Influences on the Choice of Production Location (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Business)

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Written by: Danielle Maguire

Reviewed by: Steve Vorster

Factors to Consider when Choosing a Country to Produce In

A multinational company (MNC) is a business that has operations in more than one country
- This can include physical stores, manufacturing plants, factories, offices and service operations
Globalisation means that many firms can now consider establishing production locations worldwide rather than just their home country

Diagram: the influences on foreign location decisions

**Businesses may choose international locations based on factors such as trade barriers, levels of taxation and the attractiveness of accessing a new target market**

When choosing a location in another country, a business will consider several factors

Explanation of Factors Considered when Assessing a Country as a Business Location

Factor	Explanation
Trade barriers	A business located in a market within a trade bloc will be able to access many advantages, such as reduced protectionist measures E.g. Chinese companies are increasingly locating operations in countries with trade agreements with the EU and US to circumvent restrictions on products made in those countries
Financial incentives	Governments may offer incentives (e.g. grants, business loans and tax breaks) to locate in their country as MNCs bring in investment, foreign currency and job opportunities
Access cheaper or skilled labour	Businesses may choose to locate production in a market where labour costs are lower or where significant numbers of workers have specialist skills Clothing brands frequently locate production facilities in lower-wage countries such as Bangladesh or Turkey, where skilled workers produce high-quality garments
Lower taxation	Some countries tax businesses and their employees at very low rates Ireland's low rate of corporation tax has attracted large multinationals, including Google and Microsoft, to the country
Alternative sources of raw materials	Some countries have cheaper raw materials or are sources of rare raw materials that are used in the production process
Access to new markets	Many businesses choose to locate near to customers in another country to reduce transport and distribution costs This is particularly important when markets in the businesses home country have become saturated External factors such as changes in the law may have made the home market unviable so growth may only be possible by moving the business to an alternative location

The Role of Legal Controls on Production Location Decisions

Laws are rules created by the government of a country with the aim of regulating the actions of its citizens and businesses
- Regulation is the process of enforcing the laws that have been created and ensuring that businesses abide by them

Governments and local authorities can incentivise businesses to locate in particular areas
- In areas of high unemployment or industrial decline grants or reduced tax rates may be offered to businesses that create jobs or improve communities
In some cases, businesses are deterred from locating in particular areas
- E.g. In areas of outstanding natural beauty, strict bylaws or city ordinances may regulate the type of business activity that is permitted
- E.g. A country with strict environmental laws might not be an attractive location for a manufacturing company that produces a lot of waste
The presence or absence of laws can affect a businesses choice of location in two ways

1. Less economically developed countries

Less economically developed countries often have fewer laws and less enforcement of their existing laws, which is likely to be attractive to some businesses
- Businesses enjoy lower costs as they have to meet fewer legal requirements, such as safe handling of waste material
- Labour can be paid very low rates as no minimum wages exists
- Employees and customers have less opportunity to pursue legal action

2. More economically developed countries

Developed economies with extensive laws can be attractive to businesses who desire to locate in region with
- Good infrastructure
- Highly-skilled workers
- High standards of living

Measures used by Local Government to Influence Location Decisions

Method	Explanation	Example
Planning regulations	Regulations limit the operations of businesses in certain locations Opening hours can be restricted Planning permission has to be agreed and granted before a business can build on or extend a site The appearance of new buildings may be strictly regulated	Brompton Bikes is the UK's largest bicycle manufacturer Its planning application for a new factory involves construction on a floodplain, which will restore the local wetland and promote walking and cycling
Government grants or subsidies	Grants and subsidies encourage businesses to set up and expand in areas of high unemployment, underdeveloped regions or those that have suffered from industrial decline This assistance could be grants or subsidies paid to businesses which do not normally need to be repaid	The EU offers a range of grants to businesses that are prepared to set up or expand in less developed areas of the trade bloc to reduce differences in wealth between regions and between the various member states

Last updated: 23 October 2024

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