By Dr. Magda Cepeda-Zorilla, Department of of Strategy and International Business Summary In this blog I write about the return of e-scooters to Birmingham with a new rental company. I emphasise the absence of research on the advantages and disadvantages of using this mode of transport in the West Midlands. So far, the majority of … Continue reading “Are E-Scooters a Solution or a Hazard?”
Unlocking the Future of UK Mortgages: The Case for Long-Term Fixes and Securitisation
By Andrew Mullineux, Emeritus Professor of Financial Economics, Centre for Responsible Business and CHASM Until this week’s ‘price war’ among the major lenders, UK mortgage rates had been at their highest since the financial crisis in 2008, causing sleepless nights for those needing to remortgage after enjoying much lower two, or five-year fixed terms. And … Continue reading “Unlocking the Future of UK Mortgages: The Case for Long-Term Fixes and Securitisation”
Why are the Commonwealth Games struggling to find hosts?
By Dr Matthew Lyons, City-REDI July saw Ozzy the giant mechanical bull and symbol of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games unveiled in Birmingham New Street. The buzz about the station was high and served as a reminder of the success of last year’s Games. Almost at the same time we saw Victoria, Australia the planned … Continue reading “Why are the Commonwealth Games struggling to find hosts?”
How the scars of past wars continue to shape UK society
By Edward Pinchbeck (University of Birmingham), Dr Felipe Carozzi (London School of Economics) and Dr Luca Repetto (Uppsala University) The two world wars of the early 20th century are an indelible part of Britain’s public consciousness, cultural identity, and shared memory. One way in which past wars endure in social and political discourse is through commemorative … Continue reading “How the scars of past wars continue to shape UK society”
Supermarkets are under fire for rising food costs, is there any sign of prices falling?
By Dr Sarah Montano and Dr Inci Toral Department of Marketing We have all seen and felt the rising costs of groceries in our wallets. It has felt like every time we have been to the supermarket that prices have jumped once again. This steep rise in prices has concerned the Government, and so recently … Continue reading “Supermarkets are under fire for rising food costs, is there any sign of prices falling?”
UK strike wave symptomatic of austerity and underinvestment crisis
By Tony Dobbins, Professor of Work and Employment Relations Department of Management The right to strike or withdraw labour is a fundamental human right in a democratic free society, but is now challenging in the UK due to anti trade union laws enacted in recent decades, including a new Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Bill 2023. … Continue reading “UK strike wave symptomatic of austerity and underinvestment crisis”
With a mortgage crisis looming, where’s the concern for renters?
By Andrew Mullineux, Emeritus Professor of Financial Economics, Centre for Responsible Business and CHASM The interest rate increase by the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee on 22 June in response to persistent inflation seems unlikely to be its last. Mortgage rates have returned to the peaks reached last autumn and government bond rates have … Continue reading “With a mortgage crisis looming, where’s the concern for renters?”
The Great Work Debate: Office vs. Remote
By Dr Jing Du, Associate Professor and Senior Lecturer in Accounting and Finance Department of Finance, University of Birmingham The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped the landscape of work, pushing businesses and employees to explore new ways of operating. It brought about an unprecedented disruption to traditional work patterns, forcing organisations and employees to embrace remote … Continue reading “The Great Work Debate: Office vs. Remote”
Celebrating dads this Father’s Day
By Dr Holly Birkett and Dr Sarah Forbes Co-directors of the Equal Parenting Project There’s so much good work ongoing in supporting fathers to make the transition to more family-focussed work practices, and this is why it is important to celebrate the best of these initiatives with the Working Dads Employer Awards 2023 On Sunday 18th June, … Continue reading “Celebrating dads this Father’s Day”
Cryptocurrencies: a get-rich-quick scheme or high-risk gambling?
Dr Anandadeep Mandal, Scotcoin Distinguished Chair of Digital Finance and Programme Director MSc Financial Technology Department of Finance, University of Birmingham Cryptocurrencies have become increasingly popular in the recent years due to their decentralised nature and potential for excessive returns. However, the crypto market also has a dark side. Over the years we have witnessed … Continue reading “Cryptocurrencies: a get-rich-quick scheme or high-risk gambling?”