Country Introduction
The United Kingdom (UK) is a member of the European Union (EU) and the leader of foreign direct investments in Europe. It is a primary entry-point to the European market, offering straightforward access to the 27 member states of the EU, the world’s largest economic market (Datamonitor, 2010).The UK provides extensive business opportunities for investors, offering low labor costs and high returns making the UK an attractive investment destination. According to a recent World Bank study, the UK was recognized as one of the easiest locations in Europe to establish and run a business; with it only taking 13 days to register a business (Business Link, 2011). The UK was additionally accredited by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) as being second in the world for product market regulation, second for the least barriers to entrepreneurship and third for the least trade barriers in the world; making the UK a principal location for consideration for entrance into the European Union marketplace (InvestUK, 2010). The UK food and drink sector is one of the fastest growing industries in the world, making it a favorable location when considering expansion in the global marketplace (UK Trade & Investment, 2011).
Political Overview
The official name of the United Kingdom (UK) is the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, but it is also referred to as Great Britain or Britain. The UK is comprised of the four countries of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. It is important to be sensitive to the strong sense of country specific patriotism felt by the populations of these four nations, especially with respect to the three countries of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The terms “'English” and “British” do not have the same meaning. Inferring someone is “British” is referencing to someone who is either from England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. “English” refers specifically to people or...