ABSTRACT
British and German companies dominate the ranking of northern and western Europe's 50 Most Trustworthy Companies. However, the Netherlands is the most attractive for foreign companies wishing to establish in this part of Europe. The Netherlands' leading position is partly thanks to the low cost of facilities, the uniform cost structure and the specific incentive schemes for companies active in the field of research and development. Norway, Sweden and Finland are the geographically largest northern European nations and their economies depend on the exploitation of natural resources and fossil fuels. Great Britain and Norway dominate the oil and gas sector in the region, making both economies relatively carbon intensive. Western Europe operates under a capitalist system where most of the means of production remain in private ownership. Strict government control over business slows economic growth but protects against the boom-and-bust cycles.
