Research that predicts which locations are set to becomeeconomic "hot spots" in modern-day Britain has focused on Leeds. Leedshas been forecast as becoming one of five new "super cities"specialising in finance in the report by HSBC.
According to HSBC’s Future of Business report releasedtoday, the UK’s business landscape is set for its biggest shake up since theindustrial revolution.
The report concludes it has uncovered a changing landscape,which will be populated with new centres for gaming, wind farms androbotics dominating the traditional map of UK industry - which was once plottedwith factories, power stations and livestock.
The report, from HSBC Commercial Banking and The Future Laboratory, predictsthat the economic downturn, increased emphasis on internationalisation andchanging demands on business will profoundly alter the UK’s "businessmap" as the 21st century unfolds.
It is forecasting a new regional geography with the birth ofnew "supercities" and a map of tomorrow populated by nanotech,cybernetics and a growing emphasis on bio and tech sciences driven by neweconomic income streams.
According to the report’s authors, the changes are being driven by therecession, which will create an emphasis on interpersonal skills in business;technological advances; the demands of many for new and flexible ways ofworking; more business trade taking place across international borders, and arise in entrepreneurship.
Report author Martin Raymond said: "These supercitiesand regions will derive their status, income and prestige from new economicincome streams such as biotech, stem cell research, innovation, gaming and evenalternative work practices and business models.”
Noel Quinn, head of HSBC Commercial Banking UK, said: “The face ofbusiness is changing and while we are in tough economic times, this reportunveils some positive new trends that could alter the shape of the workingworld tomorrow.
