On Wednesday the UK Government released the Creative Sector Vision a highly anticipated update to creative policy. Dr Matt Lyons provides a summary of the document and some initial reflections on what it could mean for the region. The Creative Sector Vision published yesterday is the much-anticipated latest iteration of the UK Government’s policy for … Continue reading “The Creative Sector Vision: What Does It Say and What Might It Mean for the West Midlands?”
Category: Business
What Makes a Cluster and Who (and Where) Benefits?
Policymakers are once again focused on the potential of clusters to boost regional growth. However, as James Davies and Simon Collinson demonstrate, a cluster’s contribution to growth can cross regional, national or even continental boundaries. Policymakers, consultants and academics have focused on the potential of clusters to contribute to regional economic growth for a long … Continue reading “What Makes a Cluster and Who (and Where) Benefits?”
The Impact of Economic Events on Ethnic Minority-Led Business in Birmingham
Neelam Afzal discusses the importance of ethnic minority-led businesses for the economy of Birmingham and the UK, but how these businesses are often detached from mainstream business support and struggle disproportionally when accessing finance. This blog post was produced for inclusion in the Birmingham Economic Review for 2022. The annual Birmingham Economic Review is produced … Continue reading “The Impact of Economic Events on Ethnic Minority-Led Business in Birmingham”
The Poorest UK Households are Hit Hardest by the Highest Rate of Firm Failure
With bankruptcies on the rise in the UK, Simon Collinson, Matt Lyons and Huanjia Ma look at the impact of firm failure on the economy, employment and households. Data released by the Insolvency Service at the end of January shows that firm insolvencies, or bankruptcies, in England and Wales reached the highest level since 2009. … Continue reading “The Poorest UK Households are Hit Hardest by the Highest Rate of Firm Failure”
Business Support Re-Organisation in England at a Time of Crisis
Mark Hart discusses changes to business support in England and its impact on businesses. This blog post was produced for inclusion in the Birmingham Economic Review for 2022. The annual Birmingham Economic Review is produced by the University of Birmingham’s City-REDI and the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce. It is an in-depth exploration of the … Continue reading “Business Support Re-Organisation in England at a Time of Crisis”
International Women’s Day: Female Entrepreneurship in the UK
In celebration of International Women’s Day, Juliane Schwarz looks at how females in the UK are represented in business as entrepreneurs. This blog is part of an International Women’s Day series. Females account for one in three entrepreneurs in the UK. The Female Founder Forum describes in One in a Million that similar economies such as … Continue reading “International Women’s Day: Female Entrepreneurship in the UK”
Technological Innovation and Disruption in Birmingham
Reen Blake-Carr reviews the risks and opportunities of technological disruptions in the manufacturing sector in Birmingham. This blog post was produced for inclusion in the Birmingham Economic Review for 2022. The annual Birmingham Economic Review is produced by the University of Birmingham’s City-REDI and the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce. It is an in-depth exploration … Continue reading “Technological Innovation and Disruption in Birmingham”
The Nightmare Before Christmas
Alice Pugh looks at the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on the Christmas season. Whether you view Christmas as a religious or commercial holiday, for most households in the UK it should be a beautiful time of the year filled with joy. However, this year the cost-of-living crisis is the grinch which is stealing Christmas … Continue reading “The Nightmare Before Christmas”
International Trade and Supply Chain Disruptions in the Light of the Russian-Ukraine war
With the Russian invasion of Ukraine, both countries reduced their trade with the world, and supply chains were disrupted. Maryna Ramcharan looks at UK international trade with both countries and the subsequent supply chain disruptions. International trade in the UK has a negative trade balance. Imports from Ukraine accounted for 0.2% of all goods imports. … Continue reading “International Trade and Supply Chain Disruptions in the Light of the Russian-Ukraine war”
An Early Assessment of the Economic Impact of the Birmingham Commonwealth Games
Dr Matt Lyons provides an early assessment of the economic impact of the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games. The Commonwealth Games have kicked off in Birmingham and the buzz about the city has been infectious. Spectators have flocked to events to see elite athletes compete and/or to see the supporting art exhibits like the giant mechanical … Continue reading “An Early Assessment of the Economic Impact of the Birmingham Commonwealth Games”