I think the problem is that we as a country have this idea that we should have a profit whatever the cost. I mean ALL sections of society.
The companies have shareholders and boards. The shareholders and boards want the biggest profit possible. Some large companies have a system of bonuses that goes down through the ranks (I know of at least one major mobile phone retailer that does this). Thus, those in the lower ranks are encouraged to increase profitibility. Of course, this doesn't always extend to the poor sap who actually sells the product to the customer and gets the complaint when the product in question fails because it is also cheaply made (again, to increase profitability).
In the meantime, we also want greater salaries, and to make profits from selling/renting our houses. This is leading to a situation where property prices are rising fast (too fast IMO), and we therefore need greater salaries to pay for mortgages/rent.
Companies are facing similar problems when buying land for buildings, or buildings. That, the increased staffing costs, and their own drive for increasing profit at all costs is making them look to other countries for staff.
Now, I am not saying being profitable is bad. Far from it. It's just we seem to be going a bit far.
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I think customers are becoming more astute in deciding the best deal for them.
For example, being a big cd buyer, when a new title I want is released I dont go out straight away and buy it regardless of the price, I will use all the means available online to get the best price, as I see it if I save a few quid on one cd this has a roll on effect for my next purchase
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The example above illustrates (partially) what I mean. People (in my experience) automatically think that whatever appears cheapest is automatically the best deal for them. More often than not, it is. But you often get reduced reliability or a worse service as a result. For instance, to use the CD example above: It costs more to buy CDs in my local record shop, but I can talk to the staff, get their recommendations, and have ended up with some interesting CDs as a result.