West Midlands Weekly Economic Impact Monitor – 20th August 2021

Whilst the world is looking at events in Afghanistan, the UK has seen a resurgence in infection rates, and the number of daily new cases confirmed in the UK is now the highest out of the selected European countries. 8% of West Midlands adults reported they were self-isolating; the highest region in Great Britain for … Continue reading “West Midlands Weekly Economic Impact Monitor – 20th August 2021”

West Midlands Weekly Economic Impact Monitor – 6th August 2021

This week three major intelligence products for partners have been launched. These are: (1) the Cultural Infrastructure Map – cultural facilities are the cornerstone of our arts and cultural ecology, which will help support the arts and cultural sector. (2) The WMREDI partnership launched the State of the Region 2021 and the reports can be … Continue reading “West Midlands Weekly Economic Impact Monitor – 6th August 2021”

West Midlands Weekly Economic Impact Monitor – 23rd July 2021

This week England has opened up, lifting most of the restrictions in place to date. This has been met with mixed reviews, especially as Covid-19 cases are rising. It remains to be seen what impact opening up has overall and how public perceptions and behaviour unfold over the coming weeks. The UK has seen a … Continue reading “West Midlands Weekly Economic Impact Monitor – 23rd July 2021”

Event: Launch of the State of the Region 2021 – 4th August 2021, 14:00 – 15:30

This year we are launching the fifth annual review of the State of the Region 2021 looking at how the region has fared in the last 12 months. We are launching the report and the West Midlands Data Lab and highlighting some of the research and data which has been ongoing over the last 12 … Continue reading “Event: Launch of the State of the Region 2021 – 4th August 2021, 14:00 – 15:30”

West Midlands Weekly Economic Impact Monitor – 9th July 2021

This week the UK has seen a resurgence in infection rates, and the daily new cases confirmed in the UK are now the highest out of the selected European countries. This comes as vaccination rates per day in the UK fall and social distancing rules are relaxed, including the re-opening of pubs; which are seeing … Continue reading “West Midlands Weekly Economic Impact Monitor – 9th July 2021”

West Midlands Weekly Economic Impact Monitor – 25th June 2021

This week’s Monitor shows how, generally, the world economy is picking up with pent up demand starting to be released as countries unlock. However, in the UK this week there are stark warnings about the food and drink industry facing labour shortages, especially in fresh food and haulage. This is mainly due to the impact … Continue reading “West Midlands Weekly Economic Impact Monitor – 25th June 2021”

West Midlands Weekly Economic Impact Monitor – 11th June 2021

This week’s monitor looks at the delayed GVA statistics for 2019, where the region’s growth was lower than expected. Many indicators and surveys are pointing to an emerging recovery, but it is highly dependent on the opening up of the cities and high streets. Published research is turning to the opening up of cities and … Continue reading “West Midlands Weekly Economic Impact Monitor – 11th June 2021”

West Midlands Weekly Economic Impact Monitor – 28th May 2021

This week ONS released the latest GVA (for 2018-2019): the UK average was 3.5% GVA growth. WMCA GVA grew by 1.99% to £106.7bn in 2019, which is lower than expected for that year by many forecasters (Oxford Economics had forecast £110.8bn and are currently revising their forecasts). The Black Country grew by 1.29% to £22.3bn … Continue reading “West Midlands Weekly Economic Impact Monitor – 28th May 2021”

West Midlands Weekly Economic Impact Monitor – 14th May 2021

This week we welcome Andy Street back as Mayor. Following the easing of restrictions, signs of recovery and opening up may signal a new positive phase in the pandemic. We are also pleased to let readers know that the WMCA approach through the Monitor and the State of the Region has received recognition from the … Continue reading “West Midlands Weekly Economic Impact Monitor – 14th May 2021”

West Midlands Weekly Economic Impact Monitor – 30th April 2021

Following the easing of lockdown key indicators are showing the start of a return to normal. Footfall statistics indicate that people are more comfortable with leaving home, but the majority of people still feel the pandemic is having a worrying effect on their lives. The latest skills data shows a significant improvement; however, this should … Continue reading “West Midlands Weekly Economic Impact Monitor – 30th April 2021”