As 2023 draws to a close, the challenges of inflation (although falling) and low growth remain. The cost of living, the NHS and the economy are key concerns for the general public. However, businesses in the West Midlands are still optimistic as indicated by the Future Business Activity Index. Global, national and regional outlook The … Continue reading “West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 15 December 2023”
International Students in the West Midlands: Economic Impact and the Challenges of Graduate Retention
Summer intern Dimas Almaruf presents the second part of a two-part series of blogs on the economic impact of international students in the UK. Part II discusses the challenges faced by international students upon their graduation from British universities. View part I – International Students in the West Midlands: The Costs, Benefits, and Housing Implications … Continue reading “International Students in the West Midlands: Economic Impact and the Challenges of Graduate Retention”
Companies at Risk of Insolvency in West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA)
Reen Blake-Carr investigates the number of businesses that are in danger of insolvency in the WMCA and discusses some of the factors that might be causing this issue. Much like how the UK is suffering record levels of insolvencies from multiple economic shocks like Covid, the cost-of-living crises and rampant inflation -so has the WMCA. … Continue reading “Companies at Risk of Insolvency in West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA)”
REDI-Updates: How Does the Cost-Of-Living Crisis Impact People’s Health and Well-Being?
The latest edition of REDI-Updates is out now – providing expert data insights and clear policy guidance. In this edition, the WMREDI team investigates what factors are contributing to the cost-of-living crisis and the impact it is having on households, businesses, public services and the third sector. We also look at how the crisis in … Continue reading “REDI-Updates: How Does the Cost-Of-Living Crisis Impact People’s Health and Well-Being?”
Forging Future Frontiers: The Power of Collaborative Clusters in the UK Space Sector
Chloe Billing discusses the Midlands Space Cluster project, which aims to propel the region’s space capabilities forward and establish a dedicated cluster in the region. The United Kingdom’s space sector is experiencing a resurgence, marked by an era of rapid growth and groundbreaking innovation. At the recent UK Space Conference, it was stressed that this … Continue reading “Forging Future Frontiers: The Power of Collaborative Clusters in the UK Space Sector”
International Students in the West Midlands: The Costs, Benefits, and Housing Implications
Summer intern Dimas Almaruf presents the first part of a two-part series of blogs on the economic impact of international students in the UK. Part I sets the scene by providing the number of students in the region. Introduction The United Kingdom has long been a favourite destination for international students to pursue their higher … Continue reading “International Students in the West Midlands: The Costs, Benefits, and Housing Implications”
Exploring the Future Frontiers: Key Themes from the UK Space Conference 2023
Chloe Billing reflects on her time at this year’s UK Space Conference. I recently attended the 2023 UK Space Conference (a biennial event) held at the ICC in Belfast. Throughout the three-day conference, diverse sessions—from plenary talks to breakout sessions and short talks—provided comprehensive insights into the UK Space sectors’ strengths and opportunities for growth. … Continue reading “Exploring the Future Frontiers: Key Themes from the UK Space Conference 2023”
Companies at Risk of Insolvency in the 11 Core Cities
Reen Blake-Carr investigates the number of businesses that are in danger of insolvency in the 11 Core Cities and discusses some of the factors that might be causing this issue. The UK, much like the rest of the world has been through a turbulent few years – a consequence of the global pandemic and other … Continue reading “Companies at Risk of Insolvency in the 11 Core Cities”
Self-Employment in the West Midlands
Darja Reuschke looks at the impact the pandemic had on self-employment in Birmingham and the West Midlands. This article was written for the Birmingham Economic Review 2023. The review is produced by City-REDI / WMREDI, the University of Birmingham and the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce. It is an in-depth exploration of the economy of … Continue reading “Self-Employment in the West Midlands”
The Potential Impact of Youth Social Prescribing in the West Midlands on Employment and the Economy: Final Report and Evaluation Framework
Joanne Mills and Rachel Hopley from the University of Wolverhampton have designed an evaluation framework to help identify the potential impact of youth social prescribing within the West Midlands on employment and the economy. They have written this blog to give an update on the Institute for Community Research and Development’s recent project with WMREDI … Continue reading “The Potential Impact of Youth Social Prescribing in the West Midlands on Employment and the Economy: Final Report and Evaluation Framework”