In September 2025, The Economist updated the Carrie Bradshaw Index, a playful yet insightful measure of housing affordability for solo renters across 100 U.S. cities. Named after the iconic character from Sex and the City, the index compares median incomes to the cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment, essentially asking: where can you afford to … Continue reading “Can West Midlanders Afford to Live Solo? A Local Take on the Carrie Bradshaw Index”
Category: Business
Mapping the UK’s Solar PV Supply Chain: An Analysis of Public Procurement Contracts
In this blog, Annum Rafique examines the UK’s solar PV procurement landscape, highlighting how strong SME participation and regional diversity have positioned the sector to support the Government’s 45-47 GW target outlined in the 2025 Solar Roadmap. This blog is part of ongoing work with the Innovation Procurement Empowerment Centre (IPEC), which seeks to position … Continue reading “Mapping the UK’s Solar PV Supply Chain: An Analysis of Public Procurement Contracts”
Report Spotlight: Economic & Social Impacts of PhDs
In a new series of blogs, we will be reviewing the current and historical work of City-REDI. In the latest blog, we examine a report written by Hannes Read, Alice Pugh, Rebecca Riley, and George Bramley, which can support a civic university in maximising the impact of its operations to make a difference in places … Continue reading “Report Spotlight: Economic & Social Impacts of PhDs”
From Tick Box to Toolbox: Rethinking the Green Book
Professor Rebecca Riley looks at the UK Treasury’s Green Book guidance, arguing that while it’s a valuable decision-making tool, it’s often misused or misunderstood, leading to poor public investment outcomes and calling for better training and cultural change. It’s been an interesting few weeks in Green Book land following the report on the Treasury’s review. … Continue reading “From Tick Box to Toolbox: Rethinking the Green Book”
Project Spotlight: The BBC in the West Midlands: A Vital Cultural and Economic Force
In a new series of blogs, we will be reviewing the current and historical work of City-REDI. In the latest blog, we examine the work of Dr Matthew Lyons and Dr Huanjia Ma with BOP Consulting, assessing the likely future economic contribution of the BBC to the West Midlands due to renewed investment in the … Continue reading “Project Spotlight: The BBC in the West Midlands: A Vital Cultural and Economic Force”
What does the 2025 Spending Review mean for Place-Based Economic Development?
One year on from winning the General Election, the Labour Government have outlined its spending review for 2025. Over the course of the Government’s first year, headlines about public finances have focused on tightening budgets. On the one hand, this Spending Review follows in a similar vein. But there are also relatively significant increases in … Continue reading “What does the 2025 Spending Review mean for Place-Based Economic Development?”
Strengthening the UK’s R&D workforce: Insights from a DSIT–City-REDI research collaboration
This blog shares details from a recent research paper published by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT). The study explores long-term trends, challenges, and future skills needs in the R&D workforce. Introduction A strong research and development (R&D) workforce is vital for the UK. Skilled R&D professionals play a crucial role in driving … Continue reading “Strengthening the UK’s R&D workforce: Insights from a DSIT–City-REDI research collaboration”
Report Spotlight: Leveraging Public Procurement to Drive Local Innovation
In a new series of blogs, we will be reviewing the current and historical work of City-REDI. In the next blog from this series, we look at Dr Chloe Billing’s Leveraging Public Procurement to Drive Local Innovation report which is part of the ongoing work with the Innovation Procurement Empowerment Centre (IPEC) In today’s evolving … Continue reading “Report Spotlight: Leveraging Public Procurement to Drive Local Innovation”
Project Spotlight: Rethinking Local Labour Markets and Under employment in the UK
In a new series of blogs, we will review City-REDI’s current and historical work. In the next blog, we will examine a paper published by Professor Donald Houston and colleagues. This report illuminates the persistent challenges of underemployment and workforce planning in the UK’s local labour markets. The research delves into the factors contributing to … Continue reading “Project Spotlight: Rethinking Local Labour Markets and Under employment in the UK”
Birmingham’s Economic Miracle – How can everyone benefit?
I recently spoke at the Lunar Society, attempting to discuss this topic, an “expert view”. In looking at addressing these questions I thought about a more provocation approach, but first breaking down the topics in the question: Has Birmingham experienced an economic Miracle? Do people benefit? How can they benefit? Watching the recent news, it … Continue reading “Birmingham’s Economic Miracle – How can everyone benefit?”