United Kingdom
In-depth PESTLE insights
PESTLE Country Analysis Report: United Kingdom
REFERENCE CODE: ML00002-031
© MarketLine. This report is a licensed product and is not to be photocopied
PUBLICATION DATE: May 2013
WWW.MARKETLINE.COM
MARKETLINE. THIS PROFILE IS A LICENSED PRODUCT AND IS NOT TO BE PHOTOCOPIED
ML00002-031/Published 05/2013
Page 1
OVERVIEW
Catalyst
This profile analyzes the political, economic, social, technological, legal and environmental (PESTLE) structure in the UK.
Each of the PESTLE factors is explored on four parameters: current strengths, current challenges, future prospects, and future risks.
Summary
Key findings
The UK has a strong democratic system, but differences between coalition partners in the incumbent government pose a challenge
The UK adheres to a democratic, parliamentary system of governance known as the Westminster system. This system ensures adequate distribution of power between the executive branch led by the prime minister, the bicameral legislature and the judiciary.
Growing ideological differences between the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats in the current government is making the coalition vulnerable. Tensions between pro-Europe Liberal Democrats and euroskeptic Conservatives continue to plague British politics. Further, conflicting views on issues such as welfare reforms, immigration and the economy are straining relations.
The UK economy is developed, but rising government debt remains a concern
The UK is one of the largest economies in the EU and is one of the strongest in terms of social welfare and standard of living. Among the EU countries, the UK has one of the highest levels of per capita GDP in terms of purchasing power parity. According to the World Bank's Doing Business indicators for 2013, the UK is the seventh best country in the world to do business. The country ranks first in ―getting credit‖, implying that any company wishing to