(2) In this next point I hope to determine in detail all the characteristics of the UK economy, government fiscal and monetary policies and how each one effects on the Tesco PLC organisation. I plan to give a clear and comprehensive look into each of the factors which build the UK economy and analyse and evaluate with strong evidence of application to theory throughout the report. The UK has a democratic, parliamentary system of governance known as the Westminster system. The structure of the administration ensures that there is an adequate separation of powers between the executive branch, led by the prime minister, the bicameral legislature and the judiciary, and that there is a system of checks and balances in place. The current population of the UK is 64.1 million. The UK was one of the largest macroeconomics in the world. It was seen to be one of the strongest and most stable economies before 2007, however post 2008 economic deceleration began and the GDP growth rate fell to 0.7%. In 2008, the economy entered into a recession, with a predicted negative growth rate of -4.5% for the following year. (Data monitor Statistics) The current conservative government’s main economic aims are Economic growth with more goods and services produced in the economy, alongside low inflation, little unemployment with a Fair distribution of income. (HM Treasury) Taxation comes in two forms direct taxation (taxation on income and profits) and indirect taxation this is taxation on expenditure (VAT, excise duty). The UK government spends in the region of £400bn a year. Over a third of this money goes in welfare benefits such as pensions, unemployment benefit and other forms of income support. The rest is spent on health, education, defence, roads, law and order and on supporting businesses and local communities. (Data Monitor Statistics) Businesses can benefit direct or indirectly