This is a serious comment. It is not about working harder, but working cleverer. Scandinavian companies have to compete against geography with longer transport routes, so have to have better products, thus the development of Volvo and Bang&Olsen, etc.
For too long British Companies have relied on the old boy network and lack of investment. It is not just governments here that let companies like BL slide into oblivion. Tax rates need to get clever too. Why did Dyson transfer his manufacturing to Asia? I think there is a tax rebate available on R and D at the moment which is excellent. The tax break on movies being filmed over here seems to have worked? I do not know much about this! However I am sure investment in quality can result in better quality skilled jobs and more tax revenue. I wonder how much investment is wasted on new cars etc. rather than innovation?