Donald Houston talks though key findings of the report and policy implications of a recent City-REDI paper. The University of Birmingham’s City-Region Economic Development Institute (City-REDI) has published a Research & Policy Briefing paper based on the main findings from a major project that I led funded by the Economic & Social Research Council. The … Continue reading “Policy Briefing: Understanding the UK’s Rise in Economic Inactivity Since 2020 Across Local Labour Markets”
Category: Economics
West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 29th October 2025
International instability, uncertainty and protectionism continued to impact not just the global economy but the UK economy, with current and future business activity in decline, as a result of reduced confidence in the consumer markets globally. Prices continue to rise nationally, with consumer price inflation CPI rising 3.8% in the year to September 2025. Global … Continue reading “West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 29th October 2025”
Can West Midlanders Afford to Live Solo? A Local Take on the Carrie Bradshaw Index
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”
Project Spotlight: Uncovering Patterns and Policy Implications of Multiple Employment
In a new series of blogs, we will be reviewing the current and historical work of City-REDI. In the latest blog of the series, we look at Dr Darja Reuschke’s work on exploring the dynamics and policy implications of multiple employment, particularly the combination of salaried jobs and self-employment. Project Overview The “Uncovering Patterns and … Continue reading “Project Spotlight: Uncovering Patterns and Policy Implications of Multiple Employment”
What is a Business Case? Why are they Important to Universities?
In a series of Blogs, originally published by the National Civic Impact Accelerator, Alice Pugh looks at the importance of Business Case Studies to Universities. Business cases often used to show there is a compelling and worthwhile case to initiate a viable project. All projects should show their value for money, added value, viability and … Continue reading “What is a Business Case? Why are they Important to Universities?”
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”
Facing up to the Foundational Economy
Economic growth is the primary mission of the current UK government, with more people in good jobs, higher living standards and productivity growth. Yet traditional economic development approaches have been questioned in academic and policy debates about how inclusive and sustainable economic performance can be achieved across the UK. A recent paper in Urban Studies … Continue reading “Facing up to the Foundational Economy”
Report Spotlight: Geographically Concentrating or Spreading Public Funding
In a new series of blogs, we will be reviewing the current and historical work of City-REDI. In the latest blog, we look at Professor Anne Green’s work with Andy Pike and Shona Duncan on the advantages and disadvantages of concentrating versus spreading public funding across different geographical areas. The project brings together a highly … Continue reading “Report Spotlight: Geographically Concentrating or Spreading Public Funding”
Rebalancing the map: How Improved Public Funding Allocation in England Could Help Tackle Geographical Inequalities
England’s economic and social landscape is deeply uneven. From productivity and income to health and education, stark geographical inequalities persist – and in many cases, are worsening. Despite years of policy attention, the UK’s highly centralised governance and fragmented funding systems have failed to deliver meaningful change. But what if public funding was allocated in … Continue reading “Rebalancing the map: How Improved Public Funding Allocation in England Could Help Tackle Geographical Inequalities”