This month the International Monetary Fund (IMF) forecasts stable but underwhelming global growth. US upgrades offset downgrades for European economies and emerging markets impacted by conflicts, weather events, and commodity disruptions. The UK’s Invest 2035 plan is under consultation. It focuses on tackling growth barriers and creating high-quality jobs in high-growth sectors, with a modern … Continue reading “West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 28 November 2024”
Category: West Midlands
Birmingham Economic Review 2024: A Year of Hope and Recovery
Alice Pugh, Emily Stubbs, and Gemma Dilkes summarise the key points in this year’s Birmingham Economic Review, produced by City-REDI and the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce. The review highlights the ongoing recovery of the Greater Birmingham Economy that the city-region has been experiencing, during a period of UK and global political uncertainty. Highlighting both … Continue reading “Birmingham Economic Review 2024: A Year of Hope and Recovery”
The Impact of WMREDI: A Collaborative Approach to Regional Economic Development
This blog explores the impact of the West Midlands Regional Economic Development Institute (WMREDI), looking at its role in creating collaboration between universities, businesses, and policymakers to drive regional economic growth. The West Midlands Regional Economic Development Institute (WMREDI) was created in response to a need in the region for a more collaborative, evidence-based approach … Continue reading “The Impact of WMREDI: A Collaborative Approach to Regional Economic Development”
The Launch of the WMREDI Story
The WMREDI Story was launched on Thursday, 10 October, at The Exchange, University of Birmingham. The report provides an in-depth look at the West Midlands Regional Economic Development Institute’s (WMREDI) successes, challenges, achievements, and impact. Find out more and download the WMREDI Story A brief history of WMREDI WMREDI was based at the University of … Continue reading “The Launch of the WMREDI Story”
Expert Insight: Developing Skills for Innovation and Business Growth in the West Midlands
Anne Green, Professor of Regional Economic Development and Co-Director of City-REDI, University of Birmingham, is a commissioner for the Business Commission West Midlands. She has been supporting engagement in the region’s business community and the creation of the final ‘Roadmap for Business Growth’ report. In this blog, Anne reflects on her role in the commission … Continue reading “Expert Insight: Developing Skills for Innovation and Business Growth in the West Midlands”
Tax Rises Less Regressive Than Spending Cuts – How Does the Council Financial Crisis Impact Households?
There is increasing concern about the financial viability of some local authorities with estimates by the LGA suggesting that councils in England are facing a funding gap of £4 billion. In 2023 Birmingham City Council (BCC) was served a section 114 notice. This means that effectively the council ran out of money. In short, BCC … Continue reading “Tax Rises Less Regressive Than Spending Cuts – How Does the Council Financial Crisis Impact Households?”
Vision to Legacy
Anne Green looks back at the achievements of the now-defunct Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (GBSLEP), summarising some of the findings from our report about the partnership – From Vision to Legacy. What were the Local Enterprise Partnerships? Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) were non-statutory bodies responsible for local economic development in England, until … Continue reading “Vision to Legacy”
The King’s Speech – The Economic Impact for the West Midlands
Alice Pugh discusses the key bills highlighted during the King’s Speech and what they might mean for the economy of the West Midlands. This blog was first posted on the Birmingham Business School blog. This week the King delivered the first King’s Speech since 1951, though the King had previously delivered the speech when the … Continue reading “The King’s Speech – The Economic Impact for the West Midlands”
Early Assessment of the Digital Innovators Ideator
The Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (GBSLEP) commissioned an independent report, produced by City-REDI, which evaluates the programme theory and impact of the Digital Innovators Ideator. Alice Pugh discusses the evalution. The Ideator is a programme for young people (aged 16 to 24), focusing on young people at risk of becoming NEET (not … Continue reading “Early Assessment of the Digital Innovators Ideator”
The West Midlands as a Regional Test bed for Innovation Policy and Support
George Bramley summarises the main findings of a new WMREDI report ‘Early Assessment of the West Midlands Innovation Programme’ whilst Dr Jamie Elliot reflects on how the findings have contributed to shaping provision going forward. Programmes to support innovation have tended to be designed centrally focusing on specific aspects of the research, development, and innovation … Continue reading “The West Midlands as a Regional Test bed for Innovation Policy and Support”