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  Barry
  that there was growth surprises me too! How is this measured? There is nothing on the scale of the 70s and 80s left so are we talking about more numerous, but smaller, manufacturing on the lines of the sweat shops? I saw a statistic once, but can't quite recall it, which showed that something like 90% of businesses in Kent employ only a handful of people. That may account for 'growth'.
  Thatcher had an ideological hatred of the public sector and what she regarded as the dirty industries which is why she embarked on a massive sell-off and outsourcing drive. The result was the shift to high-tech (low employing) businesses and finance. Germany which is the strong nation in Europe (and let's not forget that it took on an (effectively) third world nation in Eastern Germany only 30 years ago) has a more balanced trade sector with both finance and heavy industries. Their model looks more sustainable to me and, though still prone to global market activities, is better able to ride downturn.
  We need to broaden our base and be prepared to face down the threats of the financial services that they will up sticks. The financial crisis has shown us that we are too dependent on a a small sector and rather than being held hostage (and I agree with Roger) being shown two fingers we need to build for the future.

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