What hope for modern democracy after Brexit?

The low turnout at last month’s by-elections tells us a lot about the state of modern democracy. With a turnout of just 38% in Stoke-on-Trent and 51% in Copeland, does this signify a time for change in the system of democracy as we currently know it? The idea that the UK is facing a crisis … Continue reading “What hope for modern democracy after Brexit?”

Budgeting on the Margins? Skills, Business Rates and the Budget

Here, City-REDI’s Professor John Bryson shares his Spring Budget predictions ahead of tomorrow’s announcement. “…There is a major policy tension that needs to be reconciled. On the one hand, there is a strategy to devolve business rates as part of the ‘devolution revolution’. On the other hand, the rise of e-commerce has undermined the basis of much … Continue reading “Budgeting on the Margins? Skills, Business Rates and the Budget”

Urban living – what’s Birmingham’s offer?

Is living in Birmingham so bad? The answer is no according to a recent YouGov survey of Birmingham residents. But what makes the city so ‘liveable’? Here, Dr Rachel Mulhall provides some reflections. Green Space – Perhaps surprising to those who don’t live in the city, residents of Birmingham refer to parks and open spaces as … Continue reading “Urban living – what’s Birmingham’s offer?”

What makes Birmingham the UK’s most investable city?

Birmingham has undergone a huge transformation over the last 10 years as a result of significant growth and investment. Now a prospering and vibrant city, Birmingham is becoming an increasingly appealing place to live, work and invest – offering what is often described as ‘a cosmopolitan lifestyle without the price tag’. But what is it that makes Birmingham … Continue reading “What makes Birmingham the UK’s most investable city?”

AnalystFEST post-event review: “Standing Room Only!”

In this post, Tasos Kitsos provides a round-up of City-REDI’s AnalystFEST event which took place last week. The event brought together policy and academic researchers in the West Midlands to celebrate the use of evidence. This was an activity packed day that provided the chance for a number of high profile speakers to reflect on … Continue reading “AnalystFEST post-event review: “Standing Room Only!””

West Midlands Devolution: Great Mayoral Debate 2017

City-REDI sponsored an event hosted by Insider last week which brought together the mayoral candidates for the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) for a debate ahead of the election on May 4th. City-REDI’s Prof. Simon Collinson was there to bring the session to a close, providing a number of key reflections that came out of the … Continue reading “West Midlands Devolution: Great Mayoral Debate 2017”

Post-Brexit? What defines an outstanding Modern Industrial Strategy for a Great Global Trading Nation?

Here, City-REDI’s Prof. John Bryson gives his views on what a modern industrial strategy should look like post-Brexit. “An effective industrial strategy should be a long-term strategy that works over decades rather than years. It should evolve slowly building on a strong supportive foundation and should be evaluated over decades rather than election cycles.” Last week, Theresa … Continue reading “Post-Brexit? What defines an outstanding Modern Industrial Strategy for a Great Global Trading Nation?”

All Change? The Implications of Theresa May’s Lancaster House ‘Exiting the European Union’ Speech (16 January 2017) for Everyday Britons

Here, City-REDI’s Prof. John Bryson discusses what Theresa May’s speech on ‘Exiting the European Union’ earlier this week means for everyday Britons. “Well, that’s all folks!” This well-known phase from the world of Hollywood cartoons perhaps sums up Theresa May’s Lancaster House speech that has laid out some of the principles that underpin the UK Government’s approach … Continue reading “All Change? The Implications of Theresa May’s Lancaster House ‘Exiting the European Union’ Speech (16 January 2017) for Everyday Britons”

Deliveroo Riders and the GIG Economy: Employees, the Self-Employed and Workers and Local Economic Development

Here, City-REDI’s Prof. John Bryson discusses what the gig economy means for employees, the self-employed, workers and local economic development. The so called ‘gig economy’ is transforming the nature of work, but only for some workers by providing alternative employment opportunities. These employment opportunities reflect the management of labour inputs by the application of technology that … Continue reading “Deliveroo Riders and the GIG Economy: Employees, the Self-Employed and Workers and Local Economic Development”

Meet Charlotte Hoole, Policy and Data Analyst at City-REDI

I would call myself a cities and policy researcher by trade – which basically means that I’m interested in research that is relevant to cities and that has an impact on policy. Whilst currently being in the final stages of completing my PhD, when the exciting opportunity came up here at City-REDI I jumped at … Continue reading “Meet Charlotte Hoole, Policy and Data Analyst at City-REDI”