THE COMPETITIVENESS OF BUSINESS-SERVICES IN THE REPUBLIC-OF-IRELAND, NORTHERN-IRELAND, WALES, AND THE SOUTHEAST OF ENGLAND

In this paper we compare the competitiveness and performance of sample s of business service offices located in two peripheral regions of the United Kingdom: Northern Ireland and Wales, and peripheral Republic o f Ireland by making matched comparisons with counterparts in a core re gion-South East England. Offices in South East England are characteris ed by faster growth, higher productivity, wider markets, and greater e xport penetration than their counterparts in the other regions conside red. The relative strengths, weaknesses, and constraints on raising pr oductivity and competitiveness of peripherally located firms are exami ned. Special consideration is given to markets served, spatial structu re of markets, locational constraints, and the adequacy of equipment a nd qualifications. An important factor influencing competitiveness is the ability of an office to provide high-quality specialist services, and alternative policies for achieving this aim are considered.