Economist Podcasts At your services: Britain’s economic bright spot
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Jul 11, 2025 
Archie Hall, Britain's economics correspondent, dives into the surprising growth of the service sector despite the nation’s economic woes. Gareth Brown shares insights about the missing journalist Austin Tice and the implications for U.S.-Syrian relations. Anne Rowe reflects on the life of controversial televangelist Jimmy Swaggart, highlighting his fall from grace and search for redemption. Together, they explore how Britain remains an attractive market for international contracts and investments, uncovering resilience amid challenges.
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Britain's Services Export Edge
- Britain's economy has stagnated but it excels in exporting services due to cheap labor and assets.
- This creates a competitive advantage, making Britain attractive for outsourcing and investment despite broader economic difficulties.
Cheap Wages Fuel Service Boom
- British wages are about 30% cheaper than American wages now, creating a significant cost advantage.
- This cheapness helps fuel a 45% growth in services exports over the past decade in real terms.
The Nature of British Services
- Britain's key services exports include consulting, PR, finance, law, operations, and HR roles.
- These roles often involve extensive use of email, coined as "email jobs," highlighting the digital nature of Britain's service exports.