How hard would it be to make an electrical item bought on the continent work in the UK?

Answer 1

If by continent you mean continental Europe, then the voltages are compatible (240v in the UK and 220v in Europe)

All you need in this case is an adaptor plug as the plug shapes are different.

Answer 2

All of Europe (including the UK) works on 220V +10% -5%. The asymmetric tolerance was introduced so that the UKs 240V would be compatible with the standard, and electrical goods sold for use anywhere in Europe will be safe for use anywhere else.

Now whether it will actually work depends on what it is. For instance, FM radios have stations at different points in different countries, so a PLL tuner will need to be adjusted or designed for cross border use. TVs have different standards in different countries across Europe, so a TV must be mutli format. Digital radio and TV also follows different standards (digital radio in the UK is only broadcast at about the same quality as AM).

Answer 3

Normally "the continent", Europe? works on 110Volts and in the UK we work on 230Volts.
Most items wont like this increased Voltage!

Answer 4

It really depends what it is. I can say 'not hard' but that gives about the same amount of information as you have volunteered.