Rags and riches

Article Abstract:

The British clothing industry is undergoing an economic slump. The industry's decline is attributed not only to the effects of the recession, but to the threat imposed by low-cost producers overseas, particularly in China, the Philippines, and Thailand, who supply 40% of the clothes sold in the UK. Trade sophistry and below-minimum wages allow Third World countries to get a healthy share of the British clothes retailing market. Furthermore, major retailers do not hesitate to use their power in decisions involving the cost, quality, and style of clothes manufactured. In its efforts to cope with outside competition, British clothing manufacturers have resorted to sourcing overseas to cut down on costs, also a more export-oriented approach is being taken by these manufacturers.

APPAREL AND OTHER TEXTILE PRODUCTS, TEXTILE MILL PRODUCTS, United Kingdom, Economic aspects, Clothing industry, Recessions, Textile industry

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Private trains: heading for the buffers?

Article Abstract:

Government efforts to privatize British Rail (BR) are being hampered by several developments. One of these is the financial difficulties experienced by the road-rail transport venture Charterail. It is in need of large cash infusions which BR refused to grant even though it owns 22% of the venture. The collapse of Charterail may put the government's plan to privatize the rail industry in jeopardy. Potential investors could interpret it as a demonstration of BR's unwillingness to work with the private sector and mightdecide against entering the rail business. The privatization of BR is difficult enough without investors being scared off. It is expected that the goverment wil have a hard time selling off the railways given BR's demoralized and run-down state.

Railroads, line-haul operating, Analysis, Management, Railroads, Privatization, Privatization (Business), Railroad management, British Rail

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Weapons in the fight for survival

Article Abstract:

Royal Ordnance PLC, the leading UK arms producer, has acquired the German firm Heckler und Koch GmbH. The acquisition creates a powerful combination. Royal Ordnance is Europe's largest ammunition maker and manufactures various arms ranging from tank guns to torpedoes. Heckler und Koch, on the other hand has developed the revolutionary G11 rifle, widely considered as the most advanced combat rifle available.

Small arms, Product development, Mergers, acquisitions and divestments, Company Profile, Firearms industry, Firearms industry and trade, Heckler und Koch GmbH, RO Defence

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