This week the Prime Minister and the President of the European Commission announced a new agreement – the Windsor Framework – to change the way the Northern Ireland Protocol operates, including by removing checks on goods from Great Britain remaining in Northern Ireland. Inflation in the Euro area is decelerating. Concerns about the impacts of … Continue reading “West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 3 March 2023”
Category: West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor
West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 17 February 2023
Recent international news has been dominated by a huge Turkey-Syria earthquake and by mounting tension between the USA and China regarding the shooting down of a balloon and unidentified flying objects in US airspace. In the UK the Bank of England raised interest rates once again in early February. Inflation is decreasing slightly but remains … Continue reading “West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 17 February 2023”
West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 3 February 2023
This fortnight the second round of the Levelling Up Fund has been announced causing a significant reaction. We have yet to see the full results of the inquiry into the Levelling Up policy implementation and what it may say about the process. The IMF is still not positive about the UK economy; the forecast has … Continue reading “West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 3 February 2023”
West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 20 January 2023
This week, we report on the public opinions and social trends survey and the most reported issues continue to be the cost of living (92%), the NHS (85%), the economy (75%), and climate change and the environment (58%). This aligns with the WEF global risks report, and the issues businesses are facing. The Commonwealth Games … Continue reading “West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 20 January 2023”
West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor- 6th January 2023
We are seeing severe unseasonal weather with Europe seeing high temperatures, closing ski resorts and the US seeing temperatures as low as -45C. At home the most important pressures facing the UK are the cost of living (93%), the NHS (81%), the economy (78%), and climate change and the environment (58%). Around 9 in 10 … Continue reading “West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor- 6th January 2023”
West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 9 December 2022
In this edition we look at the price of the UK’s 12 favourite Christmas dinner trimmings, the price of a traditional Christmas dinner (for a family of 4 or 5) has increased 17.6% from £32.93 in November 2021 to £38.72 in November 2022. However, despite the general gloom of cost-of-living an Ipsos report found that … Continue reading “West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 9 December 2022”
West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 25 November 2022
This fortnight we saw another budget announcement, which has highlighted the global and national economic situation post pandemic and makes it difficult to read, we have a full summary of activities and an assessment of some of the implications for the region. PMI is reflecting the low current business confidence, as energy prices rise, and … Continue reading “West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 25 November 2022”
West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 11 November 2022
This fortnight, with a new PM in place, leading business representative organisations, including the CBI, FSB and the Chambers of Commerce have called for certainty and stability from the new Prime Minister to restore business confidence in the UK. They are calling for Rishi Sunak to restore fiscal credibility, stabilise the economy and deliver much … Continue reading “West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 11 November 2022”
West Midlands Impact Monitor – 28th October 2022
Rishi Sunak is now UK Prime Minister. Concerns about inflation remain paramount for businesses, households and individuals. Russia has continued its targeted attack on Ukrainian energy supplies since last Monday, with an estimated 1.5m households now without electricity. Almost a third of Ukraine’s power stations and other energy-generating facilities having been destroyed in the attacks … Continue reading “West Midlands Impact Monitor – 28th October 2022”
West Midlands Impact Monitor – 14th October 2022
An interesting fact: marmalade has seen a rapid rise in sales surging by 18%, as the nation paid its respects to the Queen. Sales of supermarket own brands continue to surge in an effort to battle the cost-of living crisis. Sales of wonky fruit and vegetables have soared 38% and Lidl is the fastest growing … Continue reading “West Midlands Impact Monitor – 14th October 2022”