In recent years, universities in Europe, North America, and Australasia have increasingly re-engaged with their local cities and regions, recognising their civic roles that had been overshadowed by ambitions for national or international prestige. This renewed focus is driven by the economic, cultural, and demographic benefits that research-intensive universities bring to their regions and a … Continue reading “Engaged Universities and Intelligent City/Regions”
Author: Guest blogger
What Can We Learn From 20 Years of EU Funding for SME Finance? Lessons From Wales and Beyond
Drawing on findings from the Wales Business Fund evaluation, Tim Fanning and Neil Evans reflect on the lessons from attempts to address the SME finance gap in Wales and other UK regions. The SME finance gap: a key barrier to growth Gaps in access to finance for SMEs have been recognised as a market failure … Continue reading “What Can We Learn From 20 Years of EU Funding for SME Finance? Lessons From Wales and Beyond”
Grasping the Nettle: The Urgent Reform of Business Rates
John Webber, Director & Head of Rating at Colliers, discusses how the current business rates system needs reform. With rate bills becoming increasingly unaffordable for many businesses and the appeal process overly complex and costly, urgent action is needed to address the unsustainable nature of the system. This article was written for the Birmingham Economic … Continue reading “Grasping the Nettle: The Urgent Reform of Business Rates”
Getting our Transport System Closer to the Standards of London
Adam Harrison, Principal Transport Policy and Strategy Officer, Transport for West Midlands discusses how we can make our transport systems in the region better and stronger for our communities. This article was written for the Birmingham Economic Review 2023. The review is produced by City-REDI/ WMREDI, the University of Birmingham and the Greater Birmingham Chambers … Continue reading “Getting our Transport System Closer to the Standards of London”
Tackling Congestion and the Rise of Single Occupancy Cars
Daljit Kalirai, Sales & Partnerships Director at National Express, explains that by prioritizing mass transit, reducing congestion, and fostering partnerships with businesses to promote commuting by bus, the West Midlands can mitigate environmental damage and stimulate economic growth. This article was written for the Birmingham Economic Review 2023. The review is produced by City-REDI/ WMREDI, … Continue reading “Tackling Congestion and the Rise of Single Occupancy Cars”
Cheapening Tomorrow? Revisiting HM Treasury’s Discount Rate
Calvin Jones, Professor of Economics at Cardiff Business School, critiques current discounting practices used to evaluate long-term investments, arguing that they systematically undervalue future benefits. By advocating for a revised approach that considers ecological and social factors, Calvin suggests using a lower discount rate to prioritise sustainability and equity. The future… is another country? Go find a … Continue reading “Cheapening Tomorrow? Revisiting HM Treasury’s Discount Rate”
More for Less? The Four-Day Week
Andy Dawson, Director and Co-Founder of Curium Solutions discusses the four-day workweek movement, highlighting the benefits for employers and employees. This article was written for the Birmingham Economic Review, published in September 2023. The review is produced by City-REDI / WMREDI, the University of Birmingham and the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce. It is an … Continue reading “More for Less? The Four-Day Week”
The Role of Further Education in Workforce Development
Rebecca Waterfield, Director of Business Development, South and City College Birmingham discusses how Further Education Colleges are crucial for supporting economic growth in Birmingham and the region. This article was written for the Birmingham Economic Review, published in September 2023. The review is produced by City-REDI / WMREDI, the University of Birmingham and the Greater … Continue reading “The Role of Further Education in Workforce Development”
The Rise in Economic Inactivity Due to Long-Term Health Issues
Dr Justin Varney, Director of Public Health, Birmingham City Council discusses how retention of staff is key to the health and wealth of Birmingham and the wider region, as well as business. This article was written for the Birmingham Economic Review, published in September 2023. The review is produced by City-REDI / WMREDI, the University … Continue reading “The Rise in Economic Inactivity Due to Long-Term Health Issues”
The Impact of the Cost of Living Crisis and The Issue of Deprivation in Birmingham
Simone Connolly, CEO, FareShare Midlands discusses the impact of the cost of living crisis in Birmingham, with large increases in the numbers of people turning to them for help. This article was written for the Birmingham Economic Review, published in September 2023. The review is produced by City-REDI / WMREDI, the University of Birmingham and … Continue reading “The Impact of the Cost of Living Crisis and The Issue of Deprivation in Birmingham”