How UK Businesses Compete Internationally (AQA GCSE Business)
Revision Note
Globalisation & UK Business
Globalisation is the business and economic integration of different countries
It has increased cross-border movement of people, goods, services, technology and finance
Globalisation has occurred for a number of reasons
Diagram: Reasons for Globalisation
Globalisation has been driven by developments in technology, saturation of domestic markets and deregulation
Developments in technology have allowed for faster communication, transfer of data and online sales around the world
Improved transport networks enable international business travel and improved distribution of products
Deregulation, such as the removal of trade barriers, as well as simpler financial systems, has made trading internationally easier
Governments have taken steps to increase trade so people, products and finance can move more easily across borders
Market saturation in their home country means that growth can only be achieved if businesses find new target markets overseas
The increase in tourism and access to overseas media has familiarised consumers with global brands
How UK Businesses Operate Globally
1. Importing and Exporting
UK businesses trade internationally by importing and exporting goods and services
Imports are goods and services bought by people and businesses in one country from another country
Imports result in money leaving the country, which generates extra revenue for foreign businesses
In 2023, the UK’s biggest import good was cars, valued at approximately £41 billion
Exports are goods and services sold by domestic businesses to people or businesses in other countries
Exports generate extra sales revenue for UK businesses selling their goods abroad
In 2023, the UK's biggest export was business and financial services such as consultancy or insurance, valued at approximately £200 billion
On the whole, the UK imports more goods and services than it exports
2. Multinational Companies
UK businesses can become multinationals to access markets and resources such as labour or raw materials overseas
A multinational company (MNC) is a business that is registered in one country but has research, manufacturing or sales operations in different countries
E.g. AstraZeneca's headquarters are in Cambridge but they operate R&D centres in five countries and manufacturing sites across 16 countries
MNC’s choose locations based on factors such as cost advantages and access to markets
Slazenger is a UK-based sports brand whose manufacturing takes place in in the Philippines due to the country's lower production costs
MNC's have access to a large customer base with potential for high levels of sales and can set up operations inside trade blocs to avoid import tariffs or quotas
3. Joint Ventures
UK businesses can temporarily join with overseas businesses
A joint venture is an agreement between two or more businesses to combine their resources and expertise to achieve a particular goal
E.g. Nestle and Starbucks entered into a joint venture in 2019 with a specific project to create a new line of coffee products
Joint ventures reduce the risks involved in entering new overseas markets, as they usually involve a domestic partner that is familiar with the business environment
Competing with Overseas Rivals
Globalisation means that UK businesses need to compete effectively with overseas rivals
British companies can rarely compete on price in overseas markets due to their relatively high wage and operations costs
Competing with Overseas Rivals
|
|
---|---|
Design |
|
Quality |
|
Heritage & branding |
|
Niche products |
|
Benefits of Globalisation for UK Businesses
Globalisation has provided many opportunities for British businesses to expand, access new markets and obtain new resources
The Benefits of Globalisation to UK Businesses
|
|
---|---|
Large markets |
|
Economies of Scale |
|
Labour |
|
Taxation |
|
Drawbacks of Globalisation for UK Business
Globalisation means that businesses face a range of complex challenges
Increased competition from international rivals may put domestic firms out of business
International firms also benefit from lower costs and greater economies of scale, so they can offer lower prices than smaller domestic businesses to consumers
Large overseas competitors can spend more on research, marketing and distribution than a small domestic business
Access to cheaper labour or materials allows them to sell products at lower prices
Domestic public limited companies risk being taken over by foreign rivals
Capital can flow easily across borders
Most countries allow foreign businesses to take ownership of domestic businesses
E.g. In 2009 UK confectionary company Cadburys was acquired by US company Kraft in a hostile takeover
Global distribution networks can be affected by natural disasters or other interruptions, such as accidents or terrorism
In 2021, the grounded container ship Ever Given blocked the Suez Canal for six days, causing delays to deliveries of goods such as semiconductors, which impacted technology manufacturing around the world
Examiner Tip
This topic contains a large number of key terms that you need to revise carefully so that you can use them correctly and with confidence in your explanations. You will not usually achieve marks for definitions.
Last updated:
You've read 0 of your 10 free revision notes
Unlock more, it's free!
Did this page help you?