The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of remote work, especially for high-skilled workers, leading to questions about its impact on internal migration patterns. In our latest blog, Darja Reuschke and Julie MacLeavy explore the link between remote working and migration. This blog is informed by the research presented in the book chapter ‘Reshaping the geography … Continue reading “The Post-pandemic Migration Shift? How Remote Work May Be Changing Where We Live”
What Can We Learn From 20 Years of EU Funding for SME Finance? Lessons From Wales and Beyond
Drawing on findings from the Wales Business Fund evaluation, Tim Fanning and Neil Evans reflect on the lessons from attempts to address the SME finance gap in Wales and other UK regions. The SME finance gap: a key barrier to growth Gaps in access to finance for SMEs have been recognised as a market failure … Continue reading “What Can We Learn From 20 Years of EU Funding for SME Finance? Lessons From Wales and Beyond”
Grasping the Nettle: The Urgent Reform of Business Rates
John Webber, Director & Head of Rating at Colliers, discusses how the current business rates system needs reform. With rate bills becoming increasingly unaffordable for many businesses and the appeal process overly complex and costly, urgent action is needed to address the unsustainable nature of the system. This article was written for the Birmingham Economic … Continue reading “Grasping the Nettle: The Urgent Reform of Business Rates”
West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 30 May 2024
This month brings news of a General Election on 4 July, following on from the May local elections where Labour won 9 out of 10 mayoral elections, including in the West Midlands. This is happening against the backdrop of global growth rates above 3% and inflation falling rapidly globally. In the UK, the Consumer Prices … Continue reading “West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 30 May 2024”
Britain the ‘World’s Worst on Homelessness’ – What About the West Midlands?
The UK has the highest rates of homelessness in the developed world, with a significant increase over the past 14 years, particularly in the West Midlands. Alongside the physical, emotional and psychological impact it has on the individual, homelessness creates a substantial financial burden on local authorities, with Birmingham having the highest temporary accommodation expenses … Continue reading “Britain the ‘World’s Worst on Homelessness’ – What About the West Midlands?”
Getting our Transport System Closer to the Standards of London
Adam Harrison, Principal Transport Policy and Strategy Officer, Transport for West Midlands discusses how we can make our transport systems in the region better and stronger for our communities. 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 … Continue reading “Getting our Transport System Closer to the Standards of London”
Tackling Congestion and the Rise of Single Occupancy Cars
Daljit Kalirai, Sales & Partnerships Director at National Express, explains that by prioritizing mass transit, reducing congestion, and fostering partnerships with businesses to promote commuting by bus, the West Midlands can mitigate environmental damage and stimulate economic growth. This article was written for the Birmingham Economic Review 2023. The review is produced by City-REDI/ WMREDI, … Continue reading “Tackling Congestion and the Rise of Single Occupancy Cars”
Civic Universities for a Civil Society: (Un)Learning Habits of Impact, Engagement, and Action for Change
On 16 May, City-REDI held its fourth external seminar of 2024, featuring Helen Jarvis from Newcastle University with an online webinar about community organising as a place-based theory and method of civic university engagement. The seminar follows the publication of Professor Helen Jarvis’s paper ‘Community organising in higher education: activist community-engaged learning in geography’, highlighting … Continue reading “Civic Universities for a Civil Society: (Un)Learning Habits of Impact, Engagement, and Action for Change”
Cheapening Tomorrow? Revisiting HM Treasury’s Discount Rate
Calvin Jones, Professor of Economics at Cardiff Business School, critiques current discounting practices used to evaluate long-term investments, arguing that they systematically undervalue future benefits. By advocating for a revised approach that considers ecological and social factors, Calvin suggests using a lower discount rate to prioritise sustainability and equity. The future… is another country? Go find a … Continue reading “Cheapening Tomorrow? Revisiting HM Treasury’s Discount Rate”
Apathy, Allegiance, and Anger, the Mayoral Elections Against a Backdrop of Voter Turmoil
In our latest blog, Rebecca Riley observes that despite efforts to engage voters, turnout remains low due to factors like voter apathy and a lack of understanding about mayoral roles. For the political wonks, in England, the bank holiday weekend was a nail-biting and fascinating affair, especially when it comes to devolution. Combined Authority Mayors … Continue reading “Apathy, Allegiance, and Anger, the Mayoral Elections Against a Backdrop of Voter Turmoil”