Fragile growth, rising trade tensions and increased cost pressures are shaping the national and regional economic outlook. In this context, business leaders have warned that firms are seeking a ‘platform of stability’. Trade deals between the UK and the US and between the UK and India are viewed as positive. Curbs on immigration set out … Continue reading “West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 3 June 2025”
City-REDI Roundup – May 2025
This blog summarises the reports City-REDI have put out in May 2025. Catch up on all the latest reports and projects in one place. Revealed: How much the US-UK trade deal will save the UK economy from Trump tariffs Research Fellows Dr Matthew Lyons and Huanjia Ma have been quoted in The Independent for their … Continue reading “City-REDI Roundup – May 2025”
Meet Tom Burton, our New Senior Economic Analyst
I joined City-REDI at the end of 2024 from the West Midlands Combined Authority, where I was in the housing and regeneration policy team. I am an economic analyst and policy advisor with a background in built environment investment projects. My background I’ve worked in regional development since 2016, contributing to a mix of strategy … Continue reading “Meet Tom Burton, our New Senior Economic Analyst”
Report Spotlight: Unlocking Procurement Insights
In a new series of blogs, we will be reviewing the current and historical work of City-REDI. In this latest blog, a recent study by Annum Rafique (University of Birmingham) and Pei-Yu Yuan (University of Manchester) delves into how text mining can be harnessed to analyse procurement contracts, offering valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders. … Continue reading “Report Spotlight: Unlocking Procurement Insights”
Project Spotlight: Digital Skills Demand and Shortages and Their Impact on the UK Regions
In a new series of blogs, we will be reviewing the current and historical work of City-REDI. In the latest blog, we look at Dr Hunajia Ma, Dr Matthew Lyons, Dr Konstantinos Kollydas and Professor Anne Green’s work on the shortage of digital skills in the UK. In an era of rapid technological transformation, digital … Continue reading “Project Spotlight: Digital Skills Demand and Shortages and Their Impact on the UK Regions”
Report Spotlight: Leveraging Public Procurement to Drive Local Innovation
In a new series of blogs, we will be reviewing the current and historical work of City-REDI. In the next blog from this series, we look at Dr Chloe Billing’s Leveraging Public Procurement to Drive Local Innovation report which is part of the ongoing work with the Innovation Procurement Empowerment Centre (IPEC) In today’s evolving … Continue reading “Report Spotlight: Leveraging Public Procurement to Drive Local Innovation”
City-REDI Roundup – April 2025
This blog summarises the reports City-REDI have put out in April 2025. Catch up on all the latest reports and projects in one place. Funding Local Areas – What does the English public think about changes in how funds are allocated to local government? Findings from a Citizen Engagement Workshop. In February 2025, 43 public … Continue reading “City-REDI Roundup – April 2025”
Project Spotlight: Rethinking Local Labour Markets and Under employment in the UK
In a new series of blogs, we will review City-REDI’s current and historical work. In the next blog, we will examine a paper published by Professor Donald Houston and colleagues. This report illuminates the persistent challenges of underemployment and workforce planning in the UK’s local labour markets. The research delves into the factors contributing to … Continue reading “Project Spotlight: Rethinking Local Labour Markets and Under employment in the UK”
Birmingham’s Economic Miracle – How can everyone benefit?
I recently spoke at the Lunar Society, attempting to discuss this topic, an “expert view”. In looking at addressing these questions I thought about a more provocation approach, but first breaking down the topics in the question: Has Birmingham experienced an economic Miracle? Do people benefit? How can they benefit? Watching the recent news, it … Continue reading “Birmingham’s Economic Miracle – How can everyone benefit?”
Meet Daniel Jin: Improving Regional Development at City-REDI
Hello! I am Daniel Jin, a graduate of Cardiff University who recently joined City-REDI as a Research Fellow. My research focuses on advancing regional development and local economic growth by improving relevant ingredients such as transportation, housing conditions, corporate productivity, and innovation. To enhance strong and balanced regional development is a journey I am passionate … Continue reading “Meet Daniel Jin: Improving Regional Development at City-REDI”