Pharmaceuticals

The British pharmaceuticals industry is one of the biggest in the world. It is the fifth largest manufacturer and fourth largest exporter of medicines. Scientific excellence underpins the success of the pharmaceuticals industry: British firms spend around ₤1,500 million a year in the search for new technologies, new therapies and new ways to fight disease. In 1992 a quarter of the 20 most prescribed medicine in the world had been discovered by scientists in Britain.

The industry is made up of about 360 companies of all sizes. A small number of very big firms dominate production - the six largest are Glaxo, Zeneca, Wellcome, SmithKline Beecham, Boots and Fisons. The largest 21 account for 70 per cent of production and employment. Smaller firms spend less on R & D and tend to concentrate on producing generic prescription medicines and non-prescription medicines with expired patents.

The industry manufactures the whole range of medicines - human and veterinary medicines, medical dressings and dental materials. In the last ten years or so, the largest growth has been in medicines that act on the respiratory system, followed by cardiovascular, muscular and skeletal, anti-infectives and alimentary tract remedies. Over-the-counter medicines sold most often are cough, cold and sore throat medicines, analgesics, vitamins and gastro-intestinal remedies.

Discoveries by the industry include semi-synthetics and treatments for asthma, coronary heart disease and certain cancers. British researchers are also making breakthroughs in treatments for AIDS, malaria and hepatitis. Biotechnology and a growing understanding of the biology of cells are bringing new medical opportunities. As genes in the human body are gradually sequenced, scientists are beginning to discover the molecular basis of diseases, opening the way to new treatments. Three major research areas in which Britain leads are drug design, biotechnology and gene therapy.

Mechanical Engineering

Exports of mechanical machinery represented 13 per cent of total visible exports in 1993. Output includes pressure vessels, heat exchangers and storage tanks for chemical and oil-refining plant, steam-raising boilers (including those for power stations), nuclear reactions, water and sewage treatment plant, and fabricated steelwork for bridges, buildings and industrial installations.

Britain is among the world's major producers of tractors, which make up over three-quarters of total output of agricultural equipment. Sales of the tractor industry were valued at ₤1,100 million in 1993. Massey Ferguson and Ford are major producers of tractors. Technical innovations include computer-controlled tractors, an ultra-efficient pesticide sprayer and combined mower/conditioners that reduce drying time for grass.

Britain is the world's eighth largest producer of machine tools with total sales of nearly ₤900 million in 1993. British manufacturers have made technological advances in probes, sensors, co-ordinate measuring devices, laser melting and the installation of flexible manufacturing systems. Computer numerical-controlled machines account for an increasing proportion of output. The 600 Group is the biggest British machine tool company.

Most sales of textile machinery are to export markets. British innovations include computerised colour matching and weave simulation, friction spinning, high-speed computer-controlled knitting machines and electronic jacquard attachments for weaving looms.

Britain's mining and tunnelling equipment leads in the production of coal-cutting and road-heading (shearing) equipment, hydraulic roof supports, conveying equipment, flameproof transformers, switchgear, and subsurface transport equipment and control systems.