In some sectors a small number of large companies and their subsidiaries are responsible for a substantial proportion of total production, notably in the vehicle, aerospace and transport equipment industries. About 250 British industrial companies each have an annual turnover of more than ₤500 million. The annual turnover of the biggest company, British Petroleum (BP), makes it the 11th largest industrial grouping in the world and the second largest in Europe. Five British firms are among the top 20 European Union (EU) companies in terms of capital employed.
Manufacturing accounted for 22 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) in 1993 and for about the same percentage of employment. About 82 per cent of visible exports consisted of manufactured or semi-manufactured goods. Virtually all manufacturing is carried out by private-sector businesses. Total capital investment in manufacturing was ₤12,165 million in 1993, comprising ₤10,146 million in plant and machinery, ₤1,253 million in new building work and ₤766 million in vehicles.
The construction industry contributed 5 per cent of GDP and employment about 1.2 million people in 1993, 4 per cent of the total number of employees. Total domestic fixed capital investment in construction was ₤812 million.