The UK Government published its employment White Paper Get Britain Working on 26th November 2024. In this blog, Donald Houston and Anne Green reflect on how realistic the White Paper’s target of an 80% employment rate is. They also assess the merits and limitations of the proposals in getting there. They conclude with some constructive … Continue reading “Is the UK Government’s Employment White Paper up to the task?”
The Impact of WMREDI : Shaping Evidence-Based Policy and Business Cases
This blog highlights the work of the West Midlands Economic Development Institute (WMREDI) in developing evidence-based policy, business cases, and evaluation frameworks to support regional growth. It discusses WMREDI’s impact on building analytical capabilities, fostering resilience, and shaping local industrial strategies through innovative tools, research, and collaborations. In the dynamic landscape of regional policy development, … Continue reading “The Impact of WMREDI : Shaping Evidence-Based Policy and Business Cases”
Understanding Labour Demand and Skills Trends in Greater Birmingham and Solihull
This year’s Birmingham Economic Review is out now! It provides a comprehensive analysis of the city’s economy as we emerge from a period of high inflation and local, regional, and national elections, and actionable measures businesses and stakeholders from across the city-region can take to drive economic growth. Read the full Birmingham Economic Review 2024. … Continue reading “Understanding Labour Demand and Skills Trends in Greater Birmingham and Solihull”
West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 28 November 2024
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”
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”
Engaging Universities in ‘Pride in Place’ and Levelling Up
In June, Rebecca Riley, Anne Green and Des McNulty published a paper, Engaging universities in ‘Pride in Place’ and levelling up. In this blog we look back at the Universities and Region Forum: Universities, Pride in Place and Levelling Up policy briefing, on which the paper was based. The Levelling Up White Paper from 2022 … Continue reading “Engaging Universities in ‘Pride in Place’ and Levelling Up”
The WMREDI Story: Insights From Danielle Dale
In her new role as Executive Assistant for Professor Rebecca Riley, Danielle Dale blogs about attending the launch event of the WMREDI Story. I am really enjoying being an Executive Assistant for our Deputy Pro Vice Chancellor for Regional Engagement, Professor Rebecca Riley (Bec). Bec co-directs our City-REDI research institute. Recently, I attended the West … Continue reading “The WMREDI Story: Insights From Danielle Dale”
Key Announcements From the Autumn Budget 2024
Alice Pugh provides a breakdown of the key announcements in the first Labour budget since 2010. This budget will also be the first delivered by the first female Chancellor of the UK. OBR Economic Fiscal Outlook Today the budget economic forecasts for the next 5 years are released by the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR). … Continue reading “Key Announcements From the Autumn Budget 2024”
Exploring the Role of the Community Sponsorship Scheme in Supporting Refugee Integration in the UK
Globally, resettlement is recognised as one of the most sustainable solutions for supporting refugees. The UK’s introduction of the Community Sponsorship Scheme (CSS) represents an innovative approach, where local communities are empowered to resettle refugee families, providing them with enhanced integration support. Dr Sara Hassan explores the effectiveness of this programme, particularly in the context … Continue reading “Exploring the Role of the Community Sponsorship Scheme in Supporting Refugee Integration in the UK”