THE LOCATION OF EARLY OVERSEAS MULTINATIONALS IN BRITAIN, 1900-1939 -PATTERNS AND DETERMINANTS

This paper examines the location patterns of early overseas multinatio nals in Britain over the period 1900-1939, together with the factors i nfluencing their location. The London conurbation is I;shown to have a ttracted the majority of early multinationals, with significant long t erm consequences fbr British regional development. The key attractions of London were its strong market links, industrial estate facilities and (particularly road) transport infrastructure. Cheaper labour in Br itain's provincial regions did not generally prove a significant attra ction to foreign firms, due to their heavy reliance on female and juve nile labour and the ample supply of such labour in Greater London.