industrial economy.

So, why did de-industrialisation happen in the UK? There were several key reasons. Firstly, mechanisation and new technologies meant fewer people were needed to do the same work. Secondly, there was increasing competition from abroad, particularly from newly emerging economies where production costs were lower. Finally, government policies in the 1980s were aimed at shifting the economy away from these traditional industries. For your exam, being able to name a cause of de-industrialisation is a key piece of knowledge.