More prosaically, and perhaps more realistically, all British companies, whether in manufacturing or in services, would benefit from clearer, more predictable taxes and streamlined regulation.

ECONOMIST: A briefing on the British election

In a recent study of seven different sectors of the Thai economy, McKinsey, a consultancy, found that poor government regulation was the single biggest barrier to productivity growth in almost every instance, whether in manufacturing or services, in export-oriented or locally consumed products.

ECONOMIST: Give it a chance

The next few weeks will determine whether a correction in manufacturing turns into something nastier.

ECONOMIST: To cut or not to cut

The prognosis is not only shocking, but it also answers a perennial question, at least for now, about whether solar manufacturing can thrive in the United States.

FORBES: Report: 180 Solar Panel Makers Will Disappear By 2015

The second question potential customers ask is whether a company has manufacturing facilities in China.

FORBES: Staking Out Your Market Position In China: Part II

Whether it is a bank, insurance company, manufacturing firm or any company in any sector, damaging information can be stolen and leaked to the general public and published for immediate access.

FORBES: Don't Let WikiLeaks Derail Your Retirement

Anna Marie Detert, a director at KPMG Management Consulting, said the improvement was being driven by the private sector, in manufacturing and services, but it was too early to tell whether it was the first sign of real sustainable growth in the jobs market.

BBC: UK unemployment falls to 2.51 million, ONS says

"Whether you're pushing your own brand or manufacturing for others, if you're in the PC business, you'll do very well this year and are likely to do quite well next year too, " says Leu.

CNN: Getting Ready for Asia's PC Wars

"We are concerned about quick fixes in pursuing policies without giving them due consideration and without considering whether pursuing policies will have an adverse impact on manufacturing jobs, " said Lawrence Keane, senior vice president and general counsel to the foundation.

WSJ: Gun Hearing In Hartford Stirs Debate