In a new series of Blogs, we hear from new City-REDI Associate Chris Gregory. Having grown up on the Birmingham border, I have lived locally for almost all of my life, and am therefore delighted to have been appointed a City-REDI Associate. When completing my first degree (Geography at the University of Plymouth), I regularly … Continue reading “Meet New City-REDI Associate Chris Gregory”
Improving Employment Outcomes for Young People in Birmingham
New City-REDI and Rigby Foundation report launched in Westminster setting out a roadmap for improving employment outcomes for young people in Birmingham. On 14 July, a team from City-REDI officially launched a major new report on the labour market challenges and opportunities facing young people in Birmingham at a Westminster reception attended by parliamentarians, business … Continue reading “Improving Employment Outcomes for Young People in Birmingham”
From Academic Insight to Applied Impact: Advancing Inclusive Growth through Socio-Economics
In a new series of blogs, we will be introducing our City-REDI Associates, learning more about them and what they plan to do whilst working with us. The first instalment of this series, we introduce Henry Lucas. Introducing my role and focus Hello – I’m Henry! I’m a Senior Socio-Economic Consultant at Ramboll, working at … Continue reading “From Academic Insight to Applied Impact: Advancing Inclusive Growth through Socio-Economics”
Raising Self-Belief and Widening the Horizons of Young People to Reduce Their risk of Becoming NEET
We are launching the report of our findings of the evaluation of the Partnership for People and Place 2 (PfPP2) programme by City-REDI based at University of Birmingham. The report findings are timely considering the recently published Milburn Report on Young People and Work. In this report it is estimated the cumulative annual cost to … Continue reading “Raising Self-Belief and Widening the Horizons of Young People to Reduce Their risk of Becoming NEET”
Addressing Complex Issues Collaboratively and Analytically: My Journey to City-REDI
George Bolton, City-REDI’s new Policy and Data Analyst, reflects on his career so far, his motivation for joining City-REDI and what lies ahead. Motivated by Addressing Complex Issues My interest in City-REDI comes from a long-term commitment to use my research skills to help address the multiple, overlapping issues affecting communities across the UK. Whether … Continue reading “Addressing Complex Issues Collaboratively and Analytically: My Journey to City-REDI”
Policy News – June 2026
This blog summarises the latest policy news including reports, inquiries, consultations, government research and events. Reports from Academics and Think Tanks Title Details Published Ambitious but risk averse: UK manager attitudes and the investment gap The UK’s persistently weak business investment rate relative to peer economies is one of its most enduring economic challenges. A … Continue reading “Policy News – June 2026”
Changing Work/Places: Remote Work and the Prospect of Rural and Coastal Revival in Great Britain
A new paper from City-REDI researcher Darja Reuschke and Julie MacLevy (University of Bristol) investigates the geographical implications of the post-COVID surge in remote working. The rise of remote working has been widely seen as a potential gamechanger for the UK’s economic geography. Could it finally enable people to move away from cities, support revival … Continue reading “Changing Work/Places: Remote Work and the Prospect of Rural and Coastal Revival in Great Britain”
From Football City to Civic Lab: What Wrexham can Teach us about Building innovation ecosystems that last
Wrexham’s recent global spotlight from football success has coincided with a quieter but equally important story of how the city, led in part by Wrexham University, is embedding inclusive innovation into everyday practice to build a collaborative, resilient ecosystem that can sustain long-term change. The three consecutive promotions of Wrexham football club have casted a … Continue reading “From Football City to Civic Lab: What Wrexham can Teach us about Building innovation ecosystems that last”
Policy News – May 2026
This blog summarises the latest policy news including reports, inquiries, consultations, government research and events. Reports from Academics and Think Tanks Title Details Published Pay check: The minimum wage in British cities New Centre for Cities analysis shows that rising National Living Wage rates are having very different effects across UK cities and towns. May … Continue reading “Policy News – May 2026”
What Aston Villa’s Europa League Win Tells Us About the 2026 English Local Elections
In May 2026, Aston Villa won the Europa League, their first European trophy for 44 years. England have two more representatives, Arsenal and Crystal Palace, in the finals of the Champions League and Conference League – the other two major European competitions. This can be a cause for celebration of the strength of English football. … Continue reading “What Aston Villa’s Europa League Win Tells Us About the 2026 English Local Elections”