[DaveG28]

I'm sorry, but it's not just bad management either, it's a mix of management and workers. Sadly all too many people in the UK think they are owed a job and a living by the world, and don't realise you have to make a product people want (combination of quality/price).

Take Bristol as an example, I can guess why they wouldn't give Top Gear a car. It's probably not very good!!

I know at least one UK firm who had workers demanding r&d be cut back to fund continuing pay rises for them whilst the company made a loss, that's long term thinking eh!!

Finally, as for the service/finance sector. It made money. British Leyland, Rover et al didn't. That's why our economy changed, nothing more drastic than that. Now the finance industry have required a bailout, the difference is that's to get over one worldwide shock, we'll probably get our money back. Our manufacturing industries required constant bailouts/help/favours! The sad thing is, we are great designers/innovators...